OverviewA urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Show
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. If an infection is limited to the bladder, it can be painful and annoying. But serious health problems can result if a UTI spreads to the kidneys. Health care providers often treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. You can also take steps to lower the chance of getting a UTI in the first place. SymptomsUTIs don't always cause symptoms. When they do, they may include:
In older adults, UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions. Types of urinary tract infectionsEach type of UTI may result in more-specific symptoms. The symptoms depend on which part of the urinary tract is affected.
When to see a doctorContact your health care provider if you have symptoms of a UTI. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips
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Risk factorsUTIs are common in women. Many women experience more than one UTI during their lifetimes. Risk factors for UTIs that are specific to women include:
Other risk factors for UTIs include:
ComplicationsWhen treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health problems. Complications of a UTI may include:
PreventionThese steps may help lower the risk of UTIs:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) care at Mayo Clinic Sept. 14, 2022
RelatedNews from Mayo ClinicProducts & ServicesWhat happens if a UTI goes untreated for 3 weeks?When left untreated, the infection from a UTI can actually move throughout the body—becoming very serious and even life threatening. If you do not treat a bladder infection, it may turn into a kidney infection, which can then result in a more serious infection that's moved into the blood stream.
How long is too long to have a UTI?Generally, you should see a doctor if you begin to develop UTI symptoms that persist for longer than two to three days. Without treatment, a minor infection of the lower urinary tract could spread to your kidneys, putting you at risk for organ damage and serious blood infections.
What happens if you don't treat a UTI for months?If you don't treat a UTI, a long-lasting kidney infection can hurt your kidneys forever. It can affect the way your kidneys function and lead to kidney scars, high blood pressure, and other issues. Sometimes it can even be life-threatening. You'll take antibiotics to treat a kidney infection.
How long does it take a UTI to become a kidney infection?Depending on the individual, you may start experiencing symptoms of kidney infection as soon as two hours after your kidneys get infected. Kidney infections usually occur when the bacteria multiply and are not treated in time.
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