Acute Covid-19 and Long Covid-19: How is the Lower Urinary Tract Affected?

In this review, the impact of COVID-19 upon the lower urinary tract is assessed to better understand how lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are affected in both the acute phase and following recovery.

Twenty-two studies published between 2020 and 2024 investigating the emerging effects of COVID-19 on bladder dysfunction are reviewed. COVID-19 associated lower urinary tract symptoms are prevalent with storage symptoms most commonly reported. Both de-novo LUTS and a deterioration of underlying LUTS are reported with the older male and those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) particularly susceptible. Patients were typically managed with conservative or medical therapy, however a subgroup patients BPH may require further intervention.

Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection is associated with both de novo or exacerbation of underlying LUTS particularly storage symptoms. Many patients can be managed either conservatively or with medical therapy, however further high quality studies are required with longer follow up to fully understand the full impact of this new infection upon the urinary tract.