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Urinary tract infection

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64, assessed and treated without a GP appointment.

Free on the NHS if eligible, or available privately

How to be seen

  • Free

    NHS Pharmacy First

    Patients can book an appointment to speak to our pharmacist by contacting one of the team or booking online.

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  • If you do not qualify

    Private treatment

    We can offer treatment for UTIs as a paid for service. Please ask for details.

    Ask at your branch
  • Over 65, or spreading

    See a GP or call 111

    Pharmacy First does not cover treatment for women over 65 years of age. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream, seeking medical attention from your GP or calling 111 is crucial.

UTIs are a prevalent health issue that primarily affects women. It can occur in various parts of the urinary tract, such as the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), and kidneys (kidney infection). These infections can cause frequent discomfort and can be quite unpleasant. The NHS Pharmacy First program is now accessible to assist women suffering from uncomplicated UTIs. Our pharmacists can provide immediate guidance and treatment solutions, eliminating the need to wait for a doctor's appointment to address the symptoms of UTIs.

Some patients do not qualify to be seen under the Pharmacy First Scheme, if your condition does not meet the NHS Criteria, don't worry, we may be able to help you via one of our Private Services. We can offer treatment for UTI's as a paid for service. Please ask for details.

UTI Symptoms
Bladder infections (cystitis) and urethra infections (urethritis) are prevalent forms of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). Symptoms include:
Upper UTI infection in the kidney or ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder) can be much more severe. Some indications of this type of infection are:
UTIs are common infections of the urinary tract caused by bacteria. They usually affect the lower urinary tract near the urethra or bladder. Risk factors for UTIs include kidney stones, weakened immune system, certain contraceptive methods, diabetes, and the use of catheters. Women are at a higher risk due to their shorter urethra and proximity to the anus, while men may also be at risk if they have an enlarged prostate. UTIs are more common and less serious compared to other types of infections. Prevention through hygiene and proper medical care is important in reducing the risk of UTIs.
  • A need to pee more often than usual
  • Pain or discomfort when peeing
  • Feeling generally unwell, achy and tired
  • Sudden urges to pee
  • Feeling as though you’re unable to empty your bladder fully
  • Urine that’s cloudy, foul-smelling or contains blood
  • Pain low down in your abdomen
  • A Fever
  • Pain in the sides or back
  • Shivering and chills
  • Feeling and being sick
  • Confusion
  • Agitation or restlessness
Treatment
The best course of treatment will be determined based on the individual's symptoms and overall health. For recurrent UTIs, vaginal creams may be prescribed, while painkillers can help manage symptoms. However, please note that Pharmacy First does not cover treatment for women over 65 years of age. In such cases, a GP should be consulted due to potential complications. For those under 65, our pharmacists can provide treatment as needed, offering a convenient one-stop-shop option. This can save time and eliminate the need to travel to a pharmacy for a prescription.
Complications
UTIs can have serious consequences, such as spreading to the kidneys or bloodstream. In these cases, seeking medical attention from your GP or calling 111 is crucial. UTIs are more common in certain groups, such as diabetics, who are at higher risk due to their weaker immune systems. Women are also more prone to UTIs, partly because of anatomical differences with men. Contraceptive methods, such as diaphragms, can also increase a woman's chances of developing a UTI. Pregnancy can further increase the risk due to hormonal changes and pressure on the urinary tract. Postmenopausal women and elderly individuals are also at higher risk due to lower estrogen levels and age-related bladder changes.
The FREE, NHS Pharmacy First service is here to help you with uncomfortable UTIs. Patients can book an appointment to speak to our pharmacist by contacting one of the team or booking online. We can provide advice and medication from the convenience of our pharmacy (depending on which treatment is most appropriate). This will save you the headache of back-and-forth trips to and from the GP.