Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact (sexually transmitted infection). It's found most often in the genital area. But it can also infect other areas of the body, such as the rectum or throat. Gonorrhea is sometimes called the clap, drip, or GC.

Some people with gonorrhea have symptoms within a few days after infection. It can cause a discharge from the vagina or penis. It can lead to an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries (pelvic inflammatory disease), which can be severe. Sometimes gonorrhea causes a type of arthritis. Some people have no symptoms.

Antibiotics can cure gonorrhea. All partners need to be treated to keep from passing the infection back and forth.