UTI & cystitis treatment in Southport — free NHS service

What is UTI and cystitis?

A urinary tract infection (UTI), also known as cystitis, is an infection of the bladder. It’s very common in women — around half of all women will have at least one in their lifetime. UTIs are uncomfortable but usually easy to treat with the right antibiotics.

Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16 to 64 — without you needing to see a GP. All consultations take place in our private consultation room.

Symptoms of UTI and cystitis

• Burning or stinging when you urinate
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Feeling like you need to urinate urgently but passing only a small amount
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen
• Blood in your urine (haematuria)

How we treat it

Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and may use a urine dipstick test. Treatment for uncomplicated UTI typically involves:

• Antibiotics — usually trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin for 3 to 5 days
• Hydration advice — drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the bladder
• Pain relief — paracetamol for discomfort
• Follow-up advice — what to do if symptoms don’t improve within 48 hours

All consultations are private and confidential, in our private consultation room.

What causes UTI and cystitis?

UTIs happen when bacteria (usually Escherichia coli from the gut) enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. Common triggers include:

• Sexual activity — sex can push bacteria into the urethra
• Wiping from back to front after the toilet
• Using certain types of contraception (diaphragms, spermicides)
• Dehydration — not drinking enough water
• After the menopause — hormonal changes affect the urinary tract