Treatments for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If you have symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection, you may not need to see the doctor.
Our pharmacists can help.
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) is a reasonably harmless, though painful, condition that many people are too embarrassed to get help for. In some cases ignoring the pain and discomfort can lead to serious complications so it’s important to get it checked out.
Symptoms of a lower UTI include: (often called a bladder infection)
• pain and a burning sensation when you are passing urine
• the urgency and frequency of urinating
• feeling like your bladder is full and you can’t empty it
• pain in the lower abdomen
• funny smelling urine.
Symptoms of an upper UTI: (often called a kidney infection)
• fever and chills
• nausea and vomiting
• blood in the urine
• pain in the lower abdomen and back.
Treatment
There are a variety of ways to treat an UTI. In some cases they are resolved by themselves, our pharmacists can provide you with products to relieve the symptoms such as Ural Sachets or Cranclense and determine whether you need antibiotics.
Antibiotics treat the infection and kill the bacteria while Ural or Cranclense help to ease symptoms and provide relief from burning sensations.
Our pharmacists may be able to provide the antibiotics without seeing the doctor if you are aged between 16 and 65 and your symptoms are uncomplicated.
Prevention
Preventing UTIs is easier than you think. There are some simple steps you can take, such as:
• drinking plenty of water
• wiping from front to back after using the toilet to avoid transferring bacteria from the anal area
• not using vaginal sprays or douches
• urinating after sex to flush away any bacteria
• not holding it in if you need to use the toilet.
In addition, there is some evidence that d-Mannose or cranberry products can help prevent UTIs as they prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of the bladder.
Pregnancy can often make you more susceptible to a UTI because of hormonal and physical changes, while diabetics are also vulnerable due to higher sugar levels in their blood. Other factors that increase the likelihood of UTIs are being sexually active, changes in the immune system and structural abnormalities in your body.
Call in and chat to our pharmacists today, or book online for a consultation.
