Symptoms
- Burning when urinating
- Frequent urgent urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Available without prescription