Untreated urinary tract infection can lead to serious health complications

UTI›Untreated urinary tract infection can lead to serious health complications

If a UTI is treated promptly and properly, it rarely leads to complications. Only if a UTI is left untreated can it lead to serious health consequences^1,2

Recurrent UTI

A recurrent infection may occur, particularly in women who experience two or more UTIs in a 6-month period or four or more within a year

Permanent kidney damage

Some people who develop pyelonephritis (infection in the kidneys) have higher risk of having permanent kidney damage or hospitalization
You may be at risk of permanent kidney damage if you are:
- in the young (infant) or elderly (over 60 years old) age groups
- someone with an abnormal urinary tract (for example, polycystic kidney disease)
- a male with prostate obstruction
- someone with a weakened immune system (for example, diagnosed with cancer)

Sepsis

(when your immune system is causing too much inflammation to fight an infection in the body)

Sepsis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention About 30% of sepsis cases are caused by UTIs
Your risk of developing a sepsis is higher if you:
- are aged 65 years and above
- have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- had prior urinary tract procedures
Symptoms of a sepsis include:
- low or high body temperature
- high heart rate
- high breathing rate
- swelling in parts of the body
- change in mental status, such as confusion

Adverse impact on newborn

Pregnant women may have an increased risk of delivering low birth weight or premature infants

Adverse impact on men

Men may experience urethral narrowing from a recurrent UTI

References

1 – Mayo Clinic. Urinary tract infection. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447?p=1. Accessed 8 June 2021.
2 – GoodRx. What are the risks of leaving a UTI untreated? Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/blog/untreated-uti-risks-dangers/. Accessed 15 June 2021.