Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and affect fertility.
The bacteria spread through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex and through sharing sex toys that are not washed or covered with a new condom. A pregnant person with the infection can also pass it to the baby during birth. Gonorrhea is not spread by kissing, toilet seats or sharing towels.
Many women with gonorrhea have no symptoms at all, which is why testing matters. When symptoms appear, they can include:
A sexual health clinic or GP can test for gonorrhea with a swab or a urine sample. Treatment is a course of antibiotics, usually given as an injection. A follow-up test may be advised, and sexual partners should also be tested.
Untreated gonorrhea can spread and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to long-term pelvic pain, infertility and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Some strains are becoming resistant to antibiotics, so finishing treatment and retesting matter.
Sources: NHS, MedlinePlus.
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