Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you’ve had symptoms like a burning feeling when you pee, cloudy urine, or pelvic pain, you may be experiencing a UTI.

“I had three urinary tract infections in three months,” wrote one member of MyLeukemiaTeam. “Everyone has different body systems that become target areas for CLL. If your immune system is compromised, almost any kind of infection can become a major problem.”

For people living with CLL, UTIs can quickly become serious. It’s essential to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect a UTI. Below, we will discuss how to recognize the signs of a UTI and explore strategies for preventing and managing these infections in people with CLL.

CLL and the Risk of UTIs

CLL makes it harder for the body to fight infections anywhere in the body, from respiratory tract infections to UTIs. CLL treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can also inhibit the immune system and raise the risk of infectious complications. Your oncology team can help you figure out whether your CLL treatment could be raising your risk for UTIs.

CLL and its treatments can make it harder for your immune system to fight off urinary tract infections.

CLL can cause lymph nodes — small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body — to swell. If the lymph nodes in the pelvic area enlarge, it may interfere with the urinary system, potentially leading to more frequent urinary issues.

Being mindful of this elevated risk of infection is essential. Early recognition and prompt treatment of UTIs can help prevent more serious complications.

Symptoms of UTIs

Urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable. You’ll likely know something is off before getting an official diagnosis. There are a few signs to look out for if you think you might have a UTI.

Symptoms of UTIs can be specific to the urinary system or affect the whole body, such as a fever. Anything that feels off should be taken seriously and addressed. Symptoms that might indicate a UTI include:

• Burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination
• The need to urinate, even when little or no urine comes out
• Cloudy, red, bright pink, or dark-colored urine
• Unusually strong-smelling urine

Women may experience pelvic pain as a symptom of a urinary tract infection, according to Mayo Clinic.

Complications of UTIs

If you experience any of the above symptoms, let your health care provider know right away. A delay in treatment could cause the infection to spread to the kidneys and cause permanent damage. A neglected UTI can also lead to sepsis, a severe and life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can be life-threatening.

Get medical treatment for a UTI right away. If you delay going to a doctor, it can develop into serious complications like kidney damage or sepsis.

“I recently spent 10 days in hospital for a blood infection from a UTI,” shared one MyLeukemiaTeam member. “It turned into kidney issues and a stent in my ureter.”

Causes of UTIs

UTIs develop when bacteria or other infectious agents enter the urinary tract. The lower urinary tract includes the urethra and bladder, while the upper urinary tract consists of the kidneys and ureters. UTIs typically occur in the lower urinary tract.

UTIs are primarily caused by the gut bacteria E. coli. They can also be associated with sexually transmitted diseases or infections such as herpes or gonorrhea. Occasionally, UTIs occur due to fungal infections. People with CLL are at higher risk of infections due to their weakened immune system, though other factors can also play a role.

Other Risk Factors for Developing a UTI

Many risk factors can contribute to the development of UTIs. Some are preventable, and some are not.

According to Mayo Clinic, women are generally at higher risk for developing UTIs due to a shorter urethra, which is the tube that delivers urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. With a shorter urethra, bacteria can more easily travel up to the bladder and cause an infection.

Compared to the general population, people with CLL are at a higher risk of developing infections, including UTIs. Other general risk factors for UTIs include:

• Not drinking enough water
• Holding urine for too long
• Having health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease
• Using catheters
• Experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause
• Using certain forms of birth control that cause irritation or interfere with urination
• Having weak pelvic floor muscles

Treatment for UTIs

The main treatment option for a UTI is typically a round of antibiotics if it’s a bacterial infection. Your doctor will prescribe a specific antibiotic based on the type of bacteria. If your care team recommends a follow-up appointment, make sure you attend to help make sure you’re responding well to the prescribed medication.

Drinking lots of water can help speed up healing by flushing out bacteria from the bladder and urethra. If there is a lot of pain associated with the infection, your doctor might recommend some additional medication for pain relief. A heating pad can also be used to help manage pain.

Taking Steps To Prevent UTIs

Though not all UTIs are preventable, there are some steps people can take to lower their risk. With the heightened risk of infections in those with CLL, prevention is important.

You can reduce your risk for UTIs by drinking plenty of water, wearing loose cotton underwear, and keeping your genital area clean.

Whether you have CLL or not, taking the following steps will help you avoid another UTI:

• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Fully empty your bladder every time you urinate.
• Wipe front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacterial spread.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse to help flush away bacteria.
• Keep your genital area clean.
• Wear cotton underwear and looser pants.
• Consider switching birth control if your doctor thinks this may be a factor.

You can also consider drinking cranberry juice to lower your risk for a UTI. It’s not clear from research whether it actually helps, but most doctors agree it can’t hurt.

Your doctor can help identify the factors that may have contributed to your UTI and provide guidance on how to reduce your risk of future infections, which can help you feel your best with CLL.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLeukemiaTeam is the social network for people with leukemia and their loved ones. On MyLeukemiaTeam, more than 19,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with leukemia.

Have you experienced a UTI since being diagnosed with CLL? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.