UTI & Urinary Issues — Online Consultation & Treatment
Get professional medical care for UTIs and urinary problems. Speak to qualified UK clinicians online with same-day appointments and prescriptions.
- Professional online consultation and treatment advice
- Same-day prescriptions when appropriate
- Secure video consultations from home
Secure Telehealth Platform Trusted by Over 150,000 Patients
What are UTIs and Urinary Issues?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. They are more common in women and can cause significant discomfort. Other urinary issues include frequency problems, pain during urination, and bladder irritation.
Common Symptoms
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent, urgent need to urinate
- Passing small amounts of urine frequently
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain (in women)
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Lower abdominal or back pain
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Common Causes
- Bacterial infection (most commonly E. coli)
- Poor bathroom hygiene
- Sexual activity
- Holding urine for long periods
- Dehydration
- Certain contraceptives
- Menopause (in women)
- Enlarged prostate (in men)
How Our Online Consultation Can Help
- Assess symptoms and likelihood of UTI
- Prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment
- Recommend pain relief and supportive care
- Provide advice on prevention strategies
- Arrange urine testing when necessary
- Monitor treatment response and follow-up care
Home Care
- Drink plenty of water
- Urinate frequently, don't hold it
- Wipe from front to back
- Take over-the-counter pain relief
- Use a heating pad for comfort
- Avoid irritating products
- Cranberry products may help prevent recurrence
Medical Treatments
- Antibiotic therapy
- Prescription pain relief
- Urinary alkalinizers
- Antispasmodic medications
- Investigation for recurrent UTIs
- Specialist urology referral when needed
Commonly Prescribed Medications
Trimethoprim
First-line antibiotic for uncomplicated UTIs
Nitrofurantoin
Antibiotic effective against UTI-causing bacteria
Potassium Citrate
Urinary alkalinizer to reduce burning sensation
Phenazopyridine
Urinary analgesic for pain relief during urination
When to Seek Urgent Care
- High fever with UTI symptoms
- Severe back or side pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in urine with severe pain
- Symptoms of kidney infection
- UTI symptoms in pregnancy
- Recurrent UTIs (more than 3 per year)
- No improvement after 48 hours of treatment
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or visiting your nearest A&E.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should UTI symptoms improve with treatment?
Most people feel better within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve.
Can I prevent UTIs?
Yes, drinking plenty of water, good hygiene, urinating after sex, and avoiding irritating products can help prevent UTIs.
Are UTIs serious?
Simple UTIs are easily treated, but untreated infections can spread to kidneys and cause serious complications.
Can men get UTIs?
Yes, though less common, men can develop UTIs, especially with age or underlying urinary tract problems.
Do I need a urine test?
Our clinicians can often diagnose UTIs based on symptoms, but may recommend testing for recurrent or complicated cases.
Can sexual activity cause UTIs?
Sexual activity can increase UTI risk in women. Urinating after sex and good hygiene can help prevent this.
Medically Reviewed by: Mohammed Hassan - Independent Prescriber
Last Updated: January 2025