Effective Treatments for UTI: Quick Relief & Care
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common health issue, especially as individuals age. Women are significantly more prone to UTIs than men, with nearly half of all Australian women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. This higher prevalence in women is largely due to the shorter and straighter urethra, which allows bacteria easier access to the bladder. Hormonal fluctuations also play a role, making some women more susceptible to UTIs at specific times in their menstrual cycle, such as before a period or during pregnancy.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (also called a “UTI”) is what happens when germs, usually bacteria, get into the urinary system and multiply. There are different types of UTI’s including:
- Cystits
- Urethritis
- Pyelonephritis
- Vaginitis
UTI Symptoms:
Some people do not feel any symptoms. However, most people will have one or more of the following:
- Wanting to urinate more often and urgently, if only a few drops
- Burning pain or a “scalding” sensation when urinating
- A feeling that the bladder is still full after urinating.
- Pain above the pubic bone
If the infection spreads to the kidneys and becomes more serious, you may also have:
- Pain in the lower back
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Prompt medical attention is needed if you have any of these symptoms.
UTI Prevention
Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) are subjective for each person, as factors like hydration habits, hygiene practices, and underlying health conditions vary widely among individuals.
Women can lower their risk of having a urinary tract infection by:
- Drinking lots of fluid, particularly water, to wash bacteria from the bladder and urinary tract
- Promptly treating a vaginal infection, such as thrush or trichomoniasis (sexually transmitted disease)
- Avoiding spermicide-containing products, particularly with a diaphragm
- Avoiding constipation
Some women have found the following tips helpful:
- Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse
- Do not delay going to the toilet when you need to
- Wipe from front to back after urinating
- Wear cotton underwear
- Wash between your legs every day using only water
UTI Treatment:
It is important to seek treatment if you think you may have a UTI, as early treatment of urinary infection can help to prevent infection spreading to the bladder or kidneys.
A faint prickly feeling during urination is usually the first sign of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes mild cystitis can be treated by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water
- Taking a commercial urinary alkalinising agent (such as Ural)
- Avoiding acidic food or drinks – they cancel out the effect of urinary alkaliser and can aggravate the burning when passing urine
Medical advice is needed if self-help treatments aren’t working, or you are experiencing pain. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat UTIs.
UTI Prescriptions Now Available at Your Local IPA Pharmacy:
Women aged 18-65 (inclusive) can now visit your local IPA Pharmacy for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).*
Through the UTI consultation service, Pharmacists can assess and if appropriate, prescribe antibiotics for treating uncomplicated UTIs.
Being able to easily seek prompt advice and treatment, inclusive of the supply of antibiotics when appropriate, from local community Pharmacies is a huge advancement for women’s health. Our IPA Pharmacists have gone through extensive training to ensure that they have the knowledge and expertise required to diagnose and treat uncomplicated UTI, so you can be confident that the service is safe and effective.
The Pharmacist will determine if this service is appropriate for you or if you require a referral to your GP.
How can your local Pharmacist help?
We understand that certain topics may be uncomfortable to bring up, but we are here to help you with any health concerns you may be experiencing. At IPA, our pharmacies take pride in being a healthcare destination that goes beyond the traditional role of a pharmacy, as your dedicated partner in women’s health. Visit your local IPA Pharmacy for health advice and product advice as well as UTI treatments, including prescriptions.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3749018/
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/urinary-tract-infections-uti
- https://assets.kidney.org.au/resources/KHA-Factsheet-urinary-tract-infections-2018.pdf
*This service may not be available at all IPA Pharmacies.
Important Information
The information provided on this website is shared in good faith for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific treatment, product, or service, nor is it a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding matters related to your health, wellbeing, or other personal concerns. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, we cannot accept responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from its use.
