When you hear gonorrhea, a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Also known as the clap, it’s one of the most common STIs worldwide—and often silent until it causes damage. Many people don’t feel symptoms at first, which is why it spreads so easily. You can catch it through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even if your partner shows no signs. It doesn’t care about age, gender, or how careful you think you are. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, chronic pain, and increase your risk of HIV.
It often shows up alongside chlamydia, another bacterial STI that shares the same transmission routes and can cause similar long-term damage. Doctors test for both at the same time because they’re so frequently paired. The real danger isn’t just the infection itself—it’s how easily it hides. A sore throat from oral sex? A little burning when you pee? Discharge you ignore because it’s "not that bad"? These are red flags. And with rising antibiotic resistance, when the bacteria evolve to survive standard treatments, making infections harder to cure, waiting too long could mean needing stronger, more expensive drugs—or worse, no effective treatment at all.
Testing is quick, simple, and usually painless. A urine sample or swab is all it takes. If you’ve had unprotected sex, even once, get checked. If you’re in a new relationship, both partners should be tested before going condom-free. Even if you feel fine. Even if your partner says they’re clean. The truth is, most people with gonorrhea don’t know they have it. That’s why it keeps spreading.
The good news? When caught early, gonorrhea is easy to treat. But treatment only works if you act fast. And if you’ve had it before, you can get it again. Protection isn’t just about condoms—it’s about knowing your status, knowing your partner’s status, and not assuming anything. This collection of articles doesn’t just cover the basics. You’ll find real advice on symptoms you might miss, how to talk to your partner about testing, what to expect during treatment, and why ignoring this infection can change your life. No fluff. No scare tactics. Just what you need to protect yourself and others.
Learn how to reduce gonorrhea stigma at work, meet legal duties, and support employees with clear policies, EAPs, and education. Practical steps for managers included.
