This service is available for women aged 16 to 64 who may have a suspected lower urinary tract infection. If you experience a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination at night, or cloudy urine, you may be eligible for the Pharmacy First service, where our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate medication.
Our pharmacists will assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice and treatment.
Access to prescription antibiotics and other treatments for UTI relief.
Get expert advice on managing symptoms and preventing future UTIs.
Quick access to treatment without waiting for a GP appointment.
We'll ensure your treatment is working and provide additional support if needed.
Get assessed and receive treatment in a single visit to our pharmacy.
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in your urinary system, most commonly affecting the bladder and urethra. While UTIs can affect anyone, women are more likely to get them than men.
Common symptoms of a UTI include:
Note: In some cases, urine may appear darker or have a strong smell. If this is your only symptom, it could be due to dehydration, so increasing your water intake may help.
Children with UTIs may also:
These symptoms could indicate a kidney infection, which can be serious if not treated promptly.
A Pharmacist can:
✓ Offer advice on things that can help you get better
✓ Suggest the best painkiller to take
✓ Provide the same treatment as a GP, if it's suitable for you
✓ Tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract.
The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra).
Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
If your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:
In some people UTI symptoms do not go away. Short-term antibiotics do not work and urine tests do not show an infection.
This might mean you have a chronic (long-term) UTI. This can be caused by bacteria entering the lining of the bladder.
Because urine tests do not always pick up the infection and the symptoms can be similar to other conditions, chronic UTIs can be hard to diagnose.
Chronic UTIs might be treated with antibiotics that you take for a long time.
Chronic UTIs can have a big impact on your quality of life. If you have been treated for a UTI but you still have symptoms, speak to your GP about chronic UTIs and ask to be referred to a specialist.
Following these simple prevention tips can significantly reduce your risk of developing a UTI.
Find answers to common questions about UTI treatment.
Please note: If you have any concerns about your symptoms or experience severe pain, please consult with your GP or healthcare provider.