In recent times there have been increasing cases of sexually transmitted diseases and gonorrhea is one such infection. Literature on what is gonorrhea indicates that this is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. There are as many as 700,000 fresh gonorrhea cases every year. Around 75% of the individuals experiencing this condition belong to the age group of 15 to 29.

What is gonorrhea can be better understood through some important facts about this infection. It is important to realize that this condition is caused by the neisseria gonorrhoear bacterium. These bacteria thrive in areas that are warm and moist and so are found in regions of the body such as the uterus, cervix along with the anus, penis, throat and the fallopian tubes.

Understanding what is gonorrhea includes learning more about the way this condition is transmitted. Gonorrhea is primarily spread through sexual contact including vaginal, oral and anal sex. However ejaculation is not needed for the transmission. Also people who have been successfully treated for gonorrhea can get this infection again if sexual contact with an infected person occurs.

The symptoms associated with this condition are visible between 2 to 10 days after exposure and in some cases the symptoms may take even 30 days to be completely visible. What is gonorrhea can be better understood by identifying the specific symptoms observed in men and women. In women the cervix is normally first to be infected and then the infection moves to the uterus and the fallopian tubes.

Literature on what is gonorrhea can reveal some common symptoms associated with this condition. These symptoms include pain during urination, vaginal or penile discharge, bleeding after sex and between the menstrual cycles, nausea, vomiting and fever. Men may also suffer from swelling in the testicles. If the infection affects the anal region then the associated symptoms include anal discharge, painful bowel movements along with bloody stools.

Where the gonorrhea infection affects the throat the symptoms may include sore throat along with tonsillitis in some cases. Patients may also experience a puss like substance at the back region of the throat or the tonsils. Treatment for gonorrhea includes certain antibiotics that may be taken in a single dose. If this condition is left untreated then it can result in complications like pelvic inflammatory disease along with increased risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy among women. In men lack of treatment can result in epididymitis and possible infertility.

Literature on what is gonorrhea also indicates that individuals practicing unsafe sex are at a greater risk of developing this condition. Those individuals who have multiple sex partners and a history of having sexually transmitted diseases are more likely to suffer from gonorrhea. Being in a monogamous sexual relationship with someone who is not infected can be an effective way of preventing this infection.

The tests used for detecting gonorrhea include staining of samples, detecting of the bacterial genes or DNA and laboratory cultures. Using condoms can also help in reducing the possibility of developing this infection.