UTI Treatment at The Village Pharmacy
Urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTIs, are one of the most frequent infections affecting women, and many will experience one at some point in their life. The stinging, urgency and discomfort can be distressing, but the good news is that UTIs in women aged 16 to 64 can usually be assessed and treated quickly, without the need to wait for a GP appointment. At The Village Pharmacy, we know how disruptive a UTI can feel and how much relief comes from getting the right treatment as soon as possible.
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our trained pharmacists can assess, diagnose and treat uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16 to 64 directly on the high street.
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing inflammation and infection. The urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys, though most straightforward infections in women affect the lower urinary tract, namely the bladder and urethra.
Women are more prone to UTIs than men largely due to anatomy, as the urethra is shorter and positioned closer to the bowel, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. UTIs are extremely common, and for many women they happen more than once.
Lower UTIs
A lower UTI affects the bladder and urethra and is sometimes referred to as cystitis. This is the most common type of UTI and is generally straightforward to treat once identified.
Upper UTIs
An upper UTI involves the kidneys and is more serious, often causing symptoms such as back or side pain, fever and feeling generally unwell. This type requires prompt medical attention rather than routine pharmacy treatment.
What Causes a UTI?
UTIs are almost always caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, most commonly Escherichia coli, which naturally lives in the bowel. Several factors can make this more likely to happen, including:
- Sexual activity, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
- Not fully emptying the bladder when urinating
- Dehydration, which reduces how often you flush bacteria out through urine
- Using certain types of contraception, such as diaphragms or spermicides
- Menopause related changes that affect the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal area
- Previous history of UTIs, which increases the likelihood of further infections
Good hydration and bladder habits can help reduce the risk of UTIs, though some women are simply more prone to them regardless of lifestyle factors.
Symptoms of a UTI
UTI symptoms tend to appear fairly suddenly and are often easy to recognise. Common symptoms include:
- A burning or stinging sensation when urinating
- Needing to urinate more often than usual, sometimes with only small amounts passed
- A strong, sudden urge to urinate
- Cloudy, dark or strong smelling urine
- Discomfort or pressure low in the tummy or pelvis
- Blood visible in the urine in some cases
If you develop a fever, pain in your back or side, nausea, vomiting, or feel generally very unwell, this may suggest the infection has spread to the kidneys, and you should seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Treatment Through Pharmacy First
The Village Pharmacy offers the NHS Pharmacy First service, which allows our qualified pharmacists to assess and treat uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16 to 64 without the need for a GP referral. This means that if your symptoms are typical of a lower UTI and you have no other complicating factors, we can often provide same day assessment and treatment.
During your consultation, our pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history and any previous UTIs, and may ask you to provide a urine sample for testing. Where appropriate, treatment through the service usually involves:
- A short course of antibiotics suited to treating uncomplicated UTIs
- Advice on pain relief to ease discomfort while the infection clears
- Guidance on staying well hydrated to support recovery
- Advice on reducing the risk of further infections going forward
Certain women are not suitable for treatment under this service and will need a referral instead, including those who are pregnant, have recurrent or persistent symptoms, have a urinary catheter, or have symptoms suggesting the infection may have spread to the kidneys. If any of these apply, we will refer you promptly to your GP or another appropriate service.
Reducing the Risk of Future UTIs
While not every UTI can be prevented, there are steps that may help reduce how often they occur. Staying well hydrated, urinating regularly rather than holding on for long periods, and emptying your bladder fully each time can all help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Urinating after sexual activity and wiping from front to back can also reduce the risk of bacteria being introduced to the urethra.
If you think you may have a UTI, or your symptoms are not improving, get in touch with us today or book an appointment online and we will guide you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be treated through Pharmacy First if I have had several UTIs before?
Having had UTIs in the past does not automatically rule you out, but if you are experiencing frequent, recurrent infections, our pharmacist may recommend a referral for further investigation rather than repeated short courses of treatment, to help identify whether there is an underlying cause.
Why are women more likely to get UTIs than men?
This largely comes down to anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra that sits closer to the bowel, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel into the bladder. Hormonal changes, sexual activity and certain contraception methods can also increase the likelihood of infection in women specifically.
Is it normal for UTI symptoms to come on so suddenly?
Yes, UTI symptoms often develop quickly, sometimes within a matter of hours, as bacteria multiply rapidly once they take hold in the urinary tract. This sudden onset is one of the reasons UTIs are often easy to recognise once you have experienced one before.
Can drinking cranberry juice help treat a UTI once symptoms have started?
Cranberry products are sometimes used as a preventive measure, but there is limited evidence that they can treat an active infection once symptoms have begun. If you have symptoms of a UTI, it is best to have this properly assessed rather than relying on cranberry juice alone.
Why can’t all UTIs be treated through Pharmacy First?
The service is designed for straightforward, uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16 to 64. Certain groups, including pregnant women, those with recurrent infections, or those with symptoms suggesting a kidney infection, need a different level of assessment and care, so they are referred on to ensure they receive the right treatment.
Do I need to provide a urine sample every time?
Not always. In many cases, a pharmacist can assess and treat a UTI based on your symptoms alone. A urine sample may be requested in certain situations, such as when symptoms are less typical or when it would help guide the most appropriate treatment.
Where can I get UTI treatment near me?
You can visit us in person for a same day Pharmacy First consultation. Our pharmacy is located at:
The Meiklejohn Centre, 3- 7 Kingswood Way, Biddenham, Bedford MK40 4GH
You can also call us on 01234351455 or book online ahead of your visit.