Gonorrhea Originates
The pathogenic bacterium
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the pathogen primarily responsible for gonorrhea infections. Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both men and women. The gonorrhea-causing microorganisms are transmitted through sexual contact. In reality, a male does not need to discharge inside his partner during sexual activity in order to transmit the virus. (5)
There are several types of sexual contact that can expose you to gonorrhea-causing bacteria, including the following:
Vaginal encounter
Anal relations
Oral interaction (both providing and receiving)
As with other microorganisms, the bacteria that cause gonorrhea infection can be contracted from an infected area of a person’s body. Touching the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina of a gonorrhea patient can transmit the disease. During vaginal delivery, gonorrhea-infected mothers can transmit the infection to their infants. Conversely, infants born via C-section cannot contract gonorrhea from their infected mothers. The gonorrhea-causing bacterium cannot survive outside the human body for very long. Therefore, you cannot contract gonorrhea through contact with infected individuals’ clothing or toilet seats.
The bacterium N. gonorrhoeae is responsible for causing gonorrhea. These bacteria flourish in moist, warm environments, and an infection can develop in any of the body’s mucous membranes, including the rectum, eyes, mouth, genitals, and throat. Gonorrhea is highly contagious and can be transmitted through sexual activities involving the anus, pharynx, vagina, and penis. In addition, male ejaculation is not required to contract or transmit the infection. Gonorrhea is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults who engage in unprotected sexual activity. During vaginal delivery, pregnant women with gonorrhea may transmit the infection to their infants.
