Final answer:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection often presenting with painful urination and genital discharge, but many cases are asymptomatic. Regular screening and early treatment with antibiotics are key to preventing complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which often presents with symptoms like painful urination and discharge from the genitals. However, many individuals do not show any symptoms, which can lead to untreated infections and possibly serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual screening for gonorrhea for sexually active individuals, particularly those under 25 years of age. Diagnosis is typically made through lab analysis of urine or genital, oral, or rectal specimens, and gonorrhea is usually curable with a dual antibiotic therapy due to rising antibiotic resistance.