A burning feeling when you pee, needing the toilet more often than usual, or urine that looks cloudy can all be signs of a UTI. The symptoms can vary between men and women, and some signs mean you should seek medical help rather than wait for them to settle. Getting the right UTI treatment early can also help prevent the infection from spreading.
What Are the Common Signs of a UTI?
Most UTIs cause noticeable changes when you urinate. You may find that you need to go more often or urgently, even if you have only passed a small amount of urine.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging when urinating
- Needing to urinate more often, including at night
- Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
- Pain or pressure low in your tummy
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI in Women?
Women are considered to have a UTI when they have two or more key urinary symptoms with no other likely cause, such as vaginal irritation.
You may notice:
- A sudden, urgent need to urinate
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Blood in the urine
- Pain low in the tummy or back
What Are UTI Symptoms in Men?
UTIs are less common in men, and the symptoms can be similar to those experienced by women. However, they can sometimes be linked to another problem, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones.
- The same urinary symptoms as women, plus a slow or weak stream
- Pain in the lower abdomen, back or between the legs
Why Do Men Need a GP Review?
If you’re a man with symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to see a GP rather than trying to treat it yourself. This is because an underlying cause may need to be investigated. Under NHS Pharmacy First, community pharmacies cannot usually treat UTIs in men for this reason.
When Should You Seek UTI Treatment?
Seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear, and get urgent care if they do not improve within 48 hours or come with fever, back pain or vomiting.
Signs You Need Urgent Care
- A high temperature or shivering
- Pain in your back or side
- Nausea, vomiting or confusion, which can signal a kidney infection
How Can a Pharmacist Help With UTI Treatment
A pharmacist can assess your symptoms and, if you’re an eligible woman aged 16 to 64, provide NHS-funded UTI treatment in Slough without a GP appointment first. Aroga Pharmacy, based in Farnham Common, offers this Pharmacy First assessment for women across Slough, Taplow and nearby areas, following NICE’s guideline on treating lower UTIs (NG109), which recommends antibiotics for straightforward infections. Men, pregnant women and anyone with recurrent infections are referred on for further assessment.
Think You Have a UTI? Get the Right Treatment
Don’t wait out the discomfort. If you live in Farnham Common, Slough, Taplow or nearby and think you have a UTI, Aroga Pharmacy offers fast, confidential UTI treatment. Book your consultation with Aroga Pharmacy today and get relief sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of a UTI?
The first signs are usually a burning feeling when you urinate, a sudden need to go more often, and urine that looks cloudy or smells stronger than usual.
How do the symptoms of a UTI in women differ from men?
Women typically notice burning, urgency and lower tummy pain, while UTI symptoms in men can also include a weak urine stream and pain in the back or groin, often linked to an underlying prostate or urinary tract issue.
Can a pharmacist provide UTI treatment for men?
Usually not on the spot. Men are generally referred to their GP for UTI symptoms, since an underlying cause needs to be checked before treatment can start safely.
How quickly does UTI treatment work?
Most people notice their symptoms starting to ease within 24 to 48 hours of starting the right treatment, though the full course should always be completed.
When should I seek urgent UTI treatment?
Seek urgent care if you develop a fever, back or side pain, vomiting or confusion, as these can signal a kidney infection that needs same-day attention.
How do I book UTI treatment in Slough or Taplow?
You can book a Pharmacy First consultation with Aroga Pharmacy, based in Farnham Common and serving Slough, Taplow and nearby areas, by phone or through our website.