Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common health issues affecting women in Australia. In fact, around 1 in 2 women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, and they are among the most frequent preventable causes of hospitalisation. UTIs can occur to anyone, but they are particularly common in women, making them more susceptible to infection.
What is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection that affects the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder and urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body). The infection can be classified as uncomplicated or complicated, with uncomplicated UTIs typically affecting the lower part of the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra.
Most UTIs cause discomfort such as:
- A burning feeling when urinating
- The frequent need to urinate, even when little comes out
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
In more severe cases, UTIs can also cause fever, chills or back pain, which may indicate the infection has spread to the kidneys. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly to avoid the infection worsening.
How can UTIs affect your health?
While most UTIs are easy to treat, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, causing more severe complications. Kidney infections can lead to long-term health issues, including kidney damage, and may require hospitalisation. This makes it even more important to act quickly at the first signs of a UTI.
How can your community pharmacist help?
UTIs can be easily treated with the right antibiotics, and now your community pharmacist can help! Pharmacists who have completed additional training can assess your symptoms and provide the appropriate treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. This means you can get treatment right away, in your local community pharmacy.
Here's how your community pharmacist can assist:
- Assessing your symptoms: Your community pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and determine if your UTI is uncomplicated and suitable for treatment in your pharmacy.
- Providing treatment: Pharmacists can offer antibiotics that are effective for uncomplicated UTIs, along with over-the-counter remedies to relieve symptoms like pain and discomfort.
- Prevention advice: Pharmacists can recommend lifestyle changes, hygiene practices and other preventative tips to reduce your risk of future UTIs.
Thanks to the success of UTI trials across Australia, women across the country now have access to immediate advice and treatment, including the supply of antibiotics when appropriate, through their local participating community pharmacy.
Your community pharmacist will also guide you on whether further medical attention is needed, especially if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
How to prevent a UTI
While UTIs can happen to anyone, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Visit your community pharmacy
Your community pharmacist is a trusted healthcare professional, trained to offer advice and treatment for a wide range of everyday health issues, including UTIs. With convenient access to treatment, your community pharmacist can help you manage your symptoms quickly and effectively, getting you back to feeling your best.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, don’t endure unnecessary discomfort. Visit your local community pharmacy today for fast, reliable care.
