Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, infectious sexually transmitted infection of humans, which primarily involves the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract. Characterized by a discharge of pus, it is caused by the gonococcus bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The incubation period is two to seven days. SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS Gonorrhea is much more obvious in males, who develop an acute discharge of pus from the urethra. Scant at the start, it becomes progressively thicker and heavier and causes frequent urination, often with a burning sensation. Should the prostate become infected, the passage of urine is partly obstructed. In females the infection occurs in the urethra, the vagina, or the cervix. Although discharge and irritation of the vaginal mucous membranes may be severe, more often few or no early symptoms appear. Gonorrhea can be diagnosed by examining discharge from the penis or vagina for the presence of bacteria. A urine test can also detect the presence of bacteria and it is a noninvasive way to