Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect the urinary tract, including the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body), the bladder and kidneys. This condition is quite common and not usually anything to worry about, but you may require antibiotics for a UTI to ensure it clears up completely. 

Sometimes, a UTI is referred to as a water or bladder infection. 

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

The symptoms of a UTI include:

• Pain or a burning sensation when you pass urine
• Feeling the need to go to the toilet more often than usual, especially during the night
• Feeling the urgency to urinate suddenly
• Cloudy, dark or smelly urine
• Blood in your urine
• Abdominal or back pain
• A high temperature
• A very low temperature below 36°C

In young children, the symptoms of a UTI can also include vomiting, bed wetting and appearing generally unwell. In older people, other common symptoms can include changes in behaviour, such as becoming agitated and confused, incontinence that’s worse than usual, and new episodes of shaking or shivering. 

Do I qualify for a free Pharmacy First UTI appointment?

• Patients registered with a GP
• Individuals with the symptoms listed above
• Women aged 16-64 years

Who is excluded from a Pharmacy First appointment?

• pregnant individuals
• patients with urinary catheter or
• suffering with recurrent UTI
• (2 episodes in last 6 months, or 3 episodes in last 12 months)

What causes a UTI?

A UTI is usually caused when bacteria from faeces enters the urinary tract. The bacteria enters the tube that carries urine out of the body, otherwise known as the urethra. 

Women have a shorter urethra compared to men, meaning that bacteria is more likely to reach the kidneys or bladder to cause an infection. 

The causes of a UTI include:

• Having sex
• Conditions that block the urinary tract, such as kidney stones
• Conditions that make it difficult for the bladder to empty, such as constipation in children and an enlarged prostate in men
• Having a weakened immune system, such as those with diabetes or having chemotherapy
• Pregnancy
• Having a urinary catheter
• Not drinking enough fluid

How to prevent a UTI:

There are some things you can do to prevent a UTI, or prevent it from happening again, including: 

• Keeping the genital area clean and dry 
• Wiping from front to back when you go to the toilet
• Making sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Going to the toilet as soon as possible after sex
• Cleaning the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex
• Changing nappies or incontinence pads once they are soiled 

You should also avoid:

• Holding in your urine if you feel the urge to go to the toilet
• Rushing when going to the toilet – you should fully empty your bladder
• Using scented soap
• Wearing tight, synthetic underwear
• Drinking lots of alcoholic drinks – this can irritate the bladder
• Consuming lots of sugary food or drinks – this can encourage bacteria to grow
• Using certain types of contraception with spermicidal lube on them, such as condoms

How to treat a UTI:

There are a number of things you can do to relieve the symptoms of a UTI. You can:

• Take painkillers to reduce pain and bring down a high temperature
• Give children liquid paracetamol 
• Drink plenty of fluids to help you pass urine regularly throughout the day
• Get plenty of rest
• Avoid having sex 

How can Pharmacy+Health help?

If you’re female and have an UTI but you’re struggling with your symptoms, why not speak to your local Pharmacy+Health team?

Our highly qualified pharmacists are available to assess your condition and provide reliable advice on how you can effectively treat and manage your UTI symptoms. Under the Pharmacy First service, our team can recommend which treatments for your UTI will work best for you. At Pharmacy+Health, you have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms in complete confidence.

As part of this NHS scheme, our pharmacists are able to recommend prescription-only treatments for your urinary tract infection without you needing to speak to your GP first. We can offer a range of solutions, including antibiotics for bladder and water infections, so that you’re able to feel relief from your symptoms. 

Visit your nearest Pharmacy+Health for effective treatments and antibiotics for urinary tract infections today. 

Book a Pharmacy First appointment today

Our fully qualified healthcare experts are here to help you if you or your loved one suffers from Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). We provide consultation appointments and treatments for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and many other common health conditions. Our expert pharmacists provide clinical advice and will recommend the most suitable treatment for you.

So, for information, advice and UTIs treatment, book a pharmacy appointment with us today. We’re here to make accessing healthcare quicker, easier and more convenient.