Which infection can potentially lead to serious complications if left untreated?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, particularly in women, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, gonorrhea can spread to the bloodstream or joints, causing more severe systemic infections. In men, untreated gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, which is an infection of the tube that carries sperm and can also result in infertility.

In contrast, while chlamydia can also lead to serious complications if untreated, it is known for being asymptomatic in many cases, making it particularly insidious. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a complication of untreated infections, including gonorrhea and chlamydia. Bacterial vaginosis, while a common condition that can cause discomfort and abnormal discharge, is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection and typically does not lead to severe long-term complications if treated. Thus, gonorrhea stands out as an infection that poses serious risks when left unaddressed.