
Online Cystitis Treatments & Prescriptions
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.

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Available Treatments for Cystitis
VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE
What to Expect From Your Online Video Consultation


How do I check if I’m eligible for a video consultation?
Video consultations are suitable for most patients who do not need a physical examination. They may not be appropriate if you require hands-on physical examination or need laboratory tests that cannot be done remotely. Video consultations are not a substitute for your regular doctor if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.
How do I complete my health profile?
Before booking, ensure your health profile is up to date. Your clinician will use this information to provide safe, personalised care. You may need to provide current medications and supplements, known allergies and adverse reactions, existing medical conditions, previous surgeries or hospitalisations, family medical history (where relevant), current symptoms or health concerns, height and weight (for BMI calculation), and blood pressure readings (where required).
How do I check my device is ready for a video consultation?
Make sure NowPatient has permission to access your camera and microphone, you have a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection, and you are using a compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC.
How do I select a service?
Log in to your NowPatient account and navigate to the relevant Service Card on your homepage. Follow the prompts for the service you need (e.g., NHS Pharmacy First, Weight Loss, Buying Treatments Online). Please remember, some services have eligibility requirements before you can book a consultation.
How do I choose a date for my appointment?
Select your preferred consultation date. You can add notes at this stage to help the clinician prepare for your session. Click Continue.
How do I choose a time for my appointment?
Select your preferred appointment time from the available slots and click Continue. Slots are available up to 7 days in advance.
How do I choose a clinician?
Browse available clinicians trained for your chosen service. You can filter by gender or spoken languages. Each clinician's full name, licence number, and specialist credentials are displayed. Select your preferred clinician and click Continue.
How do I review my booking?
Check the summary of your appointment and read the Pre-consultation Requirements for tips on how to prepare. Click Continue.
What safety information do I need to provide?
Enter your consultation address (where you will be during the call) and emergency contact details. You can also opt in to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your appointment.
How do I confirm my booking?
Click Confirm Booking. You will receive an in-app confirmation pop-up, push and in-app notifications, and a confirmation email with details of what to expect.
How do I take my blood pressure via the app?
Some services require a recent blood pressure reading before your consultation. If prompted, open the blood pressure tool in the NowPatient app, read and agree to the disclaimer, enter your age, height, and gender, and follow the on-screen instructions. The tool uses your smartphone's front-facing camera — no cuff or wearable required. Classified as a Class I Medical Device (CE and UKCA certified). Available on iOS and Android only.
How do I join my video consultation?
At your scheduled time, open the NowPatient app and join your consultation.
How does identity verification work?
Your clinician will introduce themselves and verify your identity. Please have your ID ready.
What declarations do I need to confirm?
You will be reminded that you must complete the consultation for yourself, disclose all medical conditions, illnesses, and operations, disclose all prescription medications you are currently taking, and provide accurate and honest responses throughout. Withholding or providing false information can severely harm your health.
What happens during my clinical assessment?
Your clinician will carry out an assessment relevant to your chosen service. Depending on the service, this may lead to issuance of a prescription (added to your cart), guided counselling, discussion of test results, or general health advice.
What does it mean to consent to inform my doctor?
With your consent, your clinician may inform your regular doctor of the consultation outcome. NowPatient strongly recommends agreeing to this, as your GP is responsible for your overall care.
How will I receive my post-consultation summary?
You will receive a notification summarising the outcome of your appointment, any referrals made to your doctor, and any advice given by your clinician. If a referral letter was issued, you can view it in the Documents section of your account.
How do I complete my order if treatment was prescribed?
If your clinician prescribed a treatment, go to your Cart, complete any payment exemptions (such as NHS Exemption Declaration if applicable), select Checkout, choose your delivery address and method, confirm your billing address, review your order and submit payment. Your order will be sent to NowPatient’s licensed online pharmacy for processing and dispatch.
How do I complete the feedback survey?
You may receive a short survey about your experience. NowPatient encourages all patients to complete it — your feedback helps improve the service for everyone.
How do I cancel a video consultation, and what happens if I miss my appointment?
To cancel an appointment:
Go to the Consultations section of your account.
Select Upcoming Consultations.
Choose the appointment you wish to cancel.
Click Cancel and confirm.
Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Missed appointments: After two missed appointments, your booking rights will be temporarily revoked. Contact the NowPatient support desk if you believe this was applied in error.
How do I contact NowPatient for help and support?
Contact Method | Details |
UK Phone | +44 20 388 51 500 |
US Phone | 1-866-967-1977 |
Hours (UK) | Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm GMT |
Hours (US) | Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm EST |
Support |
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We Can Answer Your Questions Quickly


What Conditions Does the Get Treated Privately Service Treat?
NowPatient clinicians can assess and treat the following 30+ common conditions through the service
Hair loss
Weight loss
Insomnia
Menopause
Acne
Cystitis
Erectile dysfunction
Fungal nail infections
Genital herpes
Hair loss
Influenza
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Migraines
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Shingles
Thrush
Urinary retention
+ More
Who Is Eligible?
You can use the Get Treated Privately service if you:
Are aged 18 or over
Have a NowPatient registered account
How Much Does the Service Cost?
The consultation itself is completely free. If your clinician prescribes medication then you only pay for the cost of the medication, including any shipment costs. If your clinician does not prescribe a treatment, then there is no cost whatsoever.
The Get Treated Privately service follows a straightforward process:
Search for a treatment or condition. Log in to your NowPatient account and navigate to the Get Treated Privately Service Card on your account homepage. Use the Options Menu to search for a particular treatment or a condition that you would like get treated.
Complete your health profile. Before booking a consultation, make sure your health profile is up to date (see ‘Preparing for Your Consultation’ below).
Book a consultation. Choose a convenient date, time, and clinician. You can filter clinicians by gender and spoken languages. Booking slots are available up to 7 days in advance.
Attend your video consultation. Your clinician will verify your identity, review your health profile, assess your condition, and discuss treatment options.
Receive your treatment. If a prescription is issued, the medication is added to your Cart. Complete checkout and payment, and your order is dispatched from our licensed online pharmacy.
Preparing for Your Consultation
To ensure safe and personalised care, you must complete or update your health profile before booking. This helps your clinician identify potential drug interactions, allergies, and contraindications. Depending on the treatment or the condition being treated, Your clinician may require the following:
Current medications and supplements
Known allergies and adverse reactions
Existing medical conditions
Previous surgeries or hospitalisations
Family medical history (where relevant)
Current symptoms or health concerns
Blood pressure readings (see below)
Height and weight (to calculate your BMI)
Certain blood test results
Important: Before your consultation please ensure NowPatient has access to your device’s microphone and camera. Also please bring your ID - your clinician will verify your identity for safety. Finally, you can bring a carer, friend, or family member if they are in the same location as you. Let your clinician know at the start of the appointment. You may be asked about their relationship to you.
Providing Your Blood Pressure Reading
For certain medications or condition treatments, your clinician may need your most recent blood pressure reading. The NowPatient app uses an innovative, cuffless approach — your smartphone’s front-facing camera measures your blood pressure while held in front of your face. It is the world’s only blood pressure check without a cuff or wearable.
The blood pressure tool is classified as a Medical Device and conforms to EU CE and UKCA Class I Medical Device standards. CE Class IIa conformity is expected in 2025. You will need a recent iOS or Android smartphone with a front-facing camera (not available on desktop devices).
To take your reading:
Start the process. During booking, if a blood pressure reading is required, you will be prompted to take one via the NowPatient app.
Read and agree to the disclaimer.
Enter your personal details. You will need to provide your age, height, and gender.
Follow the on-screen steps. We recommend being in a well-lit room with a stable Wi-Fi connection. The screen will tell you when to stay still.
Attend your consultation. Your clinician will now have your most recent reading to make safe prescribing decisions.
What Happens During the Video Consultation?
At the start, your clinician will introduce themselves and confirm your identity. You will be reminded that:
You are completing this consultation for yourself and to the best of your knowledge
You must disclose any medical conditions, serious illnesses, or operations
You must disclose any prescription medications you are currently taking
You must provide accurate and honest responses since withholding or providing false information can severely harm your health and may result in life-threatening consequences
You confirm that your responses are truthful and accurate
Your clinician will then conduct the assessment relating to your chosen treatment or condition. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide whether treatment is safe and suitable for you.
If treatment is appropriate, the clinician will discuss the available options with you so that you can jointly agree on the best course of action. Once agreed, the clinician will issue a prescription order.
With your consent, the clinician may also inform your doctor of the treatment prescribed. We recommend you agree to this, as your doctor is responsible for your overall care and should have a record of the consultation and any medication prescribed.
Your clinician may also take the opportunity to offer general health advice, including guidance on healthy living or stopping smoking.
Please note: Medication is not guaranteed and is provided only at the discretion of the assessing clinician.
What Happens After the Consultation?
After your consultation, you will receive a post-consultation notification summarising:
The outcome of your appointment
Any referrals made to your doctor
Any advice given by your clinician
Your family doctor is responsible for your overall care. Our clinicians will communicate with your doctor if they have concerns or recommendations that could affect your care. Referrals are only made with your explicit consent or where they form part of the terms of service you agreed to.
If a referral letter was issued, you can view a copy in the ‘Documents’ section of your account. If treatment was prescribed, it will appear in your Cart.
You may also receive a short survey about your experience. We encourage you to complete it. Your feedback helps us improve the service for you and other patients.
How to Complete Your Order After Treatment Is Prescribed
If your clinician prescribes treatment during the consultation, follow these steps to complete your order:
Go to your Cart. Use the account navigation to open your Cart.
Select ‘Checkout’. Proceed from the Cart to the checkout process.
Choose your delivery address. Select or add the address where you would like your medication delivered.
Choose your delivery method. Select from the available delivery options.
Confirm your billing address. Review and confirm your billing details.
Review your order. Check the order summary to make sure everything is correct.
Submit payment. Complete payment on our secure banking page. NowPatient never handles your payment details — all payments are processed securely by our banking partner.
Order confirmed. You will see an order confirmation screen and be redirected to your account homepage.
Reordering Your Medication
Fourteen days after receiving your first monthly supply, NowPatient will send you a notification advising that you are eligible to reorder. To reorder, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately and select the option ‘Manage Treatments’. Here, you will be able to view the following sections:
Reorder
Voided
Pending
Select ‘Reorder’ and this will allow you to book a follow-up consultation.
For your own safety and for our prescribing guidelines, we do not issue more than 1 month supply at a time, this ensures your clinician can:
Follow up on your progress before issuing a new prescription
Assess any new information that may affect your current treatment plan
Confirm the treatment continues to remain safe, suitable, and effective
Adjust your dose if needed, or advise you to stop treatment
At the end of the follow-up, the clinician may advise you to stop treatment, stay on the current dose, or increase the dose. If it is safe to continue, the medication will be added to your Cart for checkout. As a responsible prescribing service, NowPatient always monitors treatment plans to ensure ongoing safety and suitability.
Your Prescribing Clinician
NowPatient’s prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. Each clinician is registered with their respective regulatory body — for example, pharmacist independent prescribers in England are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Every clinician undergoes an extensive background check, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and a rigorous licence verification process. When you book, you will see the clinician’s full name, licence number, and any specialist credentials.
Our formulary of medications and conditions treated is controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr. Ihtesham Sabri.
Please note: If your clinician does not prescribe what you were hoping for, it is because they have exercised their clinical judgement. NowPatient is a safe prescribing service, not a self-select service. If no prescription is issued, you will not be charged.
Medication Advice and Counselling
NowPatient’s pharmacists provide medication advice and counselling across all dispensing services. If you have any questions about your prescribed medication, our pharmacy team is available to help.
Delivery
Where Do You Deliver?
We deliver to all postcodes and zip codes worldwide. Some rural areas may experience slightly longer delivery times.
How Is My Order Packaged?
All orders are shipped in discreet, unmarked packaging, suitable for delivery to your home, workplace, or a neighbour’s address. For temperature-sensitive items (such as insulin or weight loss injections), we use cold chain-validated packaging to maintain product quality, safety, and efficacy.
First order restriction: For your protection, your first order can only be delivered to the address registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address.
Delivery Options and Timescales
We aim to dispatch all orders placed Monday–Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed after 3pm or on weekends are dispatched the next working day.
UK — Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed: Next-day delivery
Europe — Royal Mail Tracked: 3–5 working days
Worldwide — Royal Mail: 5–7 working days (tracked where available)
For deliveries outside the UK, check with your national postal service for accurate delivery days.
What If My Order Has Not Arrived?
You can check tracking details in the ‘Notifications’ section on your account homepage (click the bell icon) at any time after dispatch. If your delivery has not arrived within 10 days of the dispatch notification, contact us and we will do everything we can to resolve the issue.
Order Status Updates
NowPatient keeps you informed at every stage. You will receive status update notifications through:
Email
In-app notifications
Privacy, Security, and Data Protection
Are My Consultations Confidential?
Yes. NowPatient follows strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and is HIPAA compliant, ensuring Personal Health Information (PHI) is handled securely. Legal requirements ensure your personal data is managed with the utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of all processing, and breaches are reported if they occur.
How Is My Data Protected?
NowPatient meets and exceeds UK and US data security standards, demonstrated through regular internal and external audits. Our externally audited accreditations include:
ISO27001
DTAC
DSPT
Cyber Essentials+
How Is My Data Stored?
Data residency is a key priority. UK-based data remains solely in the UK. US data is governed by HIPAA-prescribed data security protocols. The data centres we use align with the highest standards of security and privacy, safeguarded through regular external audits.
Are Remote Video Consultations Safe?
Yes. NowPatient has specific safeguards and protocols in place. Our video technology platform is certified to the highest industry standards of data security and clinical governance.
SAFE PRESCRIBING
Get Started With the Right Treatment for You
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Cystitis Key Facts

(Current Version)
Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection (UTI) mainly affecting women. Cystitis will often not need treatment, however, sometimes you may need to take medication to help clear up your symptoms. Here, we will take a closer look at what causes Cystitis, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to prevent you from getting Cystitis in the future.
What is Cystitis?
Cystitis is essentially inflammation of the bladder caused by a bladder infection. Symptoms include pain, swelling, a feeling of discomfort in the bladder and changes in urination. Cystitis may occur in men and women, but due to anatomy, it is actually more common in women. In men, inflammation of the prostate gland can cause symptoms similar to those of Cystitis.
What causes Cystitis?
Cystitis may be caused by a variety of reasons, such as bacterial infections, a weak immune system, reactions to medication, hormonal changes after menopause, radiation therapy, or chemical irritants.
Bacterial Cystitis, the most common cause of Cystitis, occurs when bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), enters the bladder through the urethra. Bacterial Cystitis tends to be caused by poor hygiene and sexual activity.
Certain medications, such as those taken for chemotherapy can irritate the lining of the bladder, causing drug-induced Cystitis. Radiation therapy, used for the treatment of cancer can cause radiation Cystitis. Symptoms include inflammation and damage to the bladder. Long-term use of urinary catheters may also lead to bacteria entering the bladder, leading to foreign body Cystitis.
Underlying health conditions, such as kidney stones, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or spinal cord injury can also lead to Cystitis. To manage Cystitis in these cases the underlying condition needs to be treated.
Bubble baths, douches and certain forms of contraception such as spermicides may irritate the bladder, also causing chemical Cystitis.
Symptoms of Cystitis
The symptoms of Cystitis will depend on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include pain, burning or stinging when urinating, urinating more often, incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder, changes in the colour and smell of urine and pain in the abdomen. Symptoms in young children with Cystitis may include fever, irritability, lack of appetite, and vomiting.
Diagnosis of Cystitis
A healthcare provider will need to carry out a medical assessment. They will ask about your symptoms, any medical history, and relevant risk factors. They will take a urine sample to check for bacteria, blood, or other potential abnormalities. A urine culture may be taken, to identify the bacteria causing your infection. Imaging techniques may also be used to assess your symptoms. These tests will help to identify any abnormalities or conditions that may be causing your Cystitis.
Treatment of Cystitis
Treatment for Cystitis will depend on the cause and the severity of your symptoms. Bacterial Cystitis is treated with antibiotics to clear any infection. The antibiotic prescribed to you will depend on the type of bacteria, the severity of your symptoms, and any other health conditions you may have. You are recommended to complete the course of antibiotics even if your symptoms of Cystitis clear. Failing to complete your course may lead to bacterial resistance.
Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder pain syndrome), is a chronic or long-term form of Cystitis. Treatment will require a combination of medications to relieve any pain and inflammation and changes to your lifestyle.
The underlying cause will need to be identified and treated if you have non-infectious Cystitis. This may require stopping the treatment of a particular medication or identifying and avoiding what is causing the inflammation. You may also be given advice on how to manage your pain to relieve discomfort.
Do home remedies work for Cystitis?
Certain home remedies can also help relieve symptoms and help with healing. These include changes to your lifestyle, hydration and pain relief.
Self-care measures include heat pads applied to your lower abdomen, good hygiene, and avoiding the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Painkillers, available over the counter from your local pharmacy, such as ibuprofen, will help reduce any pain or discomfort you have. Also, medication containing ingredients such as potassium citrate will help to reduce the acidity of your urine. The effectiveness of these products is however not clear. Follow the dosage instructions or speak to your healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or become worse.
Make sure you drink plenty of water. This will help keep you well hydrated and clear out any bacteria. This will keep your bladder healthy. Also, avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol, or acidic drinks that will irritate your bladder.
Preventing Cystitis
Preventing Cystitis is crucial when it comes to managing the risk of infections. Good hygiene is essential to prevent Cystitis. For women, this includes wiping front to back when using the toilet, avoiding personal care products that cause irritation, and practising safe sex.
Fully emptying the bladder, peeing after sex, and not holding urine for long periods can all also reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Drinking plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated, wearing breathable underwear, and not wearing tight clothing, can all contribute to your bladder health, reducing your chances of developing Cystitis.
Cystitis in specific populations
Cystitis is most common in women, but can also occur in men. In men, Cystitis is associated with underlying health conditions, such as an enlarged prostate.
Children with Cystitis may have symptoms such as a fever, changes in appetite or irritability. Children need to be treated as a matter of urgency if they do have Cystitis to prevent further complications.
Cystitis in the elderly can be more difficult to diagnose due to any age-related changes and other medical conditions they may have. Cystitis, in the elderly, may be easily missed as symptoms may include confusion, a common condition in older adults.
Complications of Cystitis
Cystitis is not a serious condition, but if left untreated or recurrent infections occur it can lead to complications, such as kidney infections (pyelonephritis) and hematuria. Kidney infections may require hospitalization and antibiotics, while hematuria is often harmless and resolves on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cystitis contagious?
No, Cystitis is not contagious, even though it is an infection. It cannot be transmitted to others.
How is Cystitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves examining the symptoms, taking a medical history, and a physical examination. A urinalysis test may be carried out to test for any signs of an infection. Further tests such as a cystoscopy may also be carried out if required.
How is Cystitis treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the cause. Cystitis, in some cases, may resolve on its own. However, antibiotics such as, nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim are commonly used. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may also be taken to relieve pain.
Can I diagnose Cystitis myself?
You are recommended to speak to a healthcare professional for a diagnosis of Cystitis, to prevent incorrect diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
How soon will antibiotic treatment work?
Antibiotics will begin to work within one or two days of starting treatment. You must complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed, to ensure the infection is cleared and to reduce the risk of reinfection.
How can I relieve the pain?
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used to relieve pain. Follow the dosage instructions on the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.
What if antibiotics don’t provide relief?
If you do not see an improvement in your symptoms within 48 hours of starting treatment with antibiotics, speak to your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Can I drink alcohol while on Cystitis antibiotics?
It is safe to drink alcohol while taking most antibiotics. However, alcohol may make you feel unwell when you have an infection. Also, metronidazole, in particular may cause adverse reactions if you drink alcohol.
Does cranberry juice help with Cystitis?
There is limited evidence to support the use of Cranberry juice for the treatment of Cystitis. However, some studies do suggest cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections. Speak to a healthcare professional for further advice.
Conclusion
To treat Cystitis effectively, a correct diagnosis is essential. Based on this, treatment and prevention can be addressed. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for an early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications from Cystitis.
Sources
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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