Gonorrhea is transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal intercourse. In order to effectively prevent gonorrhea, you need to use condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex. Gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the woman's reproductive organs, especially the uterus and tubes, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. It can also cause tubal pregnancy and increased risk of HIV infection. Gonorrhea may cause complications during pregnancy, including stillbirth, or infant blindness or meningitis from an infected mom during delivery.
Gonorrhea can even be fatal if complications such as pelvic infection or tubal pregnancy occur.
In men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, resulting in pain, swelling, and redness of the scrotum. The Foundation's website contains reports and studies about STDs and other reproductive and sexual health issues. It also contains information on how to order publications free of charge. This CDC site offers STD fact sheets and the latest STD treatment guidelines. Each STD fact sheet includes a section on how the disease can affect pregnant women and unborn children.