HIV/AIDS Glossary

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A pregnant person with gonorrhea may also pass the infection to the 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 likelihood of sexual transmission of HIV.