Definition

1. Noun:
   • A common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in both women and men. It can also infect the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • Gonorrhoea is a major public health concern due to its prevalence and potential complications.
  • The doctor confirmed it was a case of gonorrhoea.
  • Regular screening can help in the early detection and treatment of gonorrhoea.

Advanced Usage

• "Asymptomatic gonorrhoea": An infection that does not cause noticeable symptoms, which is common, especially in women. This can lead to unknowing transmission and serious health complications.
  • The high rate of asymptomatic gonorrhoea makes widespread screening crucial.
• "Drug-resistant gonorrhoea": Strains of the bacteria that have become less susceptible or resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
  • The emergence of drug-resistant gonorrhoea is a significant challenge for healthcare providers.

Variants and Related Words

• Gonorrhea (noun): The American English spelling variant.
• Gonococcal (adjective): Relating to or caused by the gonococcus bacterium ().
  • She was treated for a gonococcal infection.
• Gonococcus (noun): The bacterium itself.

Synonyms

• The clap (noun, informal/slang): A common colloquial term for the infection.
• GC (noun, initialism): A medical abbreviation used in lab reports and clinical notes.

Important Notes

• Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy, and epididymitis in men, which can also affect fertility.
• It is curable with the correct antibiotic treatment, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern.

Noun

1. a common venereal disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae; symptoms are painful urination and pain around the urethra