Available at participating pharmacies nationwide
Urinary Tract
Infection (UTI) Service
Urinary Tract
Infection (UTI) Service
Urinary Tract
Infection (UTI) Service
Get help with UTI symptoms at your local Blooms The Chemist
If you think you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you may be able to get advice and treatment directly from a trained pharmacist at participating Blooms The Chemist stores.
UTIs can be uncomfortable and disruptive. The Blooms The Chemist UTI Service provides eligible customers a convenient way to access professional assessment of their symptoms, advice and, where appropriate, treatment from a trained pharmacist.
What happens during a UTI consultation?
During your consultation, the pharmacist will speak with you privately about your symptoms, medical history and any other information needed to determine the most appropriate next step.
Your pharmacist will assess whether your symptoms are consistent with an uncomplicated UTI and check that pharmacy treatment is suitable and safe for you.
Depending on the outcome of your consultation, the pharmacist may:
- provide advice on managing your symptoms
- recommend or prescribe treatment where appropriate
- explain how to use your treatment and what to expect
- provide advice about what to do if your symptoms don't improve
- refer you to a GP or other healthcare provider if your symptoms require further assessment or treatment.
Not everyone with UTI symptoms will be suitable for treatment through the pharmacy service. If the pharmacist identifies symptoms or other factors that need further investigation, they will explain this to you and recommend the appropriate next step.
Who can use the service?
Eligibility for pharmacist UTI services varies between Australian states and territories. Our UTI Service is designed to help eligible people experiencing symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI access assessment, advice and, where appropriate, treatment from a trained pharmacist.
In general, you may be eligible if you:
- Are female (including people presumed female at birth)
- Are aged 18 to 65 years, inclusive
- Have symptoms that may indicate an uncomplicated UTI
Symptoms may include
- Burning or stinging when urinating
- Needing to urinate more frequently than usual
- Feeling an urgent need to urinate
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
Your pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medicines and other health factors to make sure the pharmacy service is appropriate for you.
What should I expect at my appointment?
Your consultation will take place with a trained pharmacist and will include questions about your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history, current medicines and other factors that may affect treatment.
The consultation is conducted in a private and confidential setting.
You may find it helpful to bring a list of your current medicines and any relevant health information with you.
There may be a fee payable for this service.
When might the pharmacy UTI Service not be suitable?
Some UTIs and urinary symptoms need further medical assessment. Your pharmacist may recommend that you see a GP or another healthcare professional if, for example:
- You are pregnant or have recently given birth
- You experience frequent or recurring UTIs
- You have recently been treated for a UTI and symptoms have returned or haven't improved
- You have blood in your urine
- You have diabetes, kidney problems or a history of kidney infections
- You have a urinary catheter
- Your symptoms could be caused by another condition
- You have other medical conditions or take medicines that may make a UTI more complicated
Not sure if you're eligible?
That's okay. You don't need to work it out yourself before booking.
As part of your consultation, your Blooms The Chemist pharmacist will assess your symptoms and determine whether the UTI Service is appropriate for you. If pharmacy treatment isn't suitable, they will explain why and help direct you to the most appropriate healthcare provider.
FAQs
Do I need a prescription?
You do not need to obtain a prescription from your GP before attending the UTI Service.
Where permitted and clinically appropriate, a pharmacist who has completed the required training can provide or prescribe treatment following your consultation.
How much does the service cost?
A consultation fee may apply, and there may be an additional cost for any medicine supplied or prescribed.
Fees may vary between Blooms The Chemist stores. Please check with your local store for pricing.
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
Some symptoms can indicate that you need medical assessment rather than treatment through the pharmacy UTI Service.
Seek prompt medical advice if you are feeling very unwell or have symptoms such as fever, chills, pain in your back or side, vomiting, or blood in your urine.
If you are unsure whether the UTI Service is suitable for you, your Blooms The Chemist pharmacist can help you determine the most appropriate next step.
What is an urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is known as an infection in any part of your urinary system1. Your urinary system is made up of the following:
-
Two kidneys
-
Your bladder
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Two tubes, known as ureters, which join your kidneys to your bladder
-
Your urethra, which is a tube connecting your bladder to the surface of your body
Your urinary system filters your blood and eliminates waste and excess fluid from your body, including urine.
Infections most commonly occur in your bladder, but can also occur in your urethra or your kidneys.
It’s important to get treatment for your urinary tract infection as soon as possible, as if left untreated, a UTI can lead to a kidney infection.
1Healthdirect, Urinary tract infection (UTI), accessed 10 February 2023
What are the symptoms of an urinary tract infection?
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection include1:
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Passing small amounts of urine
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Feeling the need or ‘urge’ to pass urine frequently
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Having pain or a stinging or burning sensation when urinating
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Having pain in the lower back or sides of your lower abdomen
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Fever
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Chills
There are more symptoms that are not included in this list. If you do notice you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your general health care practitioner.
1Healthdirect, Urinary tract infection (UTI), accessed 10 February 2023
Am I at risk of getting an urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections can happen to anyone, but are more common in women who are sexually active or experiencing menopause1. Other people who are at a greater risk of developing a urinary tract infection include:
-
Males with prostate problems
-
Older people
-
People with urinary catheters
-
People with diabetes
-
Infants
1Healthdirect, Urinary tract infection (UTI), accessed 10 February 2023
How do I get diagnosed with an urinary tract infection?
Your doctor can diagnose you with a urinary tract infection by examining you and asking for a urine sample for testing1.
1Healthdirect, Urinary tract infection (UTI), accessed 10 February 2023
How is an urinary tract infection treated?
You can be prescribed antibiotics to treat your bacterial infection1. Please remember to take the full course of your antibiotics even if you start to see your symptoms alleviate.
1Healthdirect, Urinary tract infection (UTI), accessed 10 February 2023
How can I prevent getting an urinary tract infection?
If you suffer from repeated UTIs, some self help measures you can introduce include1:
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Drinking more fluids to help flush out the bacteria
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Urinating when you feel the need
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Urinating immediately after intercourse
-
Using lubricant gel with intercourse if the vaginal area is dry
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Wearing cotton underwear and loose fitting pants
1Healthdirect, Urinary tract infection (UTI), accessed 10 February 2023