Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in Australia, affecting around 1 in 2 women and 1 in 20 men at some point in their lives. The burning, the urgency, the discomfort - if you have had a UTI, you know how quickly you want relief.
The good news is that uncomplicated UTIs are one of the most straightforward conditions to treat via telehealth. You do not need to sit in a waiting room while in pain. An online doctor can assess your symptoms, prescribe antibiotics, and have an eScript on your phone within minutes.
What Is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria - most commonly E. coli - enter the urinary tract and multiply. The infection can affect different parts of the urinary system:
- Urethra (urethritis) - infection of the tube that carries urine out of the body
- Bladder (cystitis) - the most common type of UTI, causing frequent and painful urination
- Kidneys (pyelonephritis) - a more serious infection that requires prompt medical attention
Most UTIs are lower urinary tract infections (bladder and urethra) and are classified as "uncomplicated" - meaning they can be treated quickly and effectively with a short course of antibiotics.
UTI Symptoms - What to Look For
UTI symptoms typically develop quickly and can range from mild discomfort to significant pain. Common symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging sensation when urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate, even when the bladder is nearly empty
- Passing only small amounts of urine at a time
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine (pink, red, or cola-coloured)
- Pelvic pain or pressure (in women)
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Feeling generally unwell or fatigued
Signs of a More Serious Infection (Kidney Infection)
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following: These may indicate the infection has spread to your kidneys.
- Fever (38C or above) or chills
- Severe pain in your lower back or side (flank pain)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling very unwell or confused
Why Telehealth Is Perfect for UTI Treatment
UTIs are one of the conditions best suited to telehealth because:
- Diagnosis is based primarily on symptoms - no physical examination is usually needed for uncomplicated UTIs
- Treatment is well-established - a short course of antibiotics resolves most UTIs within days
- Speed matters - the sooner you start antibiotics, the sooner symptoms improve
- Privacy - many patients prefer discussing urinary and sexual health from the comfort of home
- Convenience - no travel or waiting rooms when you are already in discomfort
A Medidoc telehealth doctor can assess your symptoms, confirm whether a UTI is likely, and prescribe treatment in a single consultation - often in under 15 minutes.
How UTI Treatment Works Online
Getting UTI treatment through Medidoc is simple:
- Book a telehealth consultation - available 7 days a week with extended hours
- Describe your symptoms to your doctor - they will ask about onset, severity, and medical history
- Receive a diagnosis - based on your symptoms, the doctor will determine if a UTI is likely
- Get your prescription - antibiotics are issued as an eScript sent directly to your phone
- Collect your medication - take your eScript to any pharmacy in Australia
If your doctor wants to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions, they can also order a urine culture or other pathology tests.
UTI Treatment Options
Antibiotics
The standard treatment for uncomplicated UTIs in Australia is a short course of antibiotics. Common options include:
- Trimethoprim - typically a 3-day course, one of the most commonly prescribed UTI antibiotics
- Nitrofurantoin - a 5-day course, often preferred as first-line treatment due to lower resistance rates
- Cefalexin - may be used if other options are not suitable
Your telehealth doctor will choose the most appropriate antibiotic based on your symptoms, history, and any known allergies. All prescriptions are issued as eScripts.
Symptom Relief While Waiting for Antibiotics
While antibiotics typically start working within 24-48 hours, you can manage discomfort in the meantime:
- Drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief
- Use a heat pack on your lower abdomen to ease cramping
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods which can irritate the bladder
- Urinary alkalinisers (such as Ural sachets) can reduce burning - available over the counter at pharmacies
Who Is Most at Risk for UTIs?
While anyone can develop a UTI, certain factors increase your risk:
Women
Women are significantly more likely to develop UTIs due to shorter urethras, which allow bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. Risk factors include:
- Sexual activity (UTIs are sometimes called "honeymoon cystitis")
- Using certain types of contraception (diaphragms, spermicides)
- Pregnancy
- Menopause (hormonal changes affect the urinary tract)
Other Risk Factors
- History of previous UTIs
- Diabetes
- Urinary catheter use
- Kidney stones or other urinary tract abnormalities
- Enlarged prostate (in men)
- Weakened immune system
How to Prevent UTIs
While UTIs cannot always be prevented, these strategies can significantly reduce your risk:
- Stay hydrated - aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day
- Urinate when you feel the urge - do not hold it in
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet
- Urinate soon after sexual activity
- Avoid irritating feminine products (douches, deodorant sprays, scented pads)
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants
- Consider cranberry supplements - some evidence suggests they may help prevent recurrent UTIs
- Discuss preventive antibiotics with your doctor if you experience frequent UTIs (3 or more per year)
Recurrent UTIs - When It Keeps Coming Back
If you experience 3 or more UTIs in a 12-month period, you may have recurrent UTIs. This is common - around 20-30% of women who have one UTI will experience another.
A telehealth doctor can help with recurrent UTIs by:
- Reviewing your history and identifying potential triggers
- Ordering urine cultures to identify the specific bacteria and the most effective antibiotic
- Prescribing low-dose preventive antibiotics if appropriate
- Referring you to a urologist or gynaecologist for further investigation
- Discussing lifestyle modifications that may reduce recurrence
Why Choose Medidoc for UTI Treatment?
Medidoc is one of the fastest ways to get UTI treatment in Australia:
- See a registered Australian doctor in minutes - no waiting rooms
- Antibiotic prescriptions issued as eScripts during your consultation
- Available 7 days a week with extended hours
- Private and confidential - discuss sensitive symptoms from home
- Affordable consultations with transparent pricing
- Pathology referrals available if further testing is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an online doctor prescribe antibiotics for a UTI?
Yes. Registered telehealth doctors in Australia can prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs after assessing your symptoms. The prescription is sent as an eScript to your phone, which you can take to any pharmacy.
Do I need a urine test to get UTI treatment?
For most uncomplicated UTIs, a urine test is not required before starting treatment. Your doctor can diagnose based on your symptoms. However, if you have recurrent UTIs, unusual symptoms, or the infection does not improve with treatment, your doctor may order a urine culture.
How long does it take for UTI antibiotics to work?
Most patients notice significant improvement within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics. It is important to complete the full course even if symptoms improve early, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Can men get UTIs?
Yes, though UTIs are less common in men. Male UTIs can sometimes indicate an underlying condition (such as an enlarged prostate) and may require further investigation. A telehealth doctor can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
Are UTIs sexually transmitted?
UTIs are not classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and trigger a UTI. This is why urinating after sex is recommended as a preventive measure.
Think You Have a UTI? Get Treatment Now
Do not wait in discomfort. Book a telehealth consultation with Medidoc and get the antibiotics you need - fast, private, and from the comfort of home.