Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Gonorrhea is an infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact.

What is going on in the body?

Humans are the only host for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread from person to person through sexual contact. It can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The bacteria can also be transmitted on contaminated fingers or sex toys.

The infection can affect any mucuous membrane. In females, gonorrhea most often affects these areas:

In women with gonorrhea, the bacteria can travel into the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The woman may develop pelvic inflammatory disease.

Sometimes the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. The infection may spread to the abdomen, heart, joints, spinal cord, brain, and liver.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is transmitted during sexual contact. Gonorrhea is seen most often in teens and young adults. Risk factors for gonococcal infections include the following:

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

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Gonorrhea that has spread to other parts of the body may cause a rash and fever. The person may have painful, swollen joints. Other symptoms are specific to the body part that is infected. An infection in the heart, for example, may cause heart valve problems and impaired blood flow.

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the infection diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a gonococcal infection starts with a medical history and physical exam. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria can be cultured from infected body sites.

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Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Many cases of gonorrhea can be prevented by following safer sex guidelines. Prompt treatment of the infected person and any sexual partners will prevent further spread. Pregnant women should be tested for gonorrhea and treated if they have the infection.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Gonorrhea can cause serious long-term effects if it is not treated effectively. These effects include the following:

What are the risks to others?

Gonococcal infections are very contagious. They are spread from person to person during sexual contact or childbirth.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the infection?

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. These include cefixime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Doxycycline might be added to treat Chlamydia trachomatis, a disease that commonly occurs along with gonorrhea. Pain medications can be used as needed. Infected individuals should avoid sexual contact until the infection is completely gone. Infections that involve other body organs will also need treatment.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause rash, stomach upset, and allergic reactions.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

Most people recover completely if the gonococcal infection is treated effectively. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated for STDs.

How is the infection monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.