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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection Key Facts
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections (caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli – E. coli) that can occur in women between the ages of 16 and 64. Approximately half of women have at least one UTI in their lifetime, and 20-30% have two or more. In fact 25% of women who have a UTI can have a recurrent episode within 3-6 months and 40% have a recurrence within 12 months. It’s worth remembering that a UTI is not a gynaecological disease.
What is the urinary tract?
The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing urine. It consists of 4 components:
- Kidneys – these are small, bean-shaped organs on the back of your body, above your hips. The kidneys filter water and waste products from your blood, which becomes urine.
- Ureters – these are thin tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder.
- Bladder – this is a balloon-like organ that stores urine before it leaves your body.
- Urethra – this is a tube that carries pee from your bladder to the outside of your body.
What are the types of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?
UTIs are clinically classified as being either:
- Uncomplicated – a bacterial Infection of the bladder that is not associated with structural or functional abnormality of the urinary tract and where the individual has no underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, is not immunocompromised, has not had recent urologic surgery, or is not pregnant
- Complicated – a bacterial Infection that is linked with a condition, such as a structural or functional abnormality of the urinary tract, or the presence of an underlying disease
What are the different types of uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?
Uncomplicated UTIs normally affect individuals who are otherwise healthy and have no structural or functional abnormality of the urinary tract. Uncomplicated UTIs are further classified into either:
- Uncomplicated lower UTIs (acute cystitis – affecting bladder)
- Uncomplicated upper UTIs (acute pyelonephritis – affecting kidneys)
Uncomplicated UTIs usually resolve within a few days, with or without treatment. Treatment with antibiotics can however reduce the length of the episode by a day or two and can also prevent complications.
What are the causes of uncomplicated UTIs?
Uncomplicated UTIs are caused by bacteria such as E. coli entering your urinary tract. Because women have a shorter urethra than men, the bacteria are more likely to travel to the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Factors that can increase the risk of getting Uncomplicated UTI?
The following factors can increase your risk of getting an uncomplicated UTI:
- Frequent sexual activity
- New sexual partners
- Some types of birth control
- Menopause
How to prevent Uncomplicated UTIs?
UTIs can’t always be prevented, however, it is possible to reduce your risk of getting one. The following are things you can do to prevent a UTI:
- Keep the genital area clean and dry
- Wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
- Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water – so that you regularly urinate during the day and do not feel thirsty
- Wash the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex
- Urinate as soon as possible after sex
- Explore different birth control options – Some types of birth control might promote an overgrowth of harmful bacteria including:
- Diaphragms
- Non-lubricated condoms
- Spermicides
- Spermicide condoms
What are the symptoms of Uncomplicated UTI?
Symptoms of an Uncomplicated UTI may include:
- Pain or a burning sensation when passing urine (dysuria)
- Needing to pass urine more often than usual
- Needing to pass urine more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
- Needing to pass urine suddenly or more urgently than usual
- Urine that looks cloudy
- Blood in your pee
- Lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
- A high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- A very low temperature below 36C
Is an Uncomplicated UTI contagious?
Uncomplicated UTIs are not contagious and cannot be sexually transmitted.
When to get advice from a GP
You should contact your GP if you suspect you have a UTI and you:
- Have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) for the first time
- Have a child has symptoms of a UTI
- Are a man with symptoms of a UTI
- Are pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI
- Are caring for an older, frail person who may have symptoms of a UTI
- Have symptoms of a UTI after surgery
- Have symptoms that get worse or do not improve within 2 days
- Have symptoms that come back after treatment
- Are immunosuppressed because of an underlying condition or because of treatment e.g chemotherapy
- Have associated vaginal discharge
You should seek an emergency GP appointment or Call NHS 111 immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
- Have a very low temperature below 36C
- Are confused or drowsy
- Have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
- Can see blood when you pass urine
Check if you qualify for FREE treatment with NHS Pharmacy First, without seeing your GP
You can check your eligibility to use the NHS Pharmacy First service if you suspect you have an uncomplicated UTI and you:
- Are a biological female aged between 18 years and 64 years
And you have ONE or more of the following symptoms:
- Dysuria (burning pain when passing urine)
- New nocturia (needing to pass urine in the night)
- Urine cloudy to the naked eye (visual inspection by pharmacist if practicable)
The NHS Pharmacy First service is available to all NowPatient users who are registered with the NHS in England. If you are exempt from paying for your prescriptions, the service and the treatments are provided free of charge. If you are not exempt from paying prescription charges, treatments are provided at the prevailing NHS prescription charge rate. There is no charge for consultations.
What NHS Pharmacy First treatments are available for Uncomplicated UTIs?
Although many cases of Uncomplicated UTIs tend to self-resolve, you may find that the symptoms may warrant treatment. You have a number of self-care and referral options:
- Purchase an over-the-counter painkiller from a store
- Refer to the NowPatient NHS Pharmacy FIrst service where you will be assessed and possibly given a prescription for a short course of antibiotics
- If there are warning signs and you are not eligible to use the NHS Pharmacy First service, then self-refer to a GP
It’s important to take all the medicine you’re prescribed, even if you start to feel better.
Sources
- Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options
- Symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections in the ambulatory setting: randomised, double blind trial
- NHS – Urinary Track Infections
- Cleveland Clinic – Urinary Track Infections
- NHS – Cystitis
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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Service Guide
Everything You Need to Know About NHS Pharmacy First Eligibility for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection
What is NHS Pharmacy First Service for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection and how does it work?
If you are aged 18 years and over, and registered with the NHS in England, you may qualify for a FREE remote video consultation and treatment for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection, without having to see your GP.
NHS Pharmacy First is available to ALL NHS patients in England and will allow you to get treated for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection with prescription-only medications, without having to visit your GP or obtain a prescription.
If treatments are prescribed, they are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from NowPatient’s online pharmacy.
The FREE service is subject to an eligibility screen.
Do you treat Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection through NHS Pharmacy First?
Yes. We also treat the following other conditions:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throats
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
Is the NHS Pharmacy First Service for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection safe for me to use?
Yes. The NHS Pharmacy First Service is classified as a Class I medical device under UK MDR 2002 regulations, for its intended use. It also complies with NHS standards DTAC, DCB 0160 & DCB 0129.
How much does the service cost?
This is a FREE service for NHS-registered users in England. If you are prescribed medication for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection at the end of your assessment and you are not exempt from NHS prescription charges, then you will need to pay a single NHS prescription charge. If you are exempt from prescription charges, for example, if you are on Income Support or aged over 60, then you will not be charged.
Will you have access to my GP records?
Yes, as an NHS patient, our clinicians will be able to access your GP record including medications, observations, and investigations. This ensures our clinicians are able to assess you appropriately.
Is the service secure when conducted remotely?
Yes. NowPatient operates from a HIPAA, DTAC, and Cyber Essentials Plus certified compliant platform that assures the highest levels of information security and allows us to safely handle PHI (Patient Health Information). Clinicians who access our systems do so on a zero-trust basis backed with SSO technologies.
How can I be sure the service is provided by a qualified and trustworthy clinician?
Our clinicians are board-certified pharmacists who are qualified to prescribe selected medications for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection, as outlined by the NHS.
Each clinician is registered with the appropriate regulatory body—for example, pharmacists are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). All clinicians undergo thorough background checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as well as a comprehensive license verification process. When you book an appointment, you’ll be able to view the clinician’s full name, license number, and any specialist credentials.
The medications and conditions our clinicians can prescribe and treat is strictly governed, risk-assessed, and regularly reviewed in line with NHS guidelines. Our service is delivered via remote video consultations (synchronous consultations), which help ensure clinical safety and appropriate prescribing. Please note that medication is not guaranteed and is provided only at the discretion of the assessing clinician.
Do I need to provide any consents before the NHS Pharmacy First Consultation for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection?
During the virtual consultation for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection, we will obtain a consent from you for providing this service. This is required so we can communicate with your GP and provide information to NHS England, NHS Improvement, and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) if required.
Is the service available in the United States and the United Kingdom?
No. At the moment, it is only available in England.
Can I use NowPatient’s NHS Pharmacy First Service for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection if I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
This service is commissioned by NHS England and is only available to patients in England. You will not be able to use the feature if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
How do I use the NHS Pharmacy First Service for treating Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection?
Navigate to the NHS Pharmacy First Service Card which can be found in the ‘NHS Hub’ section of the account homepage.
Choose ‘Select Condition’ from the Options Menu on the NHS Pharmacy First Service Card and follow the steps below:
Step 1 – Choose Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection you would like to treat and click ‘Check Eligibility’
Step 2 – Using the AI Chat Bot, answer the questions presented to determine your eligibility for the service. If you qualify, you’ll be prompted to book a consultation. Click on the ‘Book Consultation’ button to proceed. If you do not qualify, we will signpost you to the right NHS care provider or service.
Step 3 – Now follow the instructions below to complete your booking
1Book Consultation
2Choose Consultation DateNext, you’ll be taken to the ‘Consultation Date’ screen, where you can select your preferred consultation date. You can also add any notes that might assist the clinician during your session. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
3Choose Consultation TimeYou will now see the ‘Consultation Time’ screen. Select your preferred time for the consultation and then click ‘Continue’.
4Choose ClinicianOn the ‘Choose Clinician’ screen, you’ll be able to view available clinicians and select the one you prefer. You can filter the list by gender and spoken languages. Once you’ve made your selection, click ‘Continue’.
5Booking ConfirmationYou will now arrive at the ‘Booking Confirmation’ screen, where you can review a summary of your booking. This screen also includes an advisory titled ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’, which offers helpful tips on how to prepare for your live video consultation. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
6Safety Information & RemindersYou’ll be asked to provide safety information, including: - The address where you will be during the consultation - Emergency contact details You can also opt to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your scheduled video consultation.
7Final ConfirmationClick ‘Confirm Booking’ to complete the process. A pop-up will appear to confirm your booking, and you will be redirected to your account homepage. You’ll also receive confirmation via In-App and Push notifications.
What happens during the NHS Pharmacy First Service remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection and potential treatment options. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment is a safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the various treatment options that may be available, so that you can jointly agree on the option that is most suited to you. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription order.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens after my NHS Pharmacy First Service remote video consultation for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection?
You may be sent a short survey asking you about your experience attending your remote video consultation. We encourage you to complete this as it provides us with valuable feedback to improve your experience in the future. It’s helpful for us if you point out things that didn’t go well, and suggest ways of improving the experience for you and others.
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician. You will be notified of the summary via an In-App and Push notification. Once you receive the notification, navigate to ‘Notifications’ on the account homepage and you will be able to view it.
What happens if I’ve been prescribed a treatment for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection?
If your attending clinician prescribes a treatment for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection during the virtual consultation, you will be informed at that time. To complete your checkout, please follow the steps outlined below.
1Go to Cart using Account Navigation
2If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up
3Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item
4Select ‘Checkout’
5Select Delivery Address
6Select Delivery Method
7Confirm Billing Address
8Review Order
9Submit Payment
10Order Completed
11Return to Account Homepage
What status updates do I get after I place my order?
NowPatient uses a structured notification system for all orders, ensuring you’re consistently informed about your order status every step of the way.
You can expect status update notifications through the following channels:
- In-App
How will my order be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes in England. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times (England Only):
- Royal Mail Standard Tracked & Signed for Delivery for NHS prescriptions – 2/3 day delivery (normally 48 hours)
- DHL Express Tracked Delivery – 1/2 day delivery (normally 24 hours)
- Royal Mail Special Delivery – Next working day (Royal Mail Guaranteed before 1pm)
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.