The disease can affect all parts of the body, but it usually shows up first in the genital area.
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria.
It is very contagious. The bacteria can enter the body through any body opening, such as the mouth, vagina, or rectum. Gonorrhea is most often spread by sexual intercourse. In men, the infection usually starts as an infection of the urethra. In women, the bacteria usually first infect the cervix.