Urinary Tract Infections: Get Answers, Get Treated, Find Relief

If you have ever felt a burning sensation when urinating, noticed cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or experienced an urgent and frequent need to pass urine, you may have had a urinary tract infection (UTI).1 UTIs are a common type of infection, particularly in women, and while they are usually straightforward to treat, they can become serious if left unmanaged.

This article will help you understand the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for UTIs. You will also learn when to seek professional help and how a telehealth nurse practitioner can support you in managing your symptoms and recovery.

What is a UTI?

A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.1 Most UTIs affect the bladder which is called cystitis.1 In more serious cases, the infection can spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), which requires urgent treatment.1

Anyone can develop a UTI, but they are more common in women because the female urethra is shorter and located closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria such as E. coli to reach the bladder.1-4

If you notice symptoms, it is important to seek professional advice early.1 A telehealth nurse practitioner can discuss your concerns, assess your symptoms, and guide you on whether treatment or further tests are needed. You can book an appointment online and speak to a practitioner from home.

Common Symptoms of UTI

Symptoms of UTIs such as bladder infection include1-2:

  • Burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
  • Frequent urge to urinate, even if only a small amount is passed
  • Feeling that the bladder is still full after urinating
  • Cloudy or strong-smelling
  • Discomfort or pain above the pubic bone
  • Need to urinate at night.

You may also experience1:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
  • Pain in the lower back or sides
  • Blood in the urine

Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection can include1:

  • Pain in the back or side pain
  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

If you have any symptoms of a UTI, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether your symptoms indicate a mild or more serious infection, a telehealth consultation with a nurse practitioner can help you decide on the safest next step. They can advise whether self-care is sufficient or if you need antibiotics or in-person care. Kidney infections are a serious condition that requires urgent treatment with antibiotics, so see your doctor straight away if you develop any of the symptoms listed above.

Treatment

Uncomplicated UTIs are usually treated with a short course of antibiotics.1-4 Symptoms generally go away within a few days of taking antibiotics.3 In some cases, your health professional may request a urine test to confirm the infection and guide treatment.4

Our telehealth nurse practitioners are well placed to support you with uncomplicated UTIs. During your consultation, they can review your symptoms, prescribe antibiotics when appropriate, and explain how to manage your recovery. If follow-up with your GP is needed, they will make sure you know the next steps. Booking online gives you timely access to this care, from the comfort of your home.

What You Can Do at Home

If your symptoms are mild and you are otherwise well, you may find some relief through simple measures while you arrange professional care4:

  • Drink plenty of water and resting
  • Trial urinary alkalinisers (available from the pharmacy)
  • Apply a hot water bottle to the abdomen or lower back to ease discomfort

Self-care can make you more comfortable, but it does not treat an infection. Booking a telehealth appointment with a nurse practitioner is a safe and convenient way to access treatment without delay.

When to Seek Help

See your doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of a UTI.1

Kidney infections are a serious infection that needs immediate treatment with antibiotics. See your doctor straight away if you have symptoms of a kidney infection.1

If you are uncertain about the severity of your symptoms, a telehealth nurse practitioner can provide immediate guidance and help you decide whether you need urgent hospital care or a GP review. With most people eligible for 100% bulk-billed appointments, this can be a convenient way to get trusted health advice quickly.

How Telehealth Nurse Practitioners Can Help

If you are experiencing UTI symptoms, a nurse practitioner can:

  • Take a detailed history of your symptoms
  • Assess whether your infection is likely to be uncomplicated
  • Provide advice on self-care strategies
  • Prescribe antibiotics when appropriate
  • Request pathology tests if needed
  • Refer you to your GP or hospital services if symptoms suggest a more serious infection

This means you can start treatment quickly, without needing to wait for a clinic appointment. Book a telehealth consultation at a time that suits you and get the support you need.

Book Appointment

Reducing Your Risk of UTIs

You can reduce the risk of developing a UTI by adopting some simple lifestyle habits4:

  • Drink water regularly throughout the day
  • Do not delay urination when you feel the urge
  • Empty your bladder fully each time
  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
  • Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing that traps moisture
  • Shower at least daily
  • Urinate after sexual activity

If you are worried about frequent infections, a telehealth nurse practitioner can review your history, provide tailored prevention advice, and guide you on whether a GP check-up or referral is needed. Booking an appointment can give you practical strategies for staying well.

Living With Recurrent UTIs

About one in five women will experience recurrent UTIs.3 Recurrent means having two or more infections within six months, or three or more within a year.3

In some cases, this happens because the body does not fully respond to antibiotics, and reinfection can occur within the first two weeks after treatment.3 If you are experiencing recurrent infections, it is important to work with your healthcare professional to find the underlying cause.3 They may recommend further investigations to guide treatment and help reduce the chance of future infections.

Relief is Within Reach

UTIs are very common and usually easy to treat when managed early. Ignoring symptoms can allow the infection to worsen, sometimes spreading to the kidneys. Recognising symptoms, seeking timely treatment, and adopting preventive habits can help you stay well.

A telehealth nurse practitioner can provide quick, convenient care, prescribe treatment when appropriate, and guide you on the right next steps.

If you think you might be experiencing a UTI, booking a telehealth appointment is a simple way to access expert support and begin treatment promptly.

Book Appointment

References:

  1. Health Direct. Cystitis. Healthdirect.gov.au. Published July 2023. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cystitis
  2. Health Direct. Urinary tract infection (UTI). Healthdirect.gov.au. Published June 2024. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-tract-infection-uti
  3. Better Health Channel. Urinary tract infections (UTI). Better Health Channel. Published September 16, 2022. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/urinary-tract-infections-uti
  4. Jean Hailes for Women's Health. Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Jean Hailes. Published December 5, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bladder/urinary-tract-infections-utis

PRESCRIPTION-004374

Similar Posts