What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection usually caused by bacteria from faeces (your poo) entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube (urethra) that carries urine out of the body.
UTIs can affect various parts of the urinary system, including the bladder in cystitis, the urethra in urethritis, or the kidneys in kidney infections.
UTIs are often associated with women’s health. That’s because women have a higher chance of developing UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men, so bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys to cause an infection. However, men can experience UTIs too.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
UTIs can cause a variety of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of a UTI can include:
- Frequent urination – if you have a UTI, you may feel the urgency to pass urine more frequently than normal, especially at night.
- Painful urination – this often feels like a burning or stinging sensation during urination.
- Lower abdominal discomfort or back pain – people with a UTI may experience a persistent, dull ache or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis, or back pain, particularly if the infection has reached the kidneys.
- Cloudy or bloody urine – your urine may appear cloudy, dark, bloody or have a strong odour. This is due to the presence of blood, pus, or bacteria in the urinary tract.
- Fever – if the infection has progressed to the kidneys, it may result in fever or chills.
- Incontinence or bed wetting – this is especially common in the elderly and children.
- Change in mental state – this mostly affects elderly individuals. UTIs can sometimes cause confusion or changes in mental awareness.
If you have the more severe symptoms indicative of a kidney infection, such as a high or very low temperature, pain in your sides or back, confusion or agitation or you are feeling or being sick, you should seek help from your GP or urgent care without delay. If left untreated, UTIs can damage your kidneys or lead to sepsis, an infection of the blood.
What causes a UTI?
A UTI occurs when bacteria, typically E.coli, enter the urinary tract and multiply. There are various factors and behaviours that can increase the risk of developing a UTI.
The most common causes of urinary tract infections (UTI) are:
Sexual activity
Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Women are more susceptible to UTIs after sexual intercourse.
Incomplete emptying of the bladder
If the bladder is not fully emptied, it can create an environment for bacteria to multiply.
Urinary catheters
Urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing your chances of infection.
Obstructions
Anything that obstructs the flow of urine can increase the risk of developing a UTI. This may include conditions like kidney stones.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more prone to UTIs, as high blood sugar levels can promote the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.
Age and gender
Women are more likely to develop UTIs 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 more susceptible to infections.
How to prevent UTIs
There are a few things you can do to prevent a UTI from developing, and prevent the infection from returning.
- Wipe from front to back when going to the toilet
- Keep your genitals clean and dry
- Drink lots of fluids, especially water
- Clean the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex
- Go to the toilet after sex
- Always change nappies or incontinence pads if they are soiled
- Avoid using scented soap
- Avoid holding your urine in – go when you have the urge
- Do not wear tight underwear made from synthetic materials, such as nylon
- Do not drink large volumes of alcohol
- Do not have large amounts of sugary food or drinks
How to treat a UTI
You may be able to relieve the discomfort of a UTI by taking over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol, and making sure you drink plenty of water.
However, a UTI is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics. The majority of women with a UTI will be given a three-day course of antibiotic tablets, and you can expect your symptoms to pass within three to five days of starting the treatment.
The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to book an appointment with your GP to access this type of medication. As part of the NHS Pharmacy First Service, Day Lewis pharmacies are now able to provide both prescription-strength and over-the-counter medication for UTIs. This means that you’re able to get the treatment you need more quickly so that you’re able to feel better sooner.
How long does a UTI last?
UTIs usually get better within a few days of starting antibiotics but it’s important to finish the course of treatment.
In some cases, UTIs may clear up on their own and may not require antibiotic treatment at all, but in other cases, they can worsen without treatment. If your symptoms persist or get worse after two days, you should seek medical advice.
What is the process to get treatment for a UTI?
Females aged 16-64 can get UTI treatment through their local Day Lewis Pharmacy. Conveniently, you can book an appointment online or call into your local branch. Our pharmacists can recommend prescription-strength medicines and over-the-counter treatments for you.
You should consult a GP for advice if you are:
- Male
- Pregnant
- the parent or guardian of a child with UTI symptoms.
How long does it take to get treatment?
With Day Lewis Pharmacy, it’s quick and easy to access UTI treatment. You can book an appointment online at a date and time that is convenient for you. When booking, select your local pharmacy to find the next available appointment.
What complications could there be if a UTI is not treated quickly?
A bladder infection (cystitis) can turn into a kidney infection if left untreated. Kidney infections can cause a range of symptoms, including pain in the back or in the lower abdomen, a high temperature, a low temperature, confusion and blood in the urine. You should seek urgent medical advice if you think you may have a kidney infection. If a kidney infection isn’t treated, it could lead to sepsis and, in some cases, permanent kidney damage.
Untreated UTIs in pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight and maternal sepsis so it is important to seek advice promptly.
Why do I keep getting UTIs?
You may experience repeated UTIs for a variety of reasons. For example, if you do not complete a course of prescribed antibiotics as advised, your symptoms may persist or return. Resuming sexual activity before your symptoms have completely cleared may also cause bacteria to be reintroduced and reinfection to occur.
Women are also more prone to UTIs when hormones are rapidly changing, such as in puberty, pregnancy and in older age so you may find you get recurrent UTIs during these times. In addition, underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, and issues like urinary incontinence can also put you at risk of recurrent UTIs.
If you experience recurrent UTIs, you should speak to your doctor for tailored advice.
Could my UTI be an STI?
A UTI is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, some STIs, such as chlamydia, can have similar symptoms to UTIs, such as lower abdominal pain and a burning sensation when urinating.
If you have any of the following signs, you may be experiencing an STI:
- Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Lumps or growths in the groin
- Itchy genitals and/or anus
- Warts, blisters, sores or a rash around your genitals or anus
- Warts in your mouth or throat.
It’s important to note that it is possible to have a UTI and an STI at the same time. If you think you might have an STI, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Why visit your local Day Lewis Pharmacy to treat a urinary tract infection?
There are lots of reasons why you should visit Day Lewis Pharmacy to treat a UTI, such as:
We’re accessible
With over 260 pharmacies throughout the UK, accessing your nearest Day Lewis Pharmacy is quick and easy. We are never more than a short drive or walk away, meaning you can pop in without an appointment, to speak to our team whenever it suits you best.
We offer a wide range of UTI treatment options
Now that we provide the NHS Pharmacy First Service, we are able to offer women a wider range of prescription and over-the-counter medicine for UTI symptoms. This includes antibiotics, where clinically appropriate.
We provide advice you can trust
Our pharmacists are highly trained with an in-depth knowledge of UTIs in women and the treatment options available, including over-the-counter treatments for UTIs. A member of our team will assess your symptoms and give you personalised guidance you can trust.
We offer preventative care
Our pharmacists are not only here to help when you’re already in pain. They can also offer advice on how to reduce the chance of experiencing UTIs if they are a recurrent problem.
If you are female and showing symptoms of a UTI, then pop into your local Day Lewis Pharmacy today or book online to find out how we can help you.
For those who need a same-day medical assessment or fall outside the eligibility criteria, services like WalkIn-clinic.co.uk can provide rapid GP consultations and guidance on next steps.
