Sandwell Pharmacy Group
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Pharmacy First & Minor Illness

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Uncomplicated UTIs cause burning or stinging when you wee, needing to go more often, and lower tummy discomfort. Women aged 16–64 can now be treated at the pharmacy.

Check eligibility & get treated →
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How we treat it

Our pharmacist follows the NHS clinical pathway and can supply antibiotics on the NHS where appropriate — no GP appointment or urine sample drop-off at the surgery.

Who's eligible?

Available free on the NHS for women aged 16 to 64. Use our one-minute eligibility checker and our pharmacist will be in touch to arrange your consultation — or just walk in.

Get help today instead if you have:Call us on 0121 500 5756, your GP, or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.
Start eligibility check →
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), explained

What it is, what to look out for, and what actually helps — from the pharmacists who treat it every day.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection happens when bacteria — usually from the bowel — get into the bladder and multiply. Uncomplicated UTIs are extremely common in women and cause that unmistakable burning when you wee, the constant urge to go, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

Under Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess women aged 16 to 64 with an uncomplicated UTI and supply NHS antibiotics where clinically appropriate — same day, no GP appointment, no urine sample sent away. If your symptoms fall outside that group, we'll still assess you and point you to the right care fast.

You may have a UTI if you have:

  • 1
    Burning, stinging or pain when you wee
  • 2
    Needing to wee more often or more urgently, often with little to pass
  • 3
    Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
  • 4
    Lower tummy ache or pressure
  • 5
    Feeling tired, achy or generally off-colour
What causes UTIs?
Most are caused by E. coli bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra and travelling to the bladder. Women get them far more often than men simply because the urethra is shorter. Sex, dehydration, holding urine in, the menopause and some contraceptives can all raise the risk.
How can I ease UTI symptoms at home?
Drink plenty of water, take paracetamol for the pain, and rest. A hot water bottle on your lower tummy helps the ache. Avoid alcohol and caffeine while symptoms last. Mild cystitis sometimes clears in a day or two with fluids alone — but if it's not settling or is getting worse, come and be assessed.
Do I need antibiotics for a UTI?
Not always — very mild symptoms may settle with fluids and painkillers. But a true bladder infection usually responds quickly to a short antibiotic course, typically three days. Our pharmacist runs through your symptoms and history, and where the assessment supports it, supplies NHS antibiotics on the spot for women 16–64.
Why can't men and over-65s use the pharmacy UTI service?
UTIs in men, children, over-65s, and anyone pregnant or with a catheter are classed as complicated — they carry a higher risk of underlying causes and need urine testing and GP-led care. We'll still see you, check your symptoms and make sure you get to the right place quickly.
When is a UTI urgent?
Get same-day help for pain in your back or side just below the ribs, a high fever, shaking or chills, nausea and vomiting, or blood in your urine. These suggest the infection may have reached the kidneys, which needs prompt treatment. Call your GP or 111 — and 999 if someone becomes confused or drowsy.

Read more on this

Written by our pharmacy team — practical detail on treatment, timing and when to get help.

Health HubUTI Treatment Without a GP AppointmentWho Pharmacy First covers, and what happens in the consultation.Read the guide →
All health articles →
This may be free on the NHS

Cystitis is covered by the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme. If you are exempt from prescription charges and registered with a Black Country GP, our pharmacist can supply the medicine free of charge — no GP appointment needed.

Check if you qualify →
0121 500 5756