The Risks of Untreated UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections worldwide, and although they aren’t generally a medical emergency, they can be very painful and make it difficult to go about your usual daily routine. 

UTIs occur when bacteria find their way into the urethra — the tube that connects to the bladder and moves urine out of the body — and causes an infection along the urinary tract. Since women have a shorter urethra than men, they’re more susceptible to UTIs — in fact, up to 70% of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, and Canadian women make about 500,000 doctor visits per year for a UTI. 

Left untreated, UTIs can become more severe and lead to a number of serious health consequences. Read on to learn how a UTI is diagnosed and treated — and the potential risks of ignoring it and hoping it’ll go away on its own.

How are UTIs diagnosed and treated?

Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent and painful urination, discomfort in the pelvic area, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Since the symptoms of a UTI can be mistaken for other conditions, like bladder infections,  premenstrual syndrome, or ailments associated with menopause or advanced age, UTIs may be diagnosed through a urine sample if the diagnosis is unclear or if the UTI symptoms don’t improve despite a first course of UTI treatment. Samples can also be used to differentiate between a kidney stone or STI testing.  If UTI-causing microbes are present in the urine sample, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. 

Consequences of leaving a UTI untreated

While mild urinary tract infections can clear up on their own within 24 to 48 hours, they generally require treatment with antibiotics. In order to ensure the infection completely clears up, it’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you notice signs your UTI is going away before you’ve finished the prescription.

If a UTI isn’t promptly and properly treated, it can lead to a variety of more serious health issues, including the following.

Increased pain and discomfort

As microbes take hold in your urinary system, they cause inflammation in the tissues, leading to increased pain and discomfort. As with any infection, your body needs plenty of rest for optimal recovery, but the increased pain and discomfort can interfere with sleep, work, exercise, and your lifestyle, making it even harder for your body to fight the infection and for you to feel on track.

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

If a UTI is left untreated, it can travel farther up the urinary tract and into the kidneys. A kidney infection can cause permanent damage, including renal papillary necrosis, a condition that decreases kidney function and can lead to kidney failure.

Recurrent infections

Untreated UTIs often lead to recurrent infections, since the bacteria never really goes away — it just becomes less prolific, waiting for the right conditions to regain its numbers. Recurrent UTIs are defined as two or more infections within six months or three or more within a year.

Sepsis

Sepsis, or urosepsis, is a life-threatening infection that occurs when an untreated UTI travels to the kidneys and the body’s defence system turns on itself, attacking tissues and organs. Treatment for sepsis requires hospitalization, intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and monitoring for organ failure and septic shock. 

Bladder damage

The inflammation caused by a UTI can damage the protective layer of cells that line the bladder, leading to permanent bladder damage. In some cases, this chronic damage can be a contributing factor in bladder cancer.

Pregnancy complications

UTIs during pregnancy can impact fetal health and cause low birth weight or premature delivery. They may also increase the risk of high blood pressure and anemia.

Urethral narrowing in men

Over time, untreated and recurring UTIs can scar the urethra in men. The built-up scar tissue narrows the walls, making it more difficult to pass urine. This can cause a build-up of microbes in the bladder, increasing the frequency of UTIs and the risk for prostate or kidney infections and permanent damage.

How to prevent UTIs

UTI can lead to serious complications, especially in pregnant women, seniors, people with memory issues and those with recurrent UTIs. Here are a few things anyone can do to help reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking ample water throughout the day can help prevent UTIs by continually flushing the urinary system and supporting immune function.
• Practice good hygiene: Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet, and wash your hands thoroughly. 
• Use the washroom before and after sex: Urinating before and after sex can help flush away any microbes that may have migrated to the urethra.
• Empty your bladder when you urinate: Try to completely empty your bladder every time you go, since small amounts of urine left behind create a perfect environment for microbial growth.

When to call your doctor about a UTI

It’s wise to seek medical care at the first sign of a urinary tract infection. The sooner it’s diagnosed and treatment begins, the less pain and discomfort you’re likely to experience — and the lower your risk of complications.

If you’re one of the 6.5 million Canadians without a primary care provider, or if you don’t have convenient access to a hospital or clinic, Maple makes it easy to get the care you need on your schedule.

We’ll connect you virtually with a primary care provider, such as a Canadian-licensed doctor or nurse practitioner, in minutes,  24/7/365. All conversations are conducted over secure text, audio, or video call, so you can rest assured knowing your conversation stays between you and your provider.

At their discretion, primary care providers on Maple can order a urine test and prescribe a treatment course of antibiotics if a UTI is diagnosed, which can be delivered to your home or your closest pharmacy. If you have recurrent UTIs but no family doctor, Maple helps you take control of your health through easy access to preventive care and the ability to even see a specialist without a referral.

Taking proactive steps to prevent and address UTIs can make a significant difference in your overall health and comfort. Remember, early treatment can help avoid complications and ensure a quicker recovery. If you suspect you have a UTI, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance. Your health matters, and staying informed is the first step in taking control. 

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.