Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It’s transmitted through:
1. Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
2. Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s genitals.
3. Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning and disinfection.
4. Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
Risk factors for gonorrhea infection:
1. Unprotected sex: Not using condoms or dental dams.
2. Multiple sex partners: Increasing the number of partners increases the risk.
3. Previous STIs: Having had an STI increases the risk of getting gonorrhea.
4. Age: Young adults (15-24 years) are at higher risk.
5. Sex work: Engaging in sex work or having a partner who does.
6. Substance abuse: Using drugs or alcohol, which can lead to risky sexual behavior.
7. Travel: Traveling to areas with high gonorrhea prevalence.
8. Untreated gonorrhea: Failing to complete treatment or not being treated for a previous infection.
9. Weakened immune system: Having a condition like HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications.