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Conditions
UrinaryTractInfection(UTI)
An infection in any part of the urinary system, most commonly affecting the bladder. More common in women and can cause painful, frequent urination.
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Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofUrinaryTractInfection(UTI)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urge to urinate
Passing small amounts of urine
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Blood in urine
Pelvic pain (women)
Lower abdominal discomfort
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Assessment of uncomplicated UTI symptoms
- Treatment for straightforward UTIs in women
- Medical certificates if needed
- Advice on prevention
What needs in-person care
- UTIs in men (these need further investigation)
- Complicated or recurrent UTIs
- UTIs during pregnancy
- UTIs with fever or back pain
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Symptoms of a UTI (burning, frequency)
- 2Previous UTIs and recognise the symptoms
- 3Mild to moderate symptoms
- 4Need treatment to continue working
Seek emergency care if
- High fever with chills
- Severe back or side pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in urine with fever
- UTI symptoms during pregnancy
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonUrinaryTractInfection(UTI)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-04
UTIs are one of the most common conditions we see in telehealth, and they are well-suited to remote assessment because the diagnosis is primarily symptom-based. If you are experiencing the classic triad - burning when you urinate, increased frequency, and urgency - and you are an otherwise healthy woman under 65, the probability of a UTI is over 90%. This is why guidelines in Australia and internationally support empiric antibiotic treatment based on symptoms alone, without requiring a urine test first. However, there are important exceptions: recurrent UTIs (three or more per year), UTIs in men (which always warrant investigation), symptoms suggesting the infection has reached the kidneys (back pain, fever, chills), and UTIs during pregnancy all require more careful assessment. I always ask about these factors in a consultation. Left untreated, a simple bladder infection can ascend to the kidneys, so prompt treatment matters.
Treatment
TreatingUrinaryTractInfection(UTI)
Uncomplicated UTIs in women are treated with a short course of antibiotics. The choice depends on local resistance patterns, allergies, and pregnancy status. Most women improve within 24-48 hours of starting treatment.
Trimethoprim
Alprim
Class:Folate synthesis inhibitor
Typical dose:300mg once daily for 3 days
PBS:PBS listed for acute uncomplicated UTI
- First-line treatment for uncomplicated UTI in non-pregnant women
- Avoid in first trimester of pregnancy (folate antagonist)
- Resistance rates in Australia approximately 15-20%; still effective for most patients
- Take with food to reduce nausea
Cefalexin
Keflex, Ibilex
Class:First-generation cephalosporin
Typical dose:500mg twice daily for 5 days
PBS:PBS listed for UTI when trimethoprim unsuitable
- Used when trimethoprim is contraindicated or local resistance is high
- Safe in pregnancy (Category A)
- Well-tolerated; GI upset is the most common side effect
- Longer course (5 days) compared to trimethoprim
Nitrofurantoin
Macrodantin, Furadantin
Class:Nitrofuran antibacterial
Typical dose:100mg four times daily for 5 days (macrocrystals), or 100mg twice daily for 5 days (modified release)
PBS:PBS listed for acute cystitis
- Alternative first-line agent with low resistance rates
- Avoid in renal impairment (eGFR below 30): poor urinary concentration reduces efficacy
- Can cause nausea; take with food
- Avoid at term (38+ weeks pregnancy) due to risk of neonatal haemolysis
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Antibiotic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to a urologist is recommended for recurrent UTIs (3+ per year), UTIs in men, structural abnormalities, or infections that fail to respond to standard treatment.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Australia
UTIs account for approximately 1-3% of all GP consultations in Australia
1 in 2 Australian women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime
Uncomplicated UTIs can be treated via telehealth under PBS guidelines without a urine test
E. coli causes approximately 80% of community-acquired UTIs in Australia
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
With antibiotic treatment, most UTI symptoms improve within 24-48 hours. A standard course is 3-5 days of antibiotics. Full resolution usually occurs within a week.
Return to work
Most people can continue working with a UTI, though the discomfort can be distracting. If symptoms are severe, 1-2 days off may be reasonable. Ensure you have easy bathroom access and stay well hydrated.
When to reassess
See a doctor urgently if you develop fever, chills, back or side pain, or nausea - this may indicate the infection has reached your kidneys. Also reassess if symptoms have not improved after 48 hours of antibiotics, as the bacteria may be resistant.
Self-Care
ManagingUrinaryTractInfection(UTI)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Drink plenty of water - aim for 2-3 litres per day to help flush bacteria
Urinate as soon as you feel the urge - holding on can worsen the infection
Wipe front to back after using the toilet
Urinate soon after sexual intercourse - this is one of the most effective preventive measures
Avoid irritants like bubble bath, scented soaps, and douches near the urethra
Cranberry products may help prevent (not treat) recurrent UTIs, though evidence is mixed
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutUrinaryTractInfection(UTI)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
For uncomplicated UTIs in women with typical symptoms, yes. Our doctors can assess your situation and provide appropriate treatment if suitable for telehealth.
Most people start feeling better within 1-2 days of starting treatment. It's important to complete the full course even if you feel better.
Stay hydrated, urinate when you need to, wipe front to back, urinate after intercourse, and avoid irritating products in the genital area.
A UTI is serious if you develop fever, back pain, nausea, or if you're pregnant. These could indicate a kidney infection and need urgent care.
Ready to get help with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.