Untreated UTI - risky or not?

[NotAFanThanx]

I am fairly certain that I have a UTI; I am on a medication that has UTIs as a common side effect. I had a UTI a few weeks ago and the GP suggested 7 days of antibiotics due to my compromised immune system, although he said 5 days is sufficient for most people. I was sick to the back teeth of side effects, so finished after the 5th day. I suffer from repeated thrush that is severe (I have seen various GPs who agree that my thrush is indeed that bad) and antibiotics make it worse. Preventative treatment makes no difference and I require a week's worth of prescribed thrush treatment before it even begins to subside. I am very, very loathe to see the GP because I do not want to take another course of antibiotics. I just cannot go through this again.

What will happen if I leave a UTI untreated? Am I at extra risk due to my immune system problems?

[HotelTangoFoxtrotUniform]

I didn't treat a UTI when I was younger and ended up hospitalised on IV antibiotics and fluids because it had spread to my kidneys and made me very ill indeed.

I wouldn't leave it untreated, though do sympathise re the thrush. It's horrible, but better than being in hospital.

[schmalex]

I am not medically qualified, but I believe a UTI can turn into a kidney infection if you leave it. Sounds horrible, poor you!

[LEMisdisappointed]

I wouldnt leave a UTI, it can be really dangerous and would possibly lead to complicatons later on. With a compromised immune system i wouldn't DREAM of leaving it untreated. I get UTI's and have actually been suicidal with one particular infection i felt so bad - please go to the doctor.

[gussiegrips]

Yep, and knackered kidneys aren't fun. Apart from the pain from a kidney infection and increased risk of kidney stones (ouch) there's the tiny matter of a risk of eventually being left with high blood pressure or visiting your hospital three times a week for dialysis.

Itchy fanny's not nice, agreed. And, thrush can be really nasty. Ask if they can refer you to gyn for long-term management of the thrush?

[NotAFanThanx]

Oh ok, I didn't think it could be serious. I suppose I just thought that these things run their course. I have a sample pot, so I will do one first thing tomorrow morning and take it to the doctor and then take it from there.

Thank you for the gentle kick up the backside.

gussie I have seen a dermatologist who was as useful as a chocolate teapot! I didn't think about seeing a gyn for long term management. I have a really good gyn, so I will ask for a re-referral. I cannot go on like this. It makes me very miserable and irrational!

[gussiegrips]

Not do you have a partner? Might be worth you both taking thrush treatment at the same time. And, if you are being thorough, treat it both orally and genitally.

Not a whole lot of point in treating your bits if your partner's got oral thrush.

You could make it part of a naice meal out? Glass of wine with a dash of nystatin?

[Backinthering]

Please get it treated. As others have said, it can spread to your kidneys, requiring hospitalisation and possibly causing renal damage.

[Bunbaker]

Never ignore a UTI. As other have already pointed out you can permanently damage your kidneys if you leave it. Doctors take UTIs very seriously. DD has been hospitalised twice with UTIs.

[amma520]

hi, of course this is risky. if you do not treat your UTI timely, you not only have to bear those symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination and so on, but also have to bear damages caused by UTI. please take treatment as soon as possible, if you don't trust western medicine, why not try herbal medicine. there is on herbal medicine named Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill can cure it with three months.