Reilly said she has treated mostly young men, between 19 and 25, for the disease. She said abstinence is the best method of prevention, and advocated condom use during all sexual contact. It can be transmitted through any and all mucous membranes. Gonorrhea is the No. 2 sexually transmitted disease in the U.S., after chlamydia. The disease causes painful, burning urination and puslike discharges.
Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, difficulties in pregnancy and infertility.