HIV/AIDS Glossary

A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A mother with gonorrhea may also pass the infection to her child during delivery. Gonorrhea often has mild or no symptoms. However, if left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility, and it can spread into the bloodstream and affect the joints, heart valves, and brain. Gonorrhea increases the risk of sexual transmission of HIV.