Did You Know? Pharmacists can now assess uncomplicated UTIs and prescribe treatment, helping you get the care you need sooner.
As a pharmacist, UTIs are one of the most common concerns I help women with and one of the most treatable. Around 1 in 2 Australian women will experience one in their lifetime, and they’re one of the most common reasons women come in to see me or a GP.
Yet I regularly speak with women who’ve been putting up with the discomfort for a few days before coming in, hoping it might settle on its own. It often doesn’t, and waiting can mean the infection has more time to take hold.
Let’s change that. UTIs are common, they’re straightforward to treat once identified, and in most cases a short course of medication is all it takes to feel like yourself again.
This guide covers what a UTI is, what causes it, how to recognise it, and how to treat and prevent it. My aim is to give you enough information to feel confident about your next step and to know that help is always available at your local Complete Care Pharmacy.
Key Facts
- A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that can affect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys
- Around 1 in 2 Australian women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, often during their early adult or reproductive years
- Common symptoms include burning when urinating, a frequent or urgent need to go, and pelvic discomfort
- Most cases are treated quickly with a short course of antibiotics
- A Complete Care pharmacist can assess and prescribe treatment for uncomplicated UTIs, helping you get the care you need sooner.
- The sooner you treat it, the sooner you’ll feel better
What Is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing infection and inflammation. It most commonly affects the bladder or urethra, though it can travel further and reach the kidneys if left untreated.
Most women describe it as a sudden, uncomfortable urge to urinate, even when there’s very little urine, along with a burning or stinging sensation when passing urine. In simple terms, it’s your body reacting to bacteria in an area that’s normally sterile.
Pharmacist tip: If symptoms come on quickly and feel quite different from your normal urinary pattern, it’s worth getting checked early rather than waiting it out.
Types of UTIs
UTIs can affect different parts of the urinary system, and the symptoms usually depend on where the infection is sitting.
- Urethritis (infection in the urethra) – A sharp burning or stinging when you start to urinate, with irritation around the urethral opening. Usually mild but uncomfortable – speak with a pharmacist, and see a GP if it persists or worsens
- Cystitis (infection in the bladder) – A frequent urge to urinate even with little output, lower abdominal pressure, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and ongoing pelvic discomfort. Common, and typically manageable with prompt treatment
- Pyelonephritis (infection in the kidneys) – High fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the lower back or side. This is a serious condition that needs urgent medical care
Worth knowing: If you’re unsure which type you might have, don’t worry – that’s exactly what we’re here to help with. Visit a Complete Care Pharmacy near you. We’ll assess your symptoms and let you know if you should see a GP.
What Causes UTIs?
Most UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria normally found in the bowel. It can travel from the anal area to the urethra and enter the urinary tract, where it multiplies and causes infection.
Why Women Are More Likely to Get a UTI
Women are more prone to UTIs mainly because of anatomy. The urethra is shorter, so bacteria don’t have far to travel to reach the bladder, and the urethral opening sits closer to the anus and vaginal area, which increases the chance of bacterial transfer. Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause, can also reduce the natural protective lining of the urinary tract.
Some of the most common triggers and risk factors I discuss with patients include:
- Sexual activity, especially if you don’t urinate afterwards
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Holding urine for long periods
- Wiping back to front
- Pregnancy-related changes
- Menopause-related hormonal changes
- Previous UTIs, kidney stones, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
Pharmacist tip: One of the simplest prevention steps I recommend is urinating after sex and staying well hydrated – small habits can make a big difference.
UTI Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on whether the infection is in the bladder or has progressed further. Here’s what to look out for:
Common Symptoms
- Burning or stinging when urinating – Often the first and most noticeable sign
- Frequent urge to urinate – Even when there’s very little to pass
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine – A sign the infection is present
- Pelvic discomfort or pressure – Can range from mild to quite uncomfortable
- Mild lower abdominal pain – Often felt alongside the other symptoms
These are typical signs of a lower UTI, usually a bladder infection, and are worth having assessed by a pharmacist or GP.
Less Common Symptoms
- Blood in urine (haematuria)
- Feeling generally unwell or fatigued
- Mild fever
These can suggest a more progressed infection, and it’s advisable to see a GP for further evaluation.
Possible Kidney Infection – Seek Urgent Care
- High fever and chills
- Pain in the lower back or side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion, especially in older adults
This combination can indicate a kidney infection, which needs prompt medical treatment. Please don’t wait this one out.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing symptoms, I always recommend getting advice early. You don’t need to wait until it becomes severe. You can speak to a pharmacist like me at Complete Care Pharmacy or book a telehealth consultation. We can assess your symptoms and guide you on the next steps.
UTI Treatment Options
Here’s what I really want you to take away from this article: UTIs are usually very treatable when managed early.
Antibiotics
Most UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics. Based on your symptoms and history, your pharmacist will help determine whether this is needed and which option is most suitable. Most people feel improvement within 24–48 hours.
Pharmacist tip: Even if you feel better quickly, it’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics to fully clear the infection.
Over-the-Counter Options
These don’t treat the infection itself but can help ease discomfort while you’re waiting for treatment.
Non-Antibiotic Support
- Urinary alkalinisers: May help reduce burning by lowering urine acidity. Caution with these as they interact with certain antibiotics used to treat UTIs.
- Cranberry extract: May help prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall (not for active infection)
- Hydration: Helps flush bacteria through increased urine flow
- Probiotics: May support a healthy balance of bacteria
Always check with a pharmacist before starting supplements.
How a Complete Care Pharmacist Can Help
Coming in to talk about urinary or vaginal symptoms can feel a little awkward, but I want to reassure you, it’s one of the most routine conversations we have. There’s no judgement, and no appointment needed. Complete Care Pharmacies are all equipped with private consultation rooms we like to call ‘pods’. Your Complete Care Pharmacist will chat to you about your UTI symptoms in one of these pods, keeping your consultation private and confidential, always.
Here’s how we can help:
- Assess your symptoms – We’ll help work out whether a UTI is the most likely cause
- Recommend the right treatment – Based on your symptoms, history, and preferences
- Guide you through how to use it – So you get the best results and reduce the chance of recurrence
- Answer your questions – Whether it’s prevention, recurrence, or anything you’re unsure about
The sooner you come in, the sooner you’ll feel better.
UTI Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Trained pharmacists in Australia can treat uncomplicated UTIs and provide antibiotics where appropriate.
No, they are not contagious.
Sometimes mild cases may improve, but many require treatment to fully clear.
Yes, especially in women.
Usually due to bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying.
Not person-to-person—it’s usually from your own gut bacteria.
If you have fever, back pain, vomiting, or confusion, seek urgent care.
Most are cured with antibiotics.
2 in 6 months or 3 in a year may be considered recurrent.
Sources & Further Reading
This article is based on trusted Australian health resources:
- Healthdirect Australia – Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-tract-infection-uti - SA Health – Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au - University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Antibiotic resistance in UTIs study
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/03/antibiotic-resistance-in-UTIs-highest-in-aged-care-facilities-study
