Yeast Infections

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No one likes when a yeast infection strikes. Read below to understand the symptoms, causes, treatments and take steps towards prevention.

What can happen if I don’t treat my UTI?

UTIs can typically be easily treated when promptly addressed and leave no significant health problems. However, in situations where people delay seeking medical attention or think they’ll go away on their own, the risk increases. Leaving a UTI untreated can cause the bacteria to spread to other parts of the body which can lead to severe complications and health problems.

What are the potential health risks of an untreated UTI?

Kidney Infection: One of the primary dangers of untreated UTIs is the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys which can progress into a condition known as pyelonephritis. This condition can cause significant kidney damage and result in permanent kidney scarring or failure if not quickly addressed (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Sepsis: In some cases, the spread of bacteria can also trigger sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of the infection. This happens when the immune system isn’t able to fight off the bacteria while it’s spreading and it completely gives up (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
Recurring UTIs: Untreated UTIs can contribute to the development of recurring infections. Bacteria may remain in the urinary tract, leading to a cycle of constant UTIs that can become more difficult to manage and treat over time. Recurring UTIs can cause chronic discomfort and increase the risk of the bacteria spreading to other parts of the body. Men may even experience a narrowed urethra after having recurring infections.
Pregnancy Issues: In pregnant individuals, untreated UTIs also pose particular health risks. UTIs during pregnancy increase the chances of complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and the development of urinary tract abnormalities in the fetus. Untreated UTIs can cause complications for the mother like a kidney infection which endangers both the mother and the developing baby.

What can I do if I suspect I have a UTI?

It’s crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of a UTI and seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have one. Early diagnosis and treatment of UTIs are essential to prevent complications and ensure a quick recovery. Ignoring the symptoms and delaying the treatment can lead to serious health risks and long-term complications. Common UTI symptoms include:

Strong urge to urinate
Burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urge to urinate
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Blood in urine
Pelvic pain

If you suspect you have a UTI it’s important to obtain an accurate diagnosis in order to get the correct treatment as soon as possible.

ReliaHealth’s UTI 2-in-1 mail-in test ki t delivers the most accurate results in 28-48 hours of receiving your sample. Until then it is recommended to take an over the counter pain medicine such as Azo until you obtain your results. You can then schedule a telehealth appointment through our partner Sesame or speak with your own provider.

The Reliahealth UTI 2-in-1 Mail In Test Kit detects not only bacteria and fungus in your urine but also provides antibiotic resistance information to assure that you are prescribed the correct antibiotic to kill off the bacteria in the infection. Many times people are prescribed antibiotics that don’t actually kill off the strain of bacteria in the UTI, since that strain is resistance to the antibiotic. Hence not getting rid of the problem.

Ensuring an accurate diagnosis allows you to treat your UTI in a timely and effective manner right from the start. ReliaHealth can give you peace of mind about your diagnosis helping you to treat your UTI correctly the first time.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25008-urosepsis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353387

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447