What is urinary tract infection (uti)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of any part of your urinary system, usually the bladder (this is called cystitis). UTIs are very common in women due to the anatomy of the urethra. They're less common in men but more likely to indicate an underlying cause.
Common symptoms
- Burning or stinging pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate, often passing very little
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Lower belly pain or pressure
- Blood in the urine (always needs assessment)
- Feeling generally unwell
When to see a doctor
Book promptly if symptoms have started recently. Book urgently if you're pregnant, have recurrent UTIs, are male (UTIs in men always need assessment for cause), are over 65, or have any red-flag symptoms below.
Seek urgent help if
- Fever, chills, or shaking (possible kidney infection , call NHS 111 or A&E)
- Severe back or flank pain
- Vomiting or feeling very unwell
- Confusion (especially in older adults)
- Blood in urine with severe pain
- UTI symptoms in pregnancy (always treat promptly)
How a private GP can help
A consultation typically covers:
- Symptom-based assessment following NICE guidelines
- Urine dip testing where the appointment is in-person
- Antibiotic prescription where appropriate, following local prescribing guidelines and resistance patterns (commonly nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim for women)
- Investigation of underlying causes for recurrent UTIs
- Lifestyle advice on prevention
- Referral to NHS for further investigation if needed
What we don't do
- Treat suspected kidney infections (pyelonephritis) , these need NHS 111, A&E, or your NHS GP for safety-netting
- Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis without specialist input
What it costs
An online consultation about urinary tract infection (uti) starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.
See the full pricing breakdown for what's included with each appointment type.