Doctor's Opinion: Are Women More Prone To Kidney Infections If UTIs Go Untreated?

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A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a form of bacterial infection that is seen commonly among women. If it is left untreated, UTI can cause serious infection in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra as well as other parts of the urinary system.

UTI mainly happens when bacteria, typically Escherichia coli, enter the urinary tract through the urethra and start multiplying. The urinary tract is designed to keep bacteria out, but sometimes, the system gets compromised which leads to severe infection.

Why women are more prone to UTIs than men?

Women are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to several factors. One of the main reasons is the difference in the anatomy of men and women. Women have a shorter urethra than men, and because of its proximity to the anal orifice, it gets easier for the bacteria to migrate to the urinary tract from the anal site and cause an infection.

Besides these, sexual activities make women prone to UTI. Usage of birth control measures in the form of jelly, diaphragms, cervical caps, etc., can increase the risk of UTI.

There are other risk factors including constipation and menopause that can cause UTI. During menopause, women have lower immunity because of the lower estrogen level in the genital tract. This reduces the blood supply and makes it drier and increases the chances of UTI.

With these multiple episodes of UTI, if the bacteria migrate from the bladder to the kidney, there can be serious consequences. During the episodes, if a woman develops a serious infection, she may get hospitalized and may require an antibiotic or medical/surgical procedure to treat the infection.

What are the major symptoms of UTI in women which must not be ignored?

• Pain or burning during urinating
• Frequent or strong urge to urinate, even when only a small amount of urine is produced
• Lower abdominal pressure or discomfort
• Urine that is murky, dark, or has a strong smell
• Urine with blood in it
• Feeling weak or exhausted
• Cold or fever (a sign that the infection may have reached the kidneys)

Not everyone who has a UTI may have all of these symptoms, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all.

What happens when UTI is left untreated?

UTI can cause major health problems if it is not addressed properly. If the infection spreads from the bladder to the kidney it can cause a more dangerous condition called pyelonephritis which can result in kidney damage or even kidney failure.

Untreated UTIs in pregnant women can be a major reason for low birth weight or premature delivery. Hence, it is very prudent to treat all the episodes of UTI and prevent all the factors.

What's the takeaway?

Women who are prone to UTIs should use protection while sexual intercourse and check local hygiene. Women should avoid constipation in all age groups and take care of themselves, especially in the menopausal age group. In addition, having plenty of water can help women stay hydrated and flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.