What happens if uti is not treated

To treat a fungal UTI, your doctor would prescribe anti-fungal medications. Prevention In many cases, we can prevent urinary tract infections. When women wipe themselves after having a bowel movement, they must wipe from front to back, reducing the chances of stool touching the entrance of the urethra. Caregivers must do the same thing. After having sex, clean your genital area as the act of sex could push bacteria into the urethra. If someone has a catheter, a tube that drains urine from the bladder, inserting the catheter must be in as sterile or clean an environment as is possible.

As well, the urethral area must be kept clean, particularly of stool. Urinary catheters should not stay inserted for longer than necessary.

They include: Drinking plenty of water every day, to help flush out your urinary tract. Empty your bladder as frequently as is realistic and possible. For women, continue the wiping from front to back and cleaning well after sex. Also for women, some find that diaphragms increase their number of UTIs, so if you are using a diaphragm, you may want to discuss an alternate method of birth control with your healthcare provider.

Stay Informed Join our Newsletter. Careers Newsroom Media kit Contact. All rights reserved. Get Involved. American Kidney Fund. Hooton TM, et al. Acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women. Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ Urinary tract infections.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Hooten TM. Patient education: Kidney infection pyelonephritis Beyond the Basics. Hooten TM, et al. Urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy.

If you do have symptoms, get help right way. Consequences of an untreated UTI include:. The bacteria can travel up into your bladder, causing an infection there known as cystitis, through your ureters, and up into your kidneys. An infection in your kidneys, known as pyelonephritis, may permanently damage them.

Damaged kidneys raise your risk for kidney failure and high blood pressure. Pregnant women with UTIs are particularly at risk for a kidney infection. Holding your urine or ignoring the urge to urinate can allow bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract. As a rule of thumb, always use the bathroom when you feel the urge. Probiotics promote healthy digestion and immunity. They also may be effective in treating and preventing UTIs. With a UTI, bad bacteria replace good bacteria in the vagina, especially those of one group called Lactobacillus.

Probiotics can restore good bacteria and might reduce the recurrence of a UTI. Though some research proves probiotics to be effective in UTI prevention and treatment, more research is needed. Increasing your intake of vitamin C may help prevent a UTI. Studies show that vitamin C strengthens the immune system and may help acidify the urine to prevent infection.

Some research shows conflicting evidence for the effectiveness of vitamin C to treat UTIs, however, saying that not enough studies have been done to support this treatment. Wearing cotton-lined and loose-fitting clothing may help treat preexisting UTI infections by helping to keep the area dry and clean. Tight-fitting clothing and certain types of fabric may trap moisture that allows bacteria to grow in the genital area, which could cause infection.

Some older research suggests that certain contraceptives may contribute to the cause of UTIs in some women. If you use diaphragms, spermicides, or nonlubricated condoms and get frequent UTIs, it may be worth talking to your doctor to find other methods of birth control. Some research estimates that 25 to 42 percent of UTIs can go away on their own. This is usually only common in women with no other health issues.

However, there are some serious risks that can come from leaving a UTI untreated, including pyelonephritis and sepsis.

UTIs are painful, but with treatment, you can alleviate an infection and prevent recurrent infections. Talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. With proper treatment, you should begin to feel better in a few days.

Take your antibiotics as instructed — even after your symptoms improve — to prevent complications or a secondary infection. You may be referred to a urologist, depending on the severity of your UTI or if you have chronic infections. Certain strains of bacteria can cause UTIs. They can range from mild to severe. The degree of severity depends on multiple factors, including:.