Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Consultation
Urinary Tract Infections are very common with 1 in 2 Australian women experiencing a UTI in their lifetime. They can be uncomfortable, or even painful and may lead to more serious infections in some cases so timely treatment is important.
Women (18-65 years old) who think they may have an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) can book a private consultation with one of our trained pharmacists. Your pharmacist will need to ask some questions to confirm a diagnosis and ensure they are able to provide the best advice and care for you. This may include the provision of antibiotics and/or other products and lifestyle advice as deemed appropriate by the pharmacist.
Walk in appointments are welcome, however please call your local store first if you’re not sure they are providing the service
Do I need to see a GP instead?
Some patients will need to be see their GP instead of a pharmacist to receive treatment for a UTI because it is likely to be outside the scope of a simple uncomplicated infection. For example:
- Males
- Females younger than 18 years or older than 65 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Chronic or frequent UTIs
- If your pharmacist identifies symptoms that are inconsistent with a simple UTI.
What is a UTI?
A UTI or urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system – this includes the kidneys, the ureters, bladder, or urethra. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection, more commonly known as cystitis.
How are they caused?
Most UTIs are caused when bacteria normally present in the anus moves into the urinary system, resulting in an infection.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:
- Burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
- Needing to pass urine urgently and more frequently than usual (even though only a few drops may be passed)
- Pain or discomfort above the pubic bone
- Urine that smells bad or is cloudy or milky in appearance
In young children UTIs may cause fever, jaundice, vomiting, irritability, bed wetting and reduced interest in food.
In the elderly a UTI may result in confusion, delirium, or changes in behaviour.
Who is most at risk of UTIs?
- Females – the urethra is shorter in females compared with males it makes it easier for bacteria to get into the urinary system causing a UTI. Other factors such as hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause also contribute to a higher rate of UTIs in females.
- The very young – babies and young children should always be referred as there may be an underlying condition.
- The elderly – the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier and this can result in increased UTIs.
- Diabetic patients, especially where the condition is not well controlled.
- Immunocompromised patients – infection is more common in these people.
Why is prompt treatment important?
Whilst most UTIs will not be serious, in some cases an untreated UTI may spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection is serious, requiring urgent treatment from a doctor. Symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea and/or vomiting, back and side pain may indicate a kidney infection. In very rare cases, an untreated UTI may lead to sepsis which is an infection of the blood stream that can be life threatening.
What treatments are available for a UTI?
Guidelines recommend antibiotic treatment to decrease the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as to prevent progression to more serious conditions such as kidney infections. Where it is possible for you to be treated by your pharmacist, they will ask a series of questions to ensure they are providing an antibiotic that is safe and appropriate for you.
Should you be prescribed antibiotics your symptoms should improve within 2 days of commencing treatment. It is important you complete the course even if you are feeling better. This will help to prevent a recurrence of your infection.
Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with symptoms of a UTI too. Check with your pharmacist if these are appropriate for you.
What can I do to prevent a UTI?
There are a number of self-care strategies that can help to prevent a UTI.
- Drinking plenty of water to flush the urinary tract (2-3L daily)
- Empty your bladder completely and as soon as you feel the urge to go
- Empty your bladder immediately after sexual intercourse
- Wipe front to back after going to the toilet
- Wear cotton underwear
- Shower rather than take baths, or keep baths to 30 minutes or less
A consultation for members will be $29.95, and for non-members it will be $34.95.
Check with your pharmacist about antibiotic pricing. Antibiotics may not be appropriate for all patients. A fee will apply for the consultation regardless of whether antibiotics are supplied.
Note – the terms women and females have been used to include any patient with biologic female anatomy.