Who this is for
Women aged 16 to 64. If you fall outside this, we can still give advice and point you to the right care.
About urinary tract infection
This part of the service is for women aged 16 to 64 with an uncomplicated lower UTI. Some symptoms and situations need a doctor instead, and the pharmacist will always check for these first.
Symptoms and what to look out for
Common signs include:
- Pain or a burning feeling when you pee
- Needing to pee more often or more urgently than usual
- Needing to pee during the night
- Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling pee
- Pain low down in your tummy
- Generally feeling unwell or achy
Where your symptoms fit an uncomplicated lower UTI, the pharmacist can supply antibiotics under the NHS protocol. Drinking enough fluids and using pain relief also help while you recover.
When to get help urgently
Seek urgent help
This service is not suitable for everyone. Please tell us — or see your GP — if any of these apply, as you may need different care:
- You are pregnant, or think you might be
- You have a high temperature, shivering, or pain in your side or lower back
- There is blood in your pee
- You are male, under 16 or over 64, or have a urinary catheter
- You get UTIs often, or symptoms do not improve within 48 hours of treatment
A high temperature with back or side pain can mean a kidney infection — call NHS 111 for advice.
What to expect from the consultation
You will be seen in our private consultation room — a room with a door, not the shop floor. The consultation itself is always free.
- The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms in the private consultation room.
- They will check the infection is an uncomplicated one suitable for the service.
- Where appropriate, antibiotics are supplied there and then, with self-care advice.
- If your symptoms suggest something more, we will refer you to a GP.
If we supply a medicine and you pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies — the same as at your GP. If you are exempt from prescription charges, it is free.
Book a consultation
Book a urinary tract infection consultation
Choose how you would like to be seen. Both options use our online calendar — pick a time that suits you. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Phone consultation
Speak to a pharmacist over the phone. Good for advice and for situations that may not need a physical examination.
Face-to-face at the pharmacy
Come in and be seen in our private consultation room at 44 Malabar Road. Best if we may need to examine you.
Prefer to talk to us first? Call 0116 360 2000.
Sources
The information on this page is based on current NHS and NICE guidance for Pharmacy First:
- NHS — Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries — UTI (lower) — women
- NHS — Pharmacy First service
Guidance reviewed for this page in September 2026. Always follow the advice of the pharmacist who assesses you.
This page is general information
It isn't a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor about your own health. Please read our disclaimer. If you're unwell and need urgent help, call NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.