Fast facts about a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Approximately 250,000 Australians develop a UTI each year
- Women are more susceptible to getting a UTI than men because of the short and straight shape of the urethra, which makes it easier for germs to travel into the bladder
- Participating Blooms The Chemist pharmacies can treat uncomplicated UTIs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system, including your bladder, urethra or kidneys. They are caused by bacteria.
While UTIs can be painful, they're not typically severe or life-threatening.
What are some common UTI symptoms?
Some UTI symptoms can include:
- Increased urgency to urinate, even if only a few drops
- Burning pain or scalding sensation during urination
- Unusual or foul-smelling urine
How will I know if it's spread further?
Not all UTIs become bladder infections, but it's important to treat your UTI quickly so it doesn't spread further up your urinary system.
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, please visit your doctor or healthcare practicioner for treatment as soon as you can.
Some symptoms that may mean it has spread to your kidneys include1:
- Chills
- Fever
- Lower abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Vomiting
UTIs can affect anyone of any age, including babies, young children, men and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes2.
What causes UTIs?
As bacteria do not normally live in the urinary tract, when they enter, they can multiply and cause a UTI.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common type of bacteria that can cause a UTI, as it is found in your digestive system and can easily spread to the urethra.2
How can my Pharmacist help me with a UTI?
UTIs are often categorised as:
- Uncomplicated, which occur in otherwise healthy individuals.
- Complicated, which can require a longer course of treatment and is found in men, pregnant women, immunocompromised patients.
Some states in Australia, such as VIC, QLD and NSW, are initiating UTI treatment programs in pharmacies for uncomplicated UTIs.
The availability varies by state and territory.
You can book a UTI consultation for uncomplicated UTIs with participating Blooms The Chemist pharmacies below.
This article has been republished with permission and is available in Health Plus Magazine. Visit your local Blooms The Chemist to get your copy today.
References:
1Kidney Health Australia, UTIs - what you need to know, accessed 28 April 2025
2National Library of Medicine, Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains-New Strategies for an Old Pathogen, accessed 28 April 2025