Gonorrhea is one of the most well known STDs. Commonly referred to as 'the clap', gonorrhea is thought to infect over one million people in the US each year. Perhaps half of these cases are never reported. The disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea which causes inflammation of the glands. The bacteria grows and multiples in the warm moist areas of the body. It primarily affects the urethra in men and the cervix in women. Gonorrhea of the rectum is also possible.

The symptoms of gonorrhea depend on what part of the genital area is infected. There may, however, be no symptoms present and some individuals may unknowingly infect others. Most women experience no symptoms if gonorrhea infects the cervix. Consequently, many women will experience complications before being aware of their infection.

Gonorrhea is an easily contractible disease. Any form of unprotected sexual penetration (oral, anal and vaginal) can transmit gonorrhea if it is present. If a man has vaginal intercourse with an infected woman, his chances of catching gonorrhea are from 30 to 50%. A woman's risk from an infected man is much higher (60-90%). If gonorrhea is not treated quickly complications may occur.

Other means of catching the disease exist but are not as common. A person with gonorrhea can infect another area of their body by touching the infected area and transferring the excretions. Gonorrhea may also spread in clothing or wash cloths. If a washcloth is used on an infected area and then soon after used by another, infection may occur. Anal infection can occur in women not only from anal intercourse but also from vaginal intercourse. Sometimes infected secretions from the vagina drip down around the anus causing infection.