Possible treatments
UTIs and NLUTD
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in people with nerve-related bladder problems happens when germs infect parts of the urinary system like the kidneys, bladder, or tubes that carry urine. Conditions such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or diabetes can affect how the bladder works, making it easier for these infections to happen.
In people with nerve-related bladder problems, UTIs can cause serious issues like kidney infections, blood infections (sepsis), or make their nerve conditions worse. It’s important to find and treat UTIs quickly to stay healthy and feel better.
Some of the common signs of urinary infection are:
- Feeling a strong need to pee that won’t go away
- Burning or pain when you pee
- Going to the bathroom often but passing only small amounts of urine
- Cloudy urine that smells stronger than usual
- Urine that looks pink, red, or brownish
- Pain just above the pubic bone (lower belly area), especially in women.
Click here for more information about urinary tract infections.
Last updated: October 2025
Reviewed by:
- Dr. Bárbara Padilla Fernández (Guideline Panel on Neuro-Urology)
- Dr. Jalesh Panicker (Guideline Panel on Neuro-Urology)
- Dr. Sabrina De Cillis (YAU Working Group on Functional Urology)