Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea. This microorganism can cause serious and long-term health problems, including sterility. However, the infection can be treated with antibiotics. Gonorrhea can affect all people regardless of their gender and age. However, the incidence of patients between the ages of 15 and 24 is highest. Gonorrhea usually affects warmer, moister areas of the body, such as the urethra, eyes, throat, vagina, anus, and parts of the female reproductive organs, which include the fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus. Infection with Neisseria gonorrhea occurs through oral, anal or vaginal sexual contact. Using a condom or other barrier method during sex can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting various sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea. According to some scientists, oral gonorrhea can be transmitted even by kissing with the tongue. Transmission of gonorrhea can also occur during childbirth from mother to baby. The infection cannot be spread by hugging, swimming in a pool, toilet bowls or sharing bathrooms, towels, cups, plates or cutlery. Bacteria cannot survive long outside the human body. Typical symptoms of gonorrhea include the appearance of a thick green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when urinating and bleeding between periods in women. However, 1 in 10 infected men and almost half of infected women do not develop any symptoms, which can delay the diagnosis of the infection. Gonorrhea can be easily diagnosed by examining a sample of discharge taken with a swab. In men, testing a urine sample can also diagnose the condition. Early diagnosis of gonorrhea leads to better treatment outcomes. With a history of previous infection, the risk of recurrence of gonorrhea is greater. Failure to adequately treat the condition can increase the risk of another sexually transmitted infection, as well as cause more serious long-term health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women or infertility. Sources: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gonorrhea/ https://www.healthline.com/health/gonorrhea#symptoms