Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It can grow and multiply easily in moist areas of the body, like the genital and urinary tract of men (urethra) or women (cervix, uterus, fallopian), and the mouth, pharynx and anus.
If not treated on time, it can cause serious and permanent health problems, as the bacteria can spread through the reproductive system or, exceptionally, enter the blood and cause skin lesions and pain and swelling in the joints.
Prevention. People with gonorrhoea are more likely to become infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if they have unprotected sex with an infected person.