Gonorrhea in Females
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact.
What is going on in the body?
Humans are the only host for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread from person to person through sexual contact. It can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The bacteria can also be transmitted on contaminated fingers or sex toys.
The infection can affect any mucuous membrane. In females, gonorrhea most often affects these areas:
the eyes
the rectum
the throat
the vagina, cervix, and urethra
In women with gonorrhea, the bacteria can travel into the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The woman may develop pelvic inflammatory disease. Sometimes the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. The infection may spread to the abdomen, heart, joints, spinal cord, brain, and liver.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is transmitted during sexual contact. Gonorrhea is seen most often in teens and young adults. Risk factors for gonococcal infections include the following:
child abuse
multiple sexual partners
unprotected sexual contact
use of an intrauterine device, or IUD, for birth control
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