Think you have a UTI? Don’t sit on it — book a same day appointment and get it sorted today.
Book nowWhat is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection is an infection anywhere along the urinary system — the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. The vast majority are bladder infections (cystitis), which are uncomfortable but manageable. The concern with any UTI is that if it’s left untreated or doesn’t respond to treatment, the infection can travel up to the kidneys and become a much more serious problem.
UTIs are caused by bacteria — most commonly E. coli from the bowel — entering the urinary tract. Women are significantly more prone to UTIs than men due to anatomy, but men can and do get them too, and UTIs in men always warrant a thorough assessment to rule out underlying causes.
What does a UTI feel like?
Bladder infection (cystitis)
- Burning or stinging when you urinate
- Needing to urinate urgently and frequently
- Passing only small amounts of urine each time
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Blood in the urine (pink or red tinge)
Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- All of the bladder infection symptoms, plus:
- Pain in the back, side, or flank
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling generally unwell or shaky
- This needs urgent medical attention
It’s also worth knowing that some people — particularly older adults — have very atypical UTI symptoms. Confusion, agitation, or a sudden change in behaviour in an elderly person can sometimes be the main sign of a UTI rather than the classic urinary symptoms.
When should you see a GP?
UTIs don’t tend to clear up on their own in adults — and waiting it out risks the infection spreading to your kidneys. Come in as soon as you can if you think you have a UTI. Same day appointments are usually available at Southport Metro.
Come in promptly if you have:
- Classic UTI symptoms — burning, urgency, frequency
- Blood in your urine
- Symptoms that aren’t improving after starting antibiotics
- A UTI and you’re pregnant — UTIs in pregnancy need careful management
- A UTI as a man, child, or older adult — these always need a GP assessment
- Your second or third UTI this year — recurrent UTIs need further investigation
- High fever (above 38.5°C) with back or flank pain
- Severe shaking, chills, or confusion
- Vomiting and can’t keep fluids down
- Symptoms of a kidney infection that are rapidly worsening
UTIs need prompt treatment — don’t wait for it to get worse. We’re open 7 days including weekends.
Book a same day appointmentHow is a UTI diagnosed and treated?
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and usually ask you to provide a urine sample. A dipstick test gives a quick result in clinic, and if needed your sample will be sent to a lab to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and confirm which antibiotic will work best against it.
Most uncomplicated UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics — usually 3 to 7 days. It’s important to complete the full course even if your symptoms improve quickly, to make sure the infection is fully cleared.
What about getting antibiotics from a pharmacy?
In some Australian states, trained pharmacists can now supply antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 18 to 65 without a GP script. In Queensland, this service is being progressively rolled out.
However, pharmacists can only treat uncomplicated cases in otherwise healthy women. Men, children, pregnant women, and anyone with recurrent UTIs, additional symptoms, or risk factors still need to see a GP. If in doubt, come in — we can assess and treat on the same visit.
Recurrent UTIs — when it keeps coming back
Around 1 in 4 women who get a UTI will experience recurrent infections — defined as more than two UTIs in six months, or more than three in twelve months. Recurrent UTIs are frustrating and can significantly affect quality of life, but there are effective strategies to reduce their frequency.
If you’re experiencing recurrent UTIs, your GP can investigate potential underlying causes, discuss preventive antibiotic options, explore newer treatments like Uromune (a urine vaccine), and refer to a urologist if needed. Don’t just keep treating each episode in isolation — a pattern of recurrence warrants a proper conversation.
Kept getting UTIs? There are options beyond just treating each one. Come in and let’s look at the bigger picture.
Book an appointmentReducing your risk of UTIs
💧 Stay well hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract before they can establish an infection. Aim for 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day.
🚽 Don’t hold on
Urinating regularly and not holding on for long periods reduces the chance of bacteria multiplying in your bladder. Always urinate after sex.
🧼 Wipe front to back
After going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing bowel bacteria into the urethra.
🫐 Cranberry products
Evidence for cranberry juice and supplements is modest, but some women find them helpful. They won’t treat an active infection — see a GP for that.
🩲 Breathable clothing
Avoid tight synthetic underwear or clothing that traps moisture around the genital area. Cotton underwear and breathable fabrics reduce bacterial growth.
🚫 Avoid irritants
Scented soaps, bubble baths, and feminine hygiene sprays can irritate the urethra and increase susceptibility to infection. Plain soap and water is best.
UTIs in men — don’t ignore them
UTIs are less common in men, which is exactly why they need to be taken seriously when they do occur. A UTI in a man is more likely to involve the kidneys or prostate, and always warrants a proper GP assessment to rule out underlying causes like prostate issues or structural abnormalities. Don’t assume it’s nothing — get it checked.
UTIs in men always need a proper assessment. Don’t put it off — book a same day appointment.
Book todayWhat our GPs can do for you
At Southport Metro, we see UTIs every day. In a single appointment your GP can:
- Assess your symptoms and perform a urine dipstick test in clinic
- Send a urine culture to the lab to identify the specific bacteria and best antibiotic
- Prescribe antibiotics where appropriate
- Manage UTIs in pregnancy, children, men, and older adults
- Investigate recurrent UTIs and discuss preventive strategies
- Refer to a urologist if underlying causes need investigation
- Discuss newer treatments for recurrent UTI including Uromune
- Rule out other conditions that can mimic UTI symptoms, including STIs and kidney stones
Same day appointments usually available. Open 7 days at Australia Fair, Southport — no referral needed.
Book online nowRelated services at our clinic
Don’t tough out a UTI — get it sorted today
Same day appointments usually available. Open 7 days at Australia Fair Metro, Southport. No referral needed.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is intended as general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person’s health situation is different — please consult one of our GPs or a qualified health professional before making decisions about your health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately. Southport Metro Medical Centre makes every effort to ensure the information on this page is current and accurate, but health guidelines and recommendations can change. Last reviewed June 2026.