Urinary Tract Infection

Our Cystitis Test and Treat Service  can provide access to treatment for a urinary tract infection, without necessarily needing to see your GP. Cystitis can often clear up on its own without antibiotic treatment, usually within five days along with self-care methods. However, we know that even mild cystitis symptoms can cause discomfort but may not always require treatment. A urine test kit can help determine if you have cystitis and if treatment is needed. All you need to do is use the test kit at a time to suit you. Once you've done the test, bring your results back to us , for a pharmacist to review. The pharmacist will discuss your test results and symptoms, and advise you on treatment, if recommended.

Who can use this service?

This service is for women, aged 16 to 64, who have symptoms of an uncomplicated lower UTI, such as burning pain when passing urine, cloudy urine, or needing to pass urine more often than usual.  

If you have severe symptoms, have signs of a kidney infection (such as back pain) or if you feel unwell (such as a high temperature or flu-like symptoms), we recommend you speak to your GP.

We also recommend you see your GP if your only symptom is visible blood in your urine, or if you've had two or more bouts of cystitis within the last six months, or three or more within the last 12 months.

This service is also not suitable if you're pregnant or have diabetes.

The test is available for those with one key diagnostic symptom to see if a UTI is likely and if treatment is needed.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis, a type of urinary tract infection (UTI), is an inflammation of the bladder which is usually caused by a bacterial infection. It’s an extremely common condition in women, and although it can be really uncomfortable, it’s usually easy to treat.

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

Symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging feeling when passing urine
• Needing to pass urine suddenly or more often than usual
• Urine that's cloudy
• Pain low down in your tummy

Treatment would include the provision of a 3 day course of nitrofurantoin (pharmacist decides)