Urinary Tract Infection: Treated at the Pharmacy for Women Aged 16 to 64

What the service covers

Under Pharmacy First, a pharmacist can assess and treat uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in women aged 16 to 64. It is free on the NHS and no GP appointment is needed.

Men with urinary symptoms, women outside that age range, anyone who is pregnant, and anyone with recurrent infections fall outside the service and need a GP — not because the symptoms are less real, but because the assessment and treatment differ.

Symptoms we ask about

Burning or stinging when passing urine, needing to go far more often than usual, urgency, cloudy urine and lower abdominal discomfort are the typical picture. The pharmacist will ask about all of these, plus how long they have been present.

We also ask specifically about fever, pain in the back or side, nausea and feeling generally unwell. Those suggest the infection may have travelled to the kidneys, which needs a GP or urgent care rather than pharmacy treatment.

What treatment involves

Where the assessment supports it, the pharmacist supplies a short course of antibiotics directly. Where it does not, you will get advice on fluids, pain relief and what to watch for, and a clear steer on when to seek further help.

Either way you are seen in the private consultation room, not at the counter.

Come in any day

We are open Monday to Saturday 9am–9pm and Sunday 10am–8pm, so this does not have to wait for a weekday appointment. 1095–1097 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6QT.