UTI Treatment for Women – NHS Support in Neath

If you’re a woman aged 16–64 and experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), you don’t need to wait for a GP appointment.
Our trained pharmacists at The Health Dispensary and Neath Pharmacy can assess your symptoms and provide expert advice, self-care support, or NHS treatment — including antibiotics where appropriate — through our Common Ailments or accredited NHS UTI Service.

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection affecting the bladder. It’s usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying.
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can affect daily life.

Common UTI Symptoms Include:

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Needing to urinate more often, or urgently
• Passing small amounts of urine frequently
• Cloudy, smelly, or discoloured urine
• Pain or discomfort in the lower tummy or back
• Feeling tired, unwell, or confused (especially in older adults)

Who Can Use This Service?

We can provide NHS care for uncomplicated UTIs if you:

• Are a woman aged 16 to 64
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Do not use a catheter or have complex urinary problems
• Are not immunocompromised or severely unwell

Our pharmacist will ask you a few simple questions to confirm your eligibility and provide the most appropriate care.

Treatment Options

Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, we may recommend:

• Pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Hydration and lifestyle advice
• A back-up (delayed) antibiotic prescription
• Immediate antibiotic treatment if clinically appropriate
• Referral to a GP if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or unusual

We’re accredited to prescribe antibiotics where appropriate, following national NHS Wales guidelines.

When to See a GP or Urgent Care

We’ll refer you if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms lasting more than 7 days
• Blood in the urine with no other UTI symptoms
• Pain in the back or sides (flank pain), fever or chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or general unwellness
• Recurrent infections, diabetes, or age over 65
• Pregnancy, catheter use, or known kidney problems

Helpful Tips for Comfort & Prevention

• Drink plenty of fluids – aim for pale urine
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks
• Wipe front to back after using the toilet
• Urinate after sex and avoid holding urine
• Wear breathable cotton underwear
• Wash with warm water, not perfumed soaps or douches
• Change sanitary pads or liners regularly

Book an Appointment

You can book an NHS UTI consultation in Neath online or visit one of our pharmacy branches for same-day support.
Our consultations are quick, professional, and completely confidential.

Book Online

FAQs – UTI Treatment for Women

Do I need antibiotics for a UTI?

Not always. Many mild infections clear with fluids and pain relief. If antibiotics are appropriate, we can supply them through our NHS service.

Can I treat a UTI at home?

Yes, rest, hydration, and simple pain relief can help with mild cases. We’ll assess and guide you on whether treatment is required.

Is the service private and confidential?

Absolutely — all consultations take place in our private consultation room.

What if symptoms come back?

We’ll review your symptoms and advise if further testing or a GP referral is needed. We can also discuss lifestyle measures to prevent recurrence.

Explore related services:
Common Ailments Service |
Book Online

Written by Ali Sparkes BSc (Hons), MSc Econ, IP, FRPharmS – Independent Prescribing Pharmacist