Overview
Infection with the bacterium
Neisseria gonorrhea is commonly called gonorrhea or "the clap." Gonorrhea is a contagious sexually transmitted disease spread by unprotected oral, vaginal, and anal sex. The bacterium can live in the mouth, semen, or vaginal fluids of infected persons. It is possible to be infected without symptoms and continue to spread the disease.
As with some other sexually transmitted diseases, women are more likely to have symptoms than men; in women, the symptoms include pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse. Although men rarely have symptoms, it is possible for either a man or a woman to be infected without symptoms. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the throat, joints, and eyes (potentially leading to blindness). In women in particular, an untreated infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and impair fertility. In men, inflammation of the testes (epididymitis) can lead to infertility. It can also be spread to babies during birth by an infected mother.
Because of the risk of spread and the harmful effects of leaving an infection untreated, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor and to seek out testing and treatment.
