Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease which is caused by the bacteria strain Neisseria gonorhoeae, which spreads through semen and vaginal secretions during unsafe sex with an infected partner.  The disease may also be transmitted from a mother to an unborn child right before birth.  Early symptoms of the disease include a burning sensation whenever a person urinates or a thick discharge of fluid from the genitals, although there are cases when no symptoms revealing of infection manifests.  Other symptoms include frequent urination, and pain in the genitals during sexual intercourse. To prevent transmission of this disease, partners are encouraged in using condoms before having sexual contact.  Latex condoms are highly recommended because of its durability.  Durex condoms provide a secure way of having sexual intercourse without compromising the feel of an unsheathed penis.

The first symptoms of gonorrhea manifests anywhere between two to ten days after exposure to the strain, although symptoms which betray infection may not manifest for months.  Symptoms in men usually begin with tingling sensations at the tip of the penis or in the urethra.  This is followed by painful and frequent urination and a thick discharge of fluid from the penis.  Progressive infection results in increasing pain and profuse fluid discharge.  Symptoms in women are sometimes non-existent, but in some cases it causes frequent, urgent and painful urination coupled with an unusual discharge of fluid from the vagina or in the urethra.  Diagnosis of the disease is done through sample analysis of genital discharge during a physical exam.

Complications of the disease are numerous.  Men may experience epididimytis, or a swelling of the hind portion of the testicles; this condition may be treated with antibiotics and pain relievers.  Women suffer the danger of the bacteria spreading into the uterus and fallopian tubes, which leads to damaging of the tubes, ectopic pregnancy, and barrenness.  This could also lead to irregular menstrual periods.  A conceiving woman may also pass the infection on to the baby during delivery.  Gonorrhea may cause blindness, and joint and blood infection to an infant.  It may also cause discomfort and unusual discharge in the anus if transmitted through anal intercourse.  Also, having oral sex with an infected partner can lead to complications such as soreness and redness of the throat, pain in swallowing, and inflammation of the nostrils.

The infection may sometimes affect the eyes through cross-contamination with a hand which came in contact with infected discharge; there is also a possibility that the bacteria may spread on to the bloodstream and cause further infection of other body parts, as evidenced by fever, rashes, joint pain, swollenness and stiffness.

A thorough treatment of antibiotics fortunately kills the bacteria which causes the disease.  Going through the full course of treatment is necessary for the elimination of strains that evolve and are ever-resilient to previous medication. 

Prevention is still the best measure against transmission.  Using latex condoms during intercourse prevents the passing on of the disease.  Condoms are the easiest and cheapest devices for preventing transmission.  For durability and keen sensibility, Durex condoms are highly recommended