Gonorrhea

PrintPrintSaveSave

3D illustration of the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection Gonorrhea.
©iStock.com/iLexx

Gonorrhea, sometimes called "the clap," is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is transmitted by a bacterium in vaginal secretions and semen. It can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier.

Symptoms may include a yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge and a burning feeling when urinating ("peeing"). Gonorrhea can also affect the anus ("butt") and the throat. Many women have no symptoms.

Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and permanent infertility (difficulty getting pregnant). All sexually active women should be screened for gonorrhea.

If you test positive and are treated, it is important that your partner receive treatment in order to prevent reinfection.

View our full fact sheet on Sexually Transmitted Infections or Diseases (STIs or STDs)

Additional Resources

Select the links below for additional material related to gonorrhea.
admin's picture

Members of The Well Project community at USCHA 2022.

Become a Member

Join our community and become a member to find support and connect to other women living with HIV.

Join now >

banner

Do you get our newsletter?

admin's picture
¿Recibe nuestro boletín?

Sign up for our monthly Newsletter and get the latest info in your inbox.

Suscríbase a nuestro boletín mensual y reciba la información más reciente en su bandeja de entrada.

none_existing name
admin's picture

You Can Help!

Together, we can change the course of the HIV epidemic…one woman at a time!

Please donate now!>