Is it a UTI? When cystitis needs a same-day doctor

Written by Sama Samy

Medically reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last reviewed November 2026.

A urinary tract infection usually causes burning when you pee, needing to go more often and urgently, and cloudy or bloody urine. Most uncomplicated cystitis in women settles with a 3-day course of antibiotics. Fever, back pain under the ribs or feeling shivery can mean a kidney infection and needs a doctor the same day. The Online GP by The Wellness offers same-day GP appointments from £220, and telephone consultations from £59.

Key points

  • Typical UTI symptoms are burning or pain when peeing, needing to go more often or urgently, and cloudy or bloody urine.

  • NICE recommends a 3-day course of antibiotics for most non-pregnant women with lower UTI, and 7 days for men and pregnant women.

  • A high temperature, shivering, or pain in the back just under the ribs can mean the infection has reached the kidneys.

  • Men, pregnant women, people with diabetes and anyone with 2 UTIs in 6 months or 3 in 12 months should see a doctor rather than self-treat.

  • The Online GP by The Wellness offers telephone consultations from £59 and same-day urgent appointments from £220.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection are pain or burning when you pee, needing to pee more often or suddenly, peeing at night, cloudy or bloody urine and a dull ache low in the tummy. Older or frail adults may become confused or agitated instead.

Most UTIs are lower urinary tract infections, often called cystitis, where bacteria infect the bladder. They are very common in women because the urethra is short, and they are usually straightforward to treat.

When does a UTI need a doctor the same day?

A UTI needs a doctor the same day if you have a high temperature, shivering, pain in your back just under the ribs, blood in your urine, or symptoms that get worse quickly or have not improved 48 hours after starting treatment. These can be signs of a kidney infection.

The NHS advice on urinary tract infections lists men, pregnant women, people over 65, people with diabetes or a weakened immune system and anyone using a catheter as groups who should be seen urgently. Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty speaking needs 999 or A&E.

Ask a doctor on WhatsApp whether you need to be seen today.

How are UTIs treated?

Most UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics chosen around your history and local resistance patterns. A doctor may also suggest pain relief and fluids, and in some cases a back-up prescription to start only if symptoms do not settle.

The NICE guideline on lower urinary tract infection (NG109) recommends a 3-day course for non-pregnant women, with nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim as first choices. Men and pregnant women are offered a 7-day course, with a urine sample sent to the laboratory before the first dose.

Most cystitis is simple to treat, but a fever or back pain changes the picture. The aim is the right antibiotic for the right length of time, and a clear plan if things do not settle.

What if UTIs keep coming back?

Recurrent UTIs, meaning 2 in 6 months or 3 in 12 months, deserve a proper review rather than another course of antibiotics. A doctor checks for triggers, sends a urine culture, and considers whether further tests, preventive treatment or a specialist opinion would help.

Our guide to what a full private blood test should include explains how blood sugar testing can pick up diabetes, one of the conditions that makes infections more likely.

Ask a doctor on WhatsApp about recurrent UTIs.

What happens when I book a UTI appointment?

A UTI appointment at The Online GP by The Wellness starts with your symptoms and history, and ends with a treatment plan and clear advice on what to watch for. You receive a decision from a doctor, not a questionnaire.

  1. Message the team on WhatsApp with your symptoms and how long they have lasted.

  2. The team books a telephone consultation or a same-day appointment with a GMC-registered doctor.

  3. The doctor takes a history and checks for red flags of a kidney infection.

  4. Where clinically appropriate, the doctor prescribes treatment and arranges a urine culture.

  5. You receive a written plan, including what to do if symptoms do not improve within 48 hours.

Seen quickly. Treated properly.

How much does a private GP appointment for a UTI cost in London?

A telephone consultation at The Online GP by The Wellness costs £59. A Classic Appointment costs £150, and a Same Day Urgent appointment costs £220. Home visits start from £450.

Most women with typical cystitis symptoms start with a telephone consultation. Same Day Urgent suits anyone with worsening symptoms or a red flag who wants to be seen today. Book a GP appointment on WhatsApp.

Can a doctor tell me whether I need antibiotics?

Yes. Send your symptoms, how long they have lasted and any medicines you take on WhatsApp. A doctor tells you whether you need treatment, a urine test, or an urgent assessment.

Start your free suitability review on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pharmacist treat a UTI?

Women aged 16 to 64 who are not pregnant can often be treated by a pharmacist for uncomplicated cystitis. Men, pregnant women and anyone with red flags should see a doctor.

How quickly do antibiotics work for a UTI?

Most people feel better within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotics. If symptoms have not improved within 48 hours, or get worse, speak to a doctor again.

Do I need a urine test for a UTI?

Non-pregnant women with typical symptoms do not always need a urine culture. Men, pregnant women and people with recurrent or unusual infections usually do.

Can I have a UTI without a fever?

Yes. Most bladder infections do not cause a fever. A high temperature suggests the infection may have spread to the kidneys and needs prompt assessment.

Sources

Sama Samy
Next

Do I have sleep apnoea? Snoring, tiredness and a home sleep study