---
title: "Cystitis & UTI: symptoms, causes & treatment | Sanara Health"
description: "Bladder infections cause burning urination and frequent urges to pass urine — common in women and usually quick to treat with antibiotics."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/cystitis/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# Cystitis & UTI: symptoms, causes & treatment

Bladder infections cause burning urination and frequent urges to pass urine — common in women and usually quick to treat with antibiotics.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

NHS option in England

## Check Pharmacy First before paying privately

Pharmacists in England can assess and, if appropriate, treat uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women aged 16 to 64 under the NHS Pharmacy First service — no GP appointment needed. The usual NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine unless you are exempt. Most pharmacies offer it; phone before you go.

[How Pharmacy First works →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/pharmacy-first-uk/)[NHS or online? Decision tool →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/tools/nhs-or-online/)

Source: [NHS: how pharmacies can help](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/), checked 24 September 2026. Sanara earns nothing when you use the NHS.

## Symptoms

- Burning when urinating
- Frequent urgent urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort

## Why it happens

Bacteria entering the bladder, often E. coli. More common after sex, with dehydration, or in menopause.

## Treatment

Short-course antibiotics clear uncomplicated cystitis in women within 1–2 days when clinically appropriate.

## Self-care that helps

Drink plenty of water; complete the antibiotic course; urinate after sex; avoid holding urine for long periods.

## When to get help

Fever, back pain, blood in urine, pregnancy, or symptoms in men or children — needs prompt assessment.

[See our cystitis & uti support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/contraception-pill-online-uk/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics in the UK? — Who can prescribe antibiotics in the UK — GP, nurse prescriber, pharmacist prescriber and online clinics. What each can supply and when you still need a face-to-face appointment.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/pharmacists-prescribe-antibiotics-uk/)

[Thrush treatment online UK: symptoms, tablets and when to retest — How to treat thrush online in the UK — oral capsule vs cream, partner treatment and when symptoms need STI screening.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/thrush-treatment-online-uk/)

[Can you get UTI antibiotics online in the UK? — How online cystitis treatment works for women in the UK — who qualifies, which antibiotics are used, and when you need in-person care instead.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/uti-antibiotics-online-uk/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Everyday health — Vitamin D3: 1000 IU explained](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/vitamin-d3-1000iu/)

[Everyday health — Omega-3 fish oil](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/omega-3-fish-oil/)

[Everyday health — Daily multivitamins](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-multivitamin/)