Can an STD Affect Your Kidneys? Surprising Risks of Untreated Infections

Yes - untreated STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can lead to kidney complications, including inflammation, infection, and even long-term damage. Although rare, the link between STDs and kidney health is a real concern that deserves more attention. Here's how it works and what you should look out for.

1. How STDs Can Impact Kidney Health

Most STDs affect the reproductive or urinary tract. But because these systems are closely connected, a persistent infection can travel or trigger immune reactions that reach the kidneys.

Two main pathways:

• Ascending infection: Bacteria move up the urinary tract (e.g. urethra → bladder → kidneys), leading to pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

• Immune response: STDs like syphilis or HIV can cause immune complex deposition, resulting in kidney inflammation or glomerulonephritis.

2. STDs Known to Affect the Kidneys

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

• Often asymptomatic

• Can cause urethritis → lead to kidney infection if untreated

• In rare cases, result in Reiter’s syndrome, involving kidney inflammation

📌 A CDC study found that 15% of women with untreated chlamydia developed upper urinary tract infections, including kidney complications.
👉 CDC – Chlamydia Fact Sheet

Syphilis

• In its secondary or tertiary stages, syphilis may cause immune-mediated kidney damage

• Can result in nephrotic syndrome (protein loss through urine)

HIV

• Associated with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN)

• More common in individuals of African descent

• Can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD)

3. Symptoms That May Indicate Kidney Involvement

If you’ve had an untreated STD and notice any of the following, talk to a doctor:

• Lower back or flank pain

• Frequent or painful urination

• Blood in urine

• Swelling in hands, feet, or face

• Foamy urine (sign of protein leakage)

• Fatigue and high blood pressure

⚠️ Kidney symptoms are often subtle - many people don’t know there’s a problem until the damage is advanced.

4. How to Protect Your Kidneys from STD Complications

The best protection is early detection and treatment. Don’t wait for kidney symptoms to appear - by then, the infection may have already spread.

✅ Use condoms and practice safe sex
✅ Get tested regularly - especially after unprotected encounters
✅ Seek prompt care for any burning, discharge, or unusual pain

🟦 Our trusted partner STDCheck offers fast and discreet 10-panel STD testing. Early diagnosis prevents complications and protects your kidneys long-term.

5. Treatment and Recovery

Most STD-related kidney issues resolve fully with early antibiotic therapy, but long-term damage can occur if left untreated. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics to treat the underlying STD

• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce kidney inflammation

• Blood pressure and fluid management

• Specialist referral (e.g., nephrologist) for severe cases

Conclusion

Yes - while it's uncommon, STDs can affect your kidneys. Whether through direct bacterial spread or immune complications, untreated infections pose risks that go beyond the reproductive system.

Don’t wait for silent damage to take hold.
🔹 Get tested and protect not just your sexual health - but your kidneys, too.