Consequences of an Untreated Yeast Infection Relation with UTI? Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Yeast Infection Consequences of an Untreated Yeast Infection By Dr. Orli EtinginReviewed: March 4, 2008Fact-CheckedQ1. I have had only one previous yeast infection. I think I might have another one now, but the symptoms could also be happening because I'm getting my period. If it is a yeast infection, what will happen if it goes untreated? What are the consequences of this? — Vanessa, Massachusetts Untreated yeast infections do not have long-term consequences, such as infertility or scarring. They tend to be uncomfortable, and can cause discharge and burning, but they do not cause permanent damage. However, if you are trying to become pregnant and have an active infection, it should be treated because it can delay or prevent pregnancy. The reason for this is not clear, but because a yeast infection affects the pH of the vaginal secretions, it may make the vagina unfriendly to sperm. Q2. I have a vaginal yeast infection and am wondering whether I can still use my spa? What about a swimming pool? Can I pass the infection on this way? What do you suggest? It is safe to use your spa or a swimming pool while you have a yeast infection. The infection is not contagious in this way — it can only be passed through sexual contact. The contagion rate is actually so low that even with sexual contact, a person is not particularly likely to become infected. The main precaution you should take is to keep the vaginal area as dry as possible once you leave the pool or spa, since yeast (also known as fungus) grows best in a moist environment. Be sure to dry off well, change out of a wet bathing suit right away, and use a drying agent, such as talcum powder, to stay dry if you perspire heavily. Q3. My urine has a yeast-like odor. I have treated the odor with yeast infection over-the-counter drugs and it will go away for a few days, then return. I do not have any pain or itching, just this strange odor. Could a yeast infection really present itself this way? — Trilby, Ohio Fungal infections of the urine are uncommon. Most urinary tract infections are due to bacteria, and the presence of a urinary yeast infection often implies an underlying abnormality, such as diabetes, a foreign body within the urinary tract, or prolonged antibiotic use with antibacterial medications. Urinary yeast infections do not necessarily have a characteristic odor, and it is important to determine whether or not you have an active infection. It is unlikely that the only symptom of an active yeast infection in the urinary tract would be malodor. Nevertheless, men and women can sometimes have asymptomatic colonization of the urinary tract with either bacteria or yeast (fungus). Urine cultures are effective at identifying both bacterial and fungal causes of infection. Another possibility is that the patient has a vaginal or genital skin yeast infection that is causing the characteristic odor. Learn more in the Everyday Health Yeast Infection Center. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Women' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Yeast Infection Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections Medications can be very effective, but some people still prefer natural options. How effective are they?By Joseph Bennington-CastroOctober 6, 2022 Preventing Vaginal Yeast InfectionsWhile vaginal yeast infections are rarely serious, you can help prevent them from occurring in the first place.By Joseph Bennington-CastroSeptember 27, 2022 Best Treatments for Vaginal Yeast InfectionsThere are dozens of options — which one is right for you?By Joseph Bennington-CastroSeptember 27, 2022 What Is a Yeast Infection Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionMost women — and some men — will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives.By Joseph Bennington-CastroSeptember 3, 2020 What Causes Yeast Infections Medication, health conditions, and lifestyle factors can all cause a yeast infection.By Joseph Bennington-CastroMay 29, 2018 Yeast Infections and Sex What Men and Women Need to KnowYeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because most yeast infections are not transmitted person to person and they...By Joseph Bennington-CastroMay 25, 2018 Vaginal Yeast Infection Signs and SymptomsBy Joseph Bennington-CastroMay 21, 2018 Bacterial Vaginosis vs Yeast InfectionBy November 17, 2017 Chronic Yeast Infections 11 Common Causes & SolutionsBy November 17, 2017 What Is Candida Albicans By Joseph Bennington-CastroSeptember 9, 2014MORE IN Symptoms of Staph Infection Treatments for Staph Infection Antibiotics Surgery and More Best Treatments for Vaginal Yeast Infections