Gonorrhea << gon uh REE uh >> is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium found only in human beings. The scientific name for this bacterium is Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacterium is nearly always spread from person to person through intimate sexual contact. If left untreated, gonorrhea can have serious health consequences, particularly in women.
In men, gonorrhea bacteria usually infect the urethra (urinary tube), just inside the opening at the tip of the penis. About 1 to 14 days after infection, most men develop a burning sensation when urinating, accompanied by a discharge from the penis. The discharge may at first be thin and watery, but it soon becomes heavy, thick, and yellowish. Some men experience few or no symptoms.
In women, the infection usually starts in the cervix (neck of the uterus) inside the vagina. Symptoms include discharge from the vagina and painful urination. These symptoms may be mild, and they frequently go unnoticed. Without prompt treatment, the bacteria may spread through the uterus to the fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition may lead to sterility or even death.
Babies born to women with gonorrhea may become infected during the birthing process. In most such cases, the bacteria infect the infant’s eyes. If not treated promptly, the infant may become blind. Routine treatment of newborns with antibiotic ointment prevents eye infection from gonorrhea.
Doctors treat gonorrhea with antibiotics. Through the years, some strains of gonorrhea bacteria have become resistant to many antibiotics. However, new antibiotics have been developed that effectively fight the disease. Individuals may reduce their risk of infection with gonorrhea by using condoms or other protective measures during sexual activity.
