Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause very serious complications when left untreated, but can be cured with the right medications. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and women. The causative agent of infection, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, targets warm, moist areas in the human body, including: The urethra (the tube that carries urine away from the bladder); The eyes; Throat; The vagina; Female reproductive organs (fallopian tubes, cervix, uterus); Rectum. The disease is very common especially among young people aged 15-24 years. Any sexually active person can get gonorrhea through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. How do we know if we have gonorrhea? Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 14 days after intercourse. However, some people who are infected with the causative agent never develop noticeable symptoms. It is important to remember that a person with gonorrhea who has no obvious symptoms, called an asymptomatic carrier, can still spread the infection. Men suffering from gonorrhea may not develop noticeable symptoms for several weeks. And some men may never show symptoms. Symptoms of the disease usually appear a week after infection. The first noticeable symptom in men is frequent burning or pain when urinating. As the disease progresses, other manifestations may include: Frequent urination or urgency to urinate; Purulent discharge (or canape) from the penis of a discharge with a cuff, yellowish or greenish color; Redness of the penis; Swelling or pain in the testicles; Constant sore throat. In rare cases, gonorrhea can go on to cause damage to the body, particularly the urethra and testicles. The pathogen will remain in the body for several weeks after treating the symptoms. Women are at greater risk of long-term complications from untreated transmission of the disease. Untreated, the bacteria can spread through the reproductive tract and involve the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This condition is known as pelvic inflammatory disease and can cause severe and chronic pain and damage to the reproductive organs. In men, an untreated infection can cause scarring of the urethra as well as a painful abscess inside the penis, leading to fertility problems and even sterility. When the disease spreads into the bloodstream, it can cause arthritis, damage to heart valves, or even inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord. These complications are rare but very serious. It is recommended to seek medical help immediately if you notice any of the symptoms described. This is especially important if you or your partner have a sexually transmitted infection or symptoms of one, such as an unusual genital sore, foul-smelling discharge,burning when urinating or bleeding.