Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as pain when urinating or needing to urinate more frequently than usual, our pharmacist may be able to help through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Women aged 16 to 64 years with symptoms of an uncomplicated lower UTI can access assessment, advice and, where clinically appropriate, treatment directly from our pharmacy without needing to see a GP first.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection, commonly known as a UTI, is an infection affecting part of the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra and kidneys.
Lower UTIs usually affect the bladder or urethra and are commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.
UTIs are common and can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but uncomplicated lower UTIs can often be assessed and treated by a community pharmacist through NHS Pharmacy First.
You can find more information on the NHS urinary tract infections information page.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection can include:
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- Needing to urinate suddenly or urgently
- Urine that looks cloudy
- Blood in your urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Feeling generally unwell, tired or weak
Changes to the smell or appearance of urine on their own do not necessarily mean that you have a UTI. Our pharmacist will ask about your symptoms to determine whether they are consistent with an uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection.
NHS Pharmacy First UTI Service
Through NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess women aged 16 to 64 years with symptoms that may be caused by an uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection.
During your consultation, the pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, when they started, whether you have experienced UTIs previously, your medical history and any medicines you are currently taking.
The pharmacist will use the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway to determine whether your symptoms are suitable for treatment through the pharmacy.
Depending on the assessment, our pharmacist may provide self-care advice or, where clinically appropriate, supply treatment. If your symptoms indicate that further medical assessment is required, we will explain where you should seek further help.
You can find out more about the service on the NHS England Pharmacy First page.
Who can use this service?
The NHS Pharmacy First uncomplicated UTI pathway is available to:
- Women aged 16 to 64 years
- Those experiencing symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated lower UTI
- Those who meet the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway criteria
The Pharmacy First UTI pathway does not cover everyone with urinary symptoms. For example, men, people aged 15 years or younger, women aged 65 years or over, and pregnant women are not included within this particular Pharmacy First clinical pathway.
If the service is not suitable for you, our pharmacist can advise you about the most appropriate healthcare service to contact.
Get help in 4 easy steps
1. Contact our pharmacy
Book an appointment if you are a woman aged 16 to 64 years and have symptoms that may be caused by a lower UTI.
2. Speak to our pharmacist
Our pharmacist will privately discuss your symptoms, medical history, previous UTIs and any medicines you are currently taking.
3. Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms using the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway and check for any warning signs that may require further medical attention.
4. Advice and treatment
We will explain the most appropriate next steps. Where clinically appropriate, treatment may be supplied directly from the pharmacy without you needing to see your GP first.
How is a UTI treated?
Treatment will depend on your symptoms and individual circumstances. Some mild UTIs may improve without antibiotic treatment, while others may require antibiotics.
Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of action using the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway.
If antibiotics are clinically appropriate and supplied, you should take them exactly as directed and complete the course as instructed.
Do I need antibiotics for a UTI?
Not every person with urinary symptoms will need antibiotics. Our pharmacist will assess the type and severity of your symptoms and check whether there are signs that another condition may be responsible.
Where an uncomplicated lower UTI is identified and antibiotic treatment is clinically appropriate, our pharmacist may be able to supply treatment through NHS Pharmacy First.
Using antibiotics only when appropriate helps ensure they remain effective and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.
How can I manage UTI symptoms at home?
There are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms and support your recovery:
- Drink enough fluids so that you regularly pass pale urine during the day
- Get plenty of rest
- Take suitable pain relief such as paracetamol if appropriate for you
- Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder, such as coffee, alcohol and some fruit juices
- Do not delay going to the toilet when you need to urinate
Our pharmacist can provide further advice based on your symptoms and individual circumstances.
For more information about managing a UTI, visit the NHS guide to urinary tract infections.
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
Some urinary symptoms can indicate a more serious infection or another condition that requires medical assessment.
Seek urgent advice from your GP or NHS 111 if you have symptoms of a UTI and:
- You have a very high or very low temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
- You have pain in your back or side, particularly just under your ribs
- You have blood in your urine
- Your symptoms are getting worse quickly
- Your symptoms have not improved after treatment
- You are pregnant
- You have diabetes
- You have a weakened immune system
These symptoms may indicate that you need further medical assessment rather than treatment through Pharmacy First.
You can get urgent medical advice through NHS 111 online.
What if I keep getting UTIs?
If you regularly experience urinary tract infections, you may need further assessment to understand why they are recurring.
The NHS recommends speaking to your GP if you have 2 UTIs within 6 months or 3 UTIs within 12 months.
Our pharmacist can also advise you if your history of UTIs means that further assessment is appropriate.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No. Women aged 16 to 64 years with symptoms of an uncomplicated lower UTI can contact a participating community pharmacy directly for an NHS Pharmacy First consultation.
You may also be referred to Pharmacy First by your GP practice, NHS 111 or another NHS healthcare service.
Private and confidential consultations
We understand that discussing urinary symptoms can feel personal. Your consultation will be handled professionally and confidentially by our pharmacy team.
Our pharmacist will ask the questions needed to assess your symptoms safely and determine the most appropriate treatment or next steps.
Convenient NHS care from your local pharmacy
NHS Pharmacy First makes it easier for eligible women with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI to access professional healthcare without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, provide advice and, where clinically appropriate, supply treatment through the NHS service.
Book an appointment today
If you are a woman aged 16 to 64 years and have symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI, book an appointment with our pharmacy team. Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms confidentially and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
