Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and is also among the most common bacterial infections in adults. In the United States, between 2.5 and 3 million cases are reported each year, most occurring in people under age 30. In its early stages, gonorrhea may cause no symptoms and therefore, can be spread by unsuspecting victims. In females, gonorrhea often remains asymptomatic but can lead to vaginal itching, discharge, or uterine bleeding and other serious complications. An infected woman who gives birth can transmit the disease to her infant, often resulting in childhood blindness. As a precaution, silver nitrate is routinely administered to the eyes of newborns to prevent this condition. In males, gonorrhea causes infection of the urethra and painful urination. Though not deadly, the disease if untreated can infect...

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