Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the neisseria gonorrhea bacterium. The gonorrhea transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact. This sexual contact with an infected person can include contact with vagina, penis, anus and mouth. For the transmission of this infection ejaculation may not necessarily occur.

Gonorrhea transmission can also occur if a pregnant woman has this infection. In this situation the infection can be transferred from the mother to the child through vaginal delivery. A person who is infected and gets treatment may get this infection again if sexual contact with an infected person occurs. It is also important to understand that maximum transmission of this infection occurs in sexually active teenagers in United States.

Gonorrhea transmission can also occur when the infection is transfered to other parts in the body. Such a transfer can occur when the sex organs of an infected person are touched and this is followed by touching of other body organs like the eyes. In this situation infection in the eyes may be observed. Transmission of this infection cannot occur through kissing or by touch or through contact with toilet seats.

In most cases gonorrhea bacteria incubates in around 2 to 14 days after which symptoms are observed. However in some cases the symptoms may not be observed for a period of around one month. In some rare cases no symptoms may be observed following gonorrhea transmission till serious complications start. Those who do not have symptoms may suffer from advanced complications.

If a woman gets infected with these bacteria before pregnancy or during pregnancy it is crucial that medical attention is sought immediately. This infection can cause complications in a pregnant woman and the possible complications include miscarriage, stillbirth, infected amniotic fluid and preterm birth. Proper and timely treatment can reduce the possibilities of any complications.

In case a pregnant woman has untreated gonorrhea at the time of labor this infection can be passed to the child. A child born with this infection can have complications affecting the eyes and this can eventually result in blindness. In such a case antibiotic drops can be used to stop the infection from taking root. Gonorrhea transmission in newborn babies can also cause other infections such as meningitis, light threatening pneumonia and septic arthritis.