Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Support
The UTI Program is available at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies.
Bendigo UFS are an active participant in the Victorian Government’s Community Pharmacist Program.
What does this pilot program mean for me?
The program is part of the Victorian Government’s Community Pharmacist Program launched in late October 2023. It enables greater access for women to gain support for UTIs where it’s difficult to get a general practitioner (GP) appointment.
At your consultation, your Pharmacist will ask you some screening questions in a private consultation to ensure you receive the right treatment and care. Treatment options may include antibiotics or referral to a medical practitioner in more severe cases.
Patients eligible for this program are 18 to 65 year old females who present symptoms of an uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), with no other medical history.
Wanting to urinate more often and urgently, even if only a few drops
Burning pain or a ‘scalding’ sensation when urinating
A feeling the bladder is still full after urinating
Pain above the pubic bone
An appointment will enable women to gain access to antibiotics to treat UTI without needing to go to the general practitioner (GP) first.
More information
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Urinary tract infections, commonly referred to as UTI’s and also known as cystitis, are infections that can affect the urethra, bladder and/or kidneys. They are more common in women than men for two main reasons:
1. in women the opening to the urethra (the tube that empties the urine from the bladder) is in closer proximity to the anus than it is in men, allowing for easy transfer of bacteria from one opening to another, and
2. in women the urethra is much shorter than it is in men, thereby allowing for easy passage of bacteria to move from the external opening to inside the urinary system.
The risk of developing a UTI is higher for:
women who are
sexually active
post-menopausal
pregnant or have recently given birth
people who
are sedentary or less mobile
use urinary catheters regularly
have diabetes, especially when blood sugars are not managed well
have a weakened immune system
infants and babies
older people
Other information is available at the BetterHealth Channel.
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Drink plenty of water (2 litres a day)
Urinate when the need is there and do not put it off
Minimise irritation in the area by not using strong or highly perfumed soaps, talcum powder or deodorants
After going to the toilet, wipe from the vagina towards the anus (front to back) to avoid spreading bacteria
Wear cool cotton underwear, rather than a synthetic material. Avoid wearing pantyhose and tight jeans
Do not sit in cold or draughty areas, particularly when you are wet e.g. after swimming
After going to the toilet, wipe from the vagina towards the anus (front to back) to avoid spreading bacteria
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Last updated August 29 2024.