In men the result can be painful swelling of the penis and testicles. In women this can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease , a very painful condition that can damage the reproductive system. Gonorrhea bacteria can get into the bloodstream and spread to other areas of the body. The bacteria can cause arthritis and damage to the heart valves. Tissue around the liver can swell, causing pain in the abdomen.
Sores can develop on the hands and feet .
Because gonorrhea may be undetected in women at first, these complications are more common in females than in males. If a pregnant woman has gonorrhea, it can affect her baby. During delivery the bacteria can infect the newborn, causing eye infections that, if untreated, can lead to blindness. In most states silver nitrate or other medication is placed in the eyes of newborn babies. This protects the baby from eye infections and blindness if the mother has gonorrhea.