What Are the Dangers of Persistent Bladder Infections?

Bladder infections, also known as cystitis, are caused by an inflammation of the urinary bladder, which in turn, causes the urine to become full of bacteria. Persistent bladder infections can cause urinary tract infections, can damage the kidneys and can affect pelvic organs.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of bladder infections can be painful; these symptoms include urination with a burning sensation and lower back pain. Other symptoms include shaking chills, fever, lethargy, mental confusion, bad smelling urine or blood in the urine, incontinence and nausea and vomiting.

UTIs

• One of the most common types of urinary tract infection is caused by bladder infections; persistent bladder infections can cause permanent damage in the urinary tract and can spread to the kidneys.

Kidneys

• If left untreated, bladder infections can spread to the kidneys; this type of infection can cause kidney damage and kidney failure.

Sterility

• Persistent bladder infections can be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs can affect the pelvic organs (fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus) and result in sterility.

Warning

• More than 50 percent of older men who have a persistent bladder infection also have an infection of the prostate gland. Prompt treatment of the prostate infection can help prevent a bladder infection.