Any component of the urinary system can become infected, hence the name “UTI.” Even though women are more sensitive to it than males, males are more likely to contract the infection as they age.

Certain bacterial strains that live and thrive anywhere in the patient’s urinary tract are typically what cause UTIs. Your kidneys, pelvis, ureter, bladder, and urethra comprise most of your urinary tract. Due to this, UTI is sometimes called cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis (bladder, urethra, and kidney infections). The bladder, where urine is initially stored before the body excretes it, is where most UTIs are discovered.

Additionally, women’s urethras are shorter and closer to the anus, making them more susceptible to UTIs. As a result, there is a higher chance of infection due to bacterial ascent through the periureteral entrance. The majority of UTIs are not serious. However, delaying treatment can result in more significant health issues.

If you have UTI symptoms, seek assistance immediately. Luckily you can even get UTI antibiotics online. Untreated UTI complications include:

Kidney damage

The urethra, or tube through which you pee, maybe the point at which the germs that cause UTIs enter your body, but they don’t always stay there. The germs can enter your bladder and cause cystitis, a bladder infection, then through your ureters and up into your kidneys.

Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidneys, can harm them permanently. Renal damage increases your risk for both high blood pressure and renal failure. Kidney infections are especially dangerous for pregnant women with UTIs.

The urethra narrows

Although it affects more males than women, an untreated UTI in the urethra can result in scarring and constricting your urethra, a condition known as a stricture, which makes it more challenging to pass urine. Spraying, a reduced stream, soreness, and a partial inability to empty your bladder are among the symptoms.

Sepsis

If a UTI infection is left untreated, it can enter your blood circulation, circulate throughout the body, harm your organs, and lead to sepsis, a potentially fatal illness. If you get sepsis, you may have symptoms like fever, chills, lightheadedness, and confusion. Your organs may irreversibly shut down due to sepsis, which prevents them from functioning normally.

Complications with pregnancy.

A UTI may spread bacteria to your growing fetus, increasing your risk of giving birth prematurely or to an underweight baby. Your doctor tests for UTIs when you go for routine prenatal checkups while pregnant.

A key takeaway

Generally, a UTI can travel to your bloodstream and kidneys, which could result in permanent harm or even death. You must see a urologist as soon as you believe that you or a member of your family has a UTI to assist you in fighting off the infection. Leaving a UTI untreated is particularly risky since the infection will spread to your urinary tract’s healthy areas. Frequent desires to urinate, pain where the kidneys are, feelings of exhaustion, and thick or cloudy urine that may contain blood are some of the symptoms of UTI.