Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment and Advice Service

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment and Advice Service
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Urinary Tract infections (UTI) are an infection that affects the urethra (the tube from the outside of your body that carries wee from your bladder), your bladder (the sack that holds your wee) and sometimes your kidneys.

UTI's often go on their own but some infections may need an antibiotic to help clear it up. 

Our expert pharmacy teams will assess and can supply treatments for UTI's in women between 16 and 64.

We cannot offer treatment through this service for individuals who are pregnant, use a catheter or who have had frequent infections.

These are the common symptoms of UTIs in adults:

  • Needing to urinate more frequently and more urgently than usual
  • A burning sensation or discomfort when you pee
  • Pain in the abdomen, accompanied by a sickly and tired feeling
  • Getting up to pee in the night
  • Stronger smelling urine or a colour change appearing darker or cloudy, like apple juice
  • Vaginal irritation or discharge
  • Tiredness

Our trained pharmacist will ask some questions to get a bit more detail about the infection.

They will also check for any other conditions or symptoms that may need them to refer you to another NHS service for further checks.

This is a free NHS service if you are exempt from prescription charges.

Our pharmacy team will also give you other advice and suggest other treatments for the relief of symptoms if antibiotics are not appropriate.

This is a drop-in service but you may want to check with the pharmacy before heading to your local branch.

Our teams on hand to supply treatments for Cystitis in adults and children over 12. Effective treatment options for Urinary Tract infections, UTI's, pain when passing urine, strong smelling urine in Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield, Scunthorpe, South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire with Pharmacy First.

Available at the following pharmacies

Branches

FAQs

What is a UTI?

UTI’s can present a variety of symptoms and they can be mild to severe. The common symptoms are: • Increased urination: if you have a UTI, you will feel the sensation of needing to wee more frequently, especially at night. • Painful urination: You may feel a burning or stinging sensation when weeing. • Lower abdomen or back pain: You may experience a persistent dull ache or pressure in the lower abdomen, pelvis or back. • Cloudy or bloody urine: Your wee may appear cloudy, dark bloody or have a strong smell to it. This is due to the presence of blood, pus or bacteria in the urinary tract. • Fever: if the infection has reached the kidneys it may result in a fever. • Bed wetting: Bed wetting may occur particularly in older people and children.

What causes a UTI?

Bacteria enters the urinary tract and then multiplies. Various factors can increase the risk of developing a UTI, including: • Sexual activity: Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. • Incomplete emptying of the bladder: If the bladder is not fully empty it creates an environment where bacteria can multiply. • Urinary catheters: Use of urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract causing an infection. • Obstructions: Anything obstructing the flow of urine can increase the risk of a UTI. An example of this is kidney stones. • Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to UTI’s as high blood sugar levels can promote the growth of bacteria. • Age and gender: Women are more likely to develop UTI’s than men because the urethra in women is short and closer to the anus. As we get older, the lining of the urethra becomes less able to resist infection and risks of UTI increase in men due to prostate enlargement which may cause incomplete bladder emptying. • Pregnancy: Changes in the urinary tract during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing a UTI. • Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the urinary tract lining, making it susceptible to infections.

Can I stop a UTI?

There are several ways you can prevent a UTI: • Wipe from front to back when going to the toilet. • Keep the genital area clean and dry. • Drink plenty of water. • Wash the skin around the vagina with water before and after sexual activity. • Pass urine as soon as possible after sexual activity. • Promptly change nappies or incontinence pads if soiled. • Do not use scented soap. • Do not hold urine in. • Do not wear tight synthetic underwear like nylon. • Do not drink large volumes of alcohol as this can irritate the bladder. • Do not drink large volumes of sugary drinks as they encourage an environment for bacteria to grow.

Can children get UTI’s?

Yes, children can get UTI’s. Symptoms in babies can be fever, vomiting and fussiness while older kids may have a fever, pain when peeing, frequent urination, or lower belly pain.

What age group can be treated on the Pharmacy First Scheme for a UTI?

Over the counter treatment can be supplied to women between the ages of 16 – 65.

Who can access the Pharmacy First UTI service?

The service is available for any women between the ages of 16 and 64 years.