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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Gonorrhea in Males

Gonorrhea in Males

Alternate Names : Gonococcal Urethritis

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


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, but it is most common in the following locations:

  • the rectum
  • the throat
  • the urethra
  • Gonorrhea in males may spread to the testicles or the epididymis, which produces sperm. 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 disease?

    Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It is spread through sexual contact or during childbirth. Gonococcal infections are 1.5 times more common in men than in women. They are seen most often in teens and young adults. Risk factors for gonococcal infections include the following:

  • child abuse
  • multiple sexual partners
  • unprotected sexual contact

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    Gonorrhea in Males: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Stuart Wolf, MD
    Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
    Date Reviewed: 09/25/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009