A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium
Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during delivery. Gonorrhea often has mild or no symptoms. However, if left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility, and it can spread into the bloodstream and affect the joints, heart valves, and brain. Gonorrhea increases the risk of sexual transmission of HIV.
See Related Term(s): Sexually Transmitted Infection