NHS funded
Urinary tract infection
Uncomplicated bladder infection (cystitis) in women aged 16 to 64.
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the bladder. It causes pain or burning when you pass urine, needing to go often and urgently, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and sometimes pain low in the tummy. It is very common in women.
Under Pharmacy First we can see women aged 16 to 64 with the symptoms of a simple bladder infection. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and check there are no signs that the infection has spread or that something else is going on. Depending on what they find, they will advise on self-care and pain relief, or supply a short course of antibiotics.
Two things to know
- The consultation is free on the NHS. If the pharmacist supplies a treatment, you pay the standard NHS prescription charge for it, unless you are exempt from prescription charges.
- If this service is not suitable for you — because of your age, your symptoms, or something in your medical history — the pharmacist will not send you away empty-handed. We will signpost you to the right care provider, whether that is your GP practice, NHS 111 or urgent care.
Who this service is for
- Women aged 16 to 64.
- Symptoms of a simple bladder infection. Men, children under 16, and women over 64 with UTI symptoms should contact their GP, as UTIs need different assessment in those groups.
- If you are pregnant, have a catheter, or have had two or more UTIs in the last six months, you will be referred to your GP.
- Symptoms that suggest a kidney infection or another cause — such as pain in your side or back, a high temperature, or unusual vaginal discharge — need a GP or urgent care rather than Pharmacy First.
Looking after yourself
- Drink enough fluid to pass pale urine regularly.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, if they are suitable for you.
- Do not hold in urine when you need to go.
- If you have been given antibiotics, finish the course even if you feel better sooner.
Get help straight away if
- You have pain in your side, lower back or under the ribs, a high temperature, or you are shivering — these can be signs of a kidney infection.
- You feel sick or are being sick, or you feel very unwell, confused or drowsy.
- There is blood in your urine.