Urinary Tract Infections
We’ve created this page to provide some information about urinary tract infections and available treatments. This page is intended as information only and should not be used to diagnose urinary tract infections or other illnesses. We have developed this page using information from the NHS, MayoClinic, BNF, and NICE.
If you believe you have a urinary tract infection, an intimate health concern, have symptoms of an STI or are having systemic symptoms (like fever or generally feeling unwell), you must seek medical advice.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (or UTI) is an infection in your urinary tract/bladder. This is usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra (the external opening of your urinary tract).
A UTI may cause mild symptoms in some people which can be managed at home, while in others the infection can require antibiotics, and even cause serious illness.
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
UTIs can sometimes affect men and women slightly differently, but usually cause symptoms including:
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This can be anything from a slight sting to fully burning
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This can be feeling like you need a wee as often as every few minutes
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Urgency gives you little or no warning that you need a wee
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Suprapubic tenderness can be a general ache, sharp pain or pain when pressure is applied
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Having blood in your wee can make it anyway from slightly pink to bright red. It’s alarming, but can sometimes be a symptom of a UTI
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You might notice some more discharge than usual alongside your other UTI symptoms
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Sometimes an infection can have you feeling a bit run-down.
How long does a urinary tract infection last?
Depending on its severity, a UTI may go away after a few days with at-home treatment, or more persistent infections may require antibiotics to treat them.
It is recommended that for children, or people with male anatomy who have a UTI, you should always seek medical help.
UTIs tend to affect female anatomy more often than male anatomy, because of the proximity to the anus and how easily bacteria can enter the tract. However, with men who have a UTI, because of the length of the urinary tract and the fact it is (generally) a bit more difficult for bacteria to enter the tract, they are usually treated with antibiotics and not home treatment.
If you’ve started to take your prescribed antibiotics to treat a UTI, you should start to feel better within a few days.
A mild urinary tract infection may be able to be treated at home.
We stock a number of products which can help with symptomatic relief - pop in to speak to us for more information.
Treating a mild urinary tract infection
Treating at home:
Rest
Drink plenty of fluids (water), this ‘flushes out’ the bacteria from the urinary tract
Avoid acidic drinks like tea or coffee as they can irritate the lining of the bladder and worsen cystitis symptoms
Cystitis Relief Sachets* which contain sodium or potassium citrate can help to get rid of a UTI
Paracetamol* can reduce pain
You can try cranberry* supplements or juice, though there is limited evidence to suggest that cranberry itself is helpful, drinking the juice can flush out infection and increase hydration
*Consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication. Some medicines are not suitable for people of different ages, taking different medicines or with different medical conditions
Do I need medical help?
You should seek help if you have a UTI and:
Have male anatomy
Have blood in the urine
Have lower back pain
Are having or have had a fever
Are pregnant
Are over the age of 65
Have conditions or take medicines which may compromise your immune system
Have long term health conditions
Have any concerns for the health of a child or young person
If you’d like a consultation about a mild urinary tract infection, you can book a minor ailments consultation with us
If you think you may need prescription treatment, such as antibiotics, for a urinary tract infection, you can book a consultation and prescription appointment with us
