Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It's found most often in the genital area, but it can also infect other areas of the body, such as the rectum or throat.
Most people with gonorrhea have symptoms within a few days after infection. In men it can cause a discharge from the penis. In women it can cause a pelvic infection, which can be severe. Sometimes gonorrhea causes a type of arthritis. Some people have no symptoms.
Sometimes gonorrhea is called the clap, drip, or GC. Antibiotics can cure it. Both partners need to be treated to keep from passing the infection back and forth.
eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2014 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.