Gonorrhea is an infection caused by bacteria. It is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).

It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae . It is passed during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual intercourse.

Factors that increase your chance of gonorrhea include:

• Multiple sex partners
• Age: 15-29
• Sexual intercourse with a partner who has a history of any STD
• Having sex without a condom
• History of having a sexually transmitted disease

Not all people that are infected will have symptoms. Some may have very severe symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may appear 2-10 days after contact with an infected partner. In some cases, they do not occur for up to a month.

People with gonorrhea may experience some, all, or none of the following symptoms:

• Discharge from the penis
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Tender or swollen testicles

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Abdominal pain
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

• Anal itching
• Soreness
• Bleeding
• Painful bowel movements
• Eye infections
• Blood infections

Three tests are commonly used to diagnose gonorrhea:

• Gram stain—A sample of the discharge from the penis or cervix is taken. It is examined for the presence of bacteria. This test is more accurate for men than women.
• Nucleic acid probe test—Discharge or urine is tested for nucleic acids. These acids identify gonorrhea.
• Laboratory analysis—A smear of the discharge is taken. It is sent to a lab. After two days, it is checked for growth of the bacteria.

If you have gonorrhea, your doctor may prescribe one of the following antibiotics:

• Ceftriaxone
• Cefixime
• Ciprofloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Levofloxacin

It is important to take all of the medication as prescribed. All of your sexual partners should be tested and treated.

If gonorrhea is not treated, it can cause problems in:

• Testicles— epididymitis , a painful condition of the testicles that may lead to infertility
• Prostate
• Urethra—scarring on the inside of the urethra can make it difficult to urinate

• Reproductive organs—due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) , a serious infection that can affect fertility

If you are diagnosed with gonorrhea, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .