Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Clap; The drip
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Any type of sex can spread gonorrhea. You can get it through contact with the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus.
Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported communicable disease. Approximately 330,000 cases occur in the US each year.
The bacteria grow in warm, moist areas of the body. This can include the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethra). In women, the bacteria may be found in the reproductive tract (which includes the fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix). The bacteria can also grow in the eyes.
Health care providers are required by law to tell the State Board of Health about all cases of gonorrhea. The goal of this law is make sure the person gets proper follow-up care. Sexual partners also need to be found and tested.
You are more likely to develop this infection if:
- You have many sex partners.
- You have a partner with a past history of any STI.
- You do not use a condom during sex.
- You abuse alcohol or illegal substances.