Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that targets the throat, rectum and the urethra. It can impact both the sexes and in females it may also impact the cervix. The other parts of the body susceptible to gonorrhea are rectum, eyes, joints and throats. Gonorrhea usually spreads through sexual intercourse or a pregnant woman could pass it on to her unborn child. It is a common thing and usually shows no signs because of which the infected person may not even realize that he or she has gonorrhea. Safe sexual habits do help in preventing gonorrhea. It is a caused by bacteria that transfers from one person to another through unsafe physical contacts and therefore practicing safety while having intercourse is a must.

Gonorrhea can affect most body parts but is usually common in the genitals. Signs of gonorrhea in men are as follows:

1. Pain while passing urine
2. A discharge from the phallus
3. A swollen and painful testicle

Signs of gonorrhea in women are as follows:

1. Pain while passing urine
2. More frequent vaginal discharge
3. Stomach and pelvic pain
4. Between periods vaginal bleeding

In case you see any of the above symptoms after unsafe sexual intercourse contact a doctor for starting treatment. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to further complications like infertility in both men and women, spreading of the infection to various parts of the body including joints, complications in the newborn child and an increased risk to HIV/AIDS. The analysis of gonorrhea is done by checking the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, in the urine via urine test. A swab of the affected area may also be taken and tested. Since gonorrhea elevates the risks of other STDs, your doctor may suggest you to get tested for them as well. After understanding your sexual habits the doctor may even advice to get a test done for HIV.