Fact Check: Can UTIs Cause Infertility?

Let’s face it: most women will deal with a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point. They’re common, uncomfortable, and usually easy to treat. But if you've ever wondered whether a UTI could affect your chances of having a baby down the line, you're not alone. 

Let’s break down what a UTI is, what infertility means, and whether there’s a real connection between the two.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection happens when bacteria (most often E. coli) enter the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Most UTIs are bladder infections, which cause symptoms like:

• A burning feeling when you pee
• Needing to go all the time, even if barely anything comes out
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal pain or pressure. 

They’re more common in women because our urethras are shorter, which gives bacteria an easier path to the bladder.

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex (or six months if you're over 35). Possible risk factors for infertility include: 

• Ovulation problems: You’re not releasing an egg regularly. This can be due to conditions like PCOS, stress, low body weight, or hormone imbalances.
• Blocked fallopian tubes: The egg and sperm can’t meet if the tubes are damaged. This often happens after infections, surgeries, or scar tissue.
• Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows where it shouldn’t. It can block the tubes, cause inflammation, and make it harder to get pregnant.
• Uterine or cervical Issues: Conditions like fibroids, polyps, or an abnormal uterus shape can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting and growing.
• Age: Fertility naturally starts to decline in your thirties due to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of eggs. 
• Hormone imbalances: Conditions like thyroid disorders or high prolactin can throw off your cycle and stop ovulation. 
• Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and stress can all impact fertility.‍
• Unexplained infertility: Sometimes, tests don’t find a cause. This is frustrating, but treatment can still work.

Can UTI cause infertility in women?

The short answer is: not usually. Uncomplicated UTIs that stay in the bladder or urethra don’t cause infertility. They’re uncomfortable, yes, but treatable and not typically dangerous if caught early.

However, things change if a UTI goes untreated and spreads to the upper urinary tract or reproductive organs. A kidney infection (called pyelonephritis) is serious and needs urgent care. But more importantly, if a urinary tract infection is a misdiagnosed or untreated vaginal or pelvic infection, it can pose risks to fertility.

Some infections that might feel like a UTI are actually sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. These can cause similar urinary symptoms, but left untreated, they can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and lead to a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility.

So, while a standard urinary tract infection isn't likely to harm your fertility, an undiagnosed or untreated STI can. That’s why it’s so important to get checked if your symptoms don’t go away or if they feel different than your typical urinary tract infection.

One way frequent UTIs might affect your chances of getting pregnant is by disrupting your sex life. Getting pregnant relies heavily on having sexual intercourse during your fertile window, and if you're feeling uncomfortable with UTI symptoms, it can be tough to be in the mood (physically and mentally). 

That said, infertility is typically diagnosed if you’ve been trying to conceive for a year without success. If your UTIs have been making it hard for you to enjoy sex for that long, it’s a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider. 

What about UTIs and male infertility?

Interestingly, UTIs may be more concerning for male fertility than for female fertility. In men, chronic or untreated urinary tract infections can affect the prostate gland or other parts of the reproductive tract, partly because, unlike women, their urine and reproductive fluids share the same passageways. Some research suggests that urogenital infections can affect male fertility by:

• Impairing sperm motility
• Altering sperm count or quality
• Causing inflammation that blocks sperm transport.

So if both partners are trying to conceive, and UTIs keep coming up, it's worth making sure both people are evaluated.

While dealing with recurrent urinary tract infections is incredibly frustrating, they usually don’t affect fertility in women. The key is catching them early, finishing your antibiotics, and following up if something feels off. If your UTI symptoms don’t improve or if you suspect something else (like an STI), check in with your healthcare provider. 

FAQ

Will a UTI stop you from getting pregnant?

A typical UTI won’t stop you from getting pregnant. Most urinary tract infections affect the bladder and are easily treated with antibiotics. They don’t usually impact your reproductive organs, so your ability to conceive isn’t affected. That said, if you're actively trying to get pregnant and get a UTI, it’s still important to treat it right away to avoid complications. The only time a UTI might interfere with fertility is if it spreads or if it’s actually masking a more serious infection, like an STI, which can affect your chances of getting pregnant if left untreated.

What happens if you have a UTI for too long?

If a UTI goes untreated for too long, it can become more serious. What starts as a bladder infection might travel up to the kidneys, causing a kidney infection, which can be painful and even dangerous if it spreads to your bloodstream. In rare cases, chronic UTIs can cause lasting damage to the urinary tract. While UTIs themselves don’t usually cause infertility, ignoring one for too long raises your risk of complications. If your symptoms aren’t getting better after a few days or if you keep getting them, it’s definitely time to talk to your doctor and get things checked out.

What infections lead to infertility? 

Certain infections (especially when they go untreated) can lead to infertility. The most common culprits are sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. These often don’t cause symptoms at first, but they can damage the fallopian tubes and lead to PID, which creates scarring that blocks the egg and sperm from meeting. Other infections, like untreated bacterial vaginosis (BV), have also been linked to reduced fertility. The good news? Many of these infections are preventable and treatable. Regular screenings and early treatment make a big difference in protecting your fertility for the future.