Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria,  Neisseria gonorrhea.  The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 700,000 people in the U.S. develop a new gonorrhea infection each year.

Gonorrhea can be spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, anus, and mother to baby during delivery.  Ejaculation does not have to occur in order for it to be transmitted or acquired.

Not all people who contract gonorrhea experience symptoms, but an infection can cause serious complications.  Men may experience symptoms such as: burning sensation while urinating, white, yellow or green discharge from the penis, and sometimes pain and swelling in the testicles.  Some signs of gonorrhea in women may be: discomfort or burning while urinating, increased vaginal discharge, and bleeding between periods.