Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a type of bacteria that causes the sexually transmitted infection known as gonorrhea. It primarily infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, but it can also affect the throat and rectum. Symptoms may include painful urination, discharge, and in some cases, no symptoms at all. This bacterium is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If left untreated, Neisseria gonorrhoeae can lead to serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infertility in both men and women. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.