Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect anyone. Symptoms normally include discomfort, a burning sensation when peeing, itchiness, or irritation.
Answer a few questions about your health, and get the right treatment recommendations for you from our experts. Order UTI treatment online, when you want it.
There are several types of UTI that can affect us. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, urethritis is an infection of the urethra, and a kidney infection is, as you might expect, an infection of the kidneys.
Most UTIs occur when our urine becomes contaminated by bacteria that exist outside of the bladder, leading to inflammation and infection.
Depending on the severity or persistence of the infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to treat it, but some UTIs can clear up on their own too. In any case, it’s important to manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers and drink plenty of water.
If your symptoms haven’t cleared up within a few days, it’s time to seek further treatment by speaking to one of our clinicians. Our clinical team will help you select the right medications for you, and they will check in to make sure that your treatment is working the way it should.
While UTIs can occur in anybody, they are more common in women because women have shorter urethras which are placed quite close to the home of the offending E. coli bacteria: the anus.
Older adults are also more at risk than younger men and children because, generally, the older we get, the more trouble we have emptying our bladders completely. Age-related conditions such as bladder weakness, bladder prolapse, or an enlarged prostate can lead to the build-up of bacteria and cause recurring infections.
While the statistics are not so high for men and children, it’s estimated that at least one in five women will suffer from a UTI at some point in their lives. Usually, the problem is treatable and shouldn’t have much impact on your day-to-to activities. But persistent infections should be managed with the help of treatments like antibiotics, so that symptoms don’t get worse and cause more health concerns.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. 90% of all UTIs are caused by the E. coli bacteria, which lives harmlessly in our gut and intestines. When outside of the body, however, E. coli can be a harmful bacteria, especially when it ends up where it doesn’t belong. As a result, if it meets our urethra or comes into contact with our urine, then it causes problems.
Once urine becomes infected with a bacteria like E. coli, inflammation and infection can start to harm our urethras and bladders.
Sometimes, the infection can travel up to our kidneys and cause greater discomfort and pain. Before this has a chance to happen, it’s important to have your infection treated and cleared up.
Most people experience a fishhook sensation, like a sharp pain when emptying your bladder. This can be incredibly unpleasant and distressing for children and vulnerable adults. There are other tell-tale indicators of urinary tract infection that we should also be aware of.
The most common symptoms of a UTI are listed below. Please be aware that these symptoms differ in children and elderly people. Generally, if you notice any of these symptoms in a person you care for, get in touch with a clinician to arrange a urine test.
If you have not had any previous diagnosis of a UTI and are noticing any of these symptoms for the first time, please consult your clinician:
UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics, which, if taken correctly, clear up the infection within a couple of weeks. If you delay treating UTIs, or if you fail to take a full course of antibiotics, you risk the infection worsening. It’s important to take all medication as prescribed and complete any course of treatment so that small infections don’t lead to more serious issues, such as painful kidney infections. The E. coli causing a UTI could travel into the bloodstream resulting in a bloodstream infection.
If you’re unsure about any part of the treatment course, our clinician will be on hand to discuss any queries, worries or issues throughout the process. Just sign in to your account and send them a message.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Urinary Tract infections: epidemiology, Mechanisms of Infection and Treatment Options. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 13(5), pp.269–284.
Trends over time in Escherichia coli bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and antibiotic susceptibilities in Oxfordshire, UK, 1998-2016: a study of electronic health records. The Lancet. Infectious diseases, 18(10), 1138–1149. Available at:
Effective antibiotic capsule that you take just twice a day.
Clears persistent UTIs. 3 day course for women, 7 day course for men.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet Daniel
Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet Sanjeda
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet Craig
Registered with GPhC (No. 2070338)
Meet Ruaraidh
Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Here are some other things we can help with.
Personalised advice. Effective antibiotic treatments to restore balance. Get the help you need for BV.
Pill, patch, ring. We offer a range of birth control options so you can choose the one that's right for you.
Treatments to make your period lighter and more manageable. We'll help you to find the right option for you.
Prevent unplanned pregnancy with emergency contraception. Highly effective Plan B treatments, delivered fast.
Event planned? Period due? Take period delay pills a few days before to delay your bleeding.
Get tailored advice from our expert team, and choose from a range of treatments to reduce symptoms.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
You have recently requested a change to your treatment plan which is under review.
We'll let you know once our clinician has reviewed your request.
Our prescriber has already made treatment suggestions for you
You can view and select an option from your account.
You already have treatment for under review.
You have a consultation being reviewed. Our prescriber will contact you soon.
You already have a treatment plan for on pause. You can restart or make changes to this from your account.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Secure delivery 
UK clinicians
