What Happens if a UTI Goes Untreated?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) often begins with mild symptoms like burning when you urinate or needing to go to the bathroom more often. If a UTI isn’t treated, though, the infection can reach your kidneys and lead to serious health issues.

Most UTIs can be treated easily with antibiotics. Knowing the risks of leaving a UTI untreated and when to get help can lower your chances of problems.

Reviewed by Dr. Amy Kuprasertkul, Renown Health Urologist.

Key Takeaways

• An untreated UTI can spread from the bladder to the kidneys.
• Common UTI symptoms include burning during urination, frequent bathroom trips, and lower belly pain.
• Kidney infections can cause fever, chills, back pain, and nausea.
• In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
• Early antibiotic treatment can help prevent serious complications.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection happens when bacteria enter the urinary system and causes an infection.

The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the bladder, but infections can develop in other parts of the urinary system.

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Feeling the need to urinate more often
• Passing only small amounts of urine
• Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Cloudy or bloody urine

UTIs are more common in women, but they can affect people of all ages.

Important Symptoms of Note

• If you also have vaginal discharge or itching, let your provider know. These symptoms can point to a different condition.
• If you have blood in your urine (even if during a UTI), please let your providers know, to assess if you need a urology referral.

What Happens if a UTI Goes Untreated?

Some mild UTIs might get better without antibiotics, but it’s hard to tell which ones will go away on their own. Delaying treatment can let the bacteria spread and cause more serious problems.

1. The Infection May Get Worse

Without treatment, bacteria may keep growing in the bladder.

Symptoms such as burning, frequent urination, and lower belly discomfort may become more noticeable or last longer.

Even if your symptoms are mild, seeing a healthcare provider can help stop the infection from getting worse.

2. A UTI Can Spread to the Kidneys

One of the more serious risks of an untreated UTI is a kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis.

This happens when bacteria travel from the bladder to one or both kidneys.

Signs of a kidney infection may include:

• Fever or chills
• Pain in the lower back or side
• Nausea or vomiting
• Painful or frequent urination

Kidney infections need quick medical care. Sometimes, you may even need to stay in the hospital.

Serious or repeated kidney infections can also cause long-term kidney damage.

3. A Severe Infection Can Lead to Sepsis

In rare but serious cases, a urinary tract infection can lead to sepsis.

Sepsis happens when the body’s reaction to an infection goes out of control and starts to harm its own tissues and organs.

Warning signs may include confusion, rapid breathing, severe weakness, or a fast heartbeat.

Sepsis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

How Long Can a UTI Go Untreated?

There isn’t a specific amount of time that a UTI can safely go untreated.

Some infections remain mild, while others can worsen or spread to the kidneys.

The risk of complications may be higher for people who:

• Are pregnant
• Have diabetes or kidney problems
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are older adults
• Have urinary tract blockages or other urinary conditions

Since symptoms alone can’t show how an infection will develop, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider as soon as UTI symptoms start.

How Are UTIs Treated?

Most bacterial UTIs are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Your provider might suggest a urine test to look for signs of infection and find the best treatment for you.

Along with your prescribed medicine, these steps can help you feel more comfortable:

• Drink water: Staying hydrated can help support urinary health.
• Rest: Give your body time to recover.
• Avoid bladder irritants: Coffee and alcohol may increase discomfort for some people.
• Follow treatment instructions: Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.

Home remedies like cranberry juice can’t reliably cure an active UTI, but cranberry products may help prevent repeat UTIs in women who get them often. Talk to your provider about supplementation for prevention

When Should You Seek Medical Care for a UTI?

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice burning when you pee, need to go often, or have other signs of a possible UTI.

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Fever or chills
• Back or side pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Symptoms that are getting worse

If you’re pregnant or at higher risk for complications, get medical advice quickly if you have UTI symptoms.

Call 911 or get emergency care right away if you notice possible signs of sepsis, like new confusion, trouble breathing, or severe weakness along with signs of infection.

If you’re in northern Nevada, Renown Urgent Care can check and treat urinary tract infections and do urine tests if needed.

Need care for UTI symptoms?

• Renown Urgent Care: Find a location near you for non-emergency UTI symptoms. You can walk in without an appointment.
• Renown Health: Call 775-982-5000 if you need help finding care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Some mild UTIs may clear without antibiotics, but others can worsen or spread to the kidneys. A healthcare provider can help determine whether treatment is needed.

Can an untreated UTI cause kidney damage?

Yes. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, it can cause a kidney infection. Severe or repeated kidney infections may lead to kidney damage, although early treatment prevents most complications.

How do you know if a UTI has spread to your kidneys?

Common signs include fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms require prompt medical attention.