Gonorrhea in Iowa

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men. N. gonorrhoeae can also infect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.

In rare cases, the infection will spread throughout the body and cause disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). DGI can infect a number of body systems, including joint fluid, blood, skin, and central nervous system. Untreated, DGI may lead to serious long-term health consequences or death. Infection with N. gonorrhoeae increases the likelihood of acquiring or transmitting HIV.