A UTI is an infection within the urinary tract that affects your bladder, urethra and kidneys. UTIs are most often caused by bacterial infection, though other forms of damage to the bladder may also be responsible. Symptoms of a UTI include but are not limited to pain or a burning sensation when peeing, needing to pee more often than usual, pee that looks cloudy, needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than expected, and blood in your pee. While a mild UTI might clear itself up, it is recommended that you see a GP if you are unsure whether you need antibiotics. Your symptoms will usually pass within three to five days from starting treatment.

UTIs are caused by bacteria which enters the urethra and travels to the bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Although the urinary tract is designed to keep bacteria out, sometimes the defences fail and bacteria is able to reach the bladder or kidneys. There are many things which can cause a UTI including; not drinking enough fluids, having a weakened immune system (particularly existing health conditions such as diabetes or cancer), having sex, being pregnant, having a urinary catheter, having a condition which makes it hard to empty the bladder or not keeping the genital area clean and dry.

Ideally, you should reach out to your GP whenever you suspect you may have a UTI. If you are experiencing a UTI for the first time, your symptoms begin to get worse, don’t improve after two days or you are experiencing recurring UTIs you should speak to a GP. It is also advised to speak to a GP about your UTI if you are male, are pregnant, have a child showing symptoms or are experiencing symptoms following surgery.

Here at Mayfield Clinic, we understand that waiting for your NHS GP can be time-consuming and frustrating and when you have a medical concern you want to get seen quickly to alleviate the symptoms. That's why we offer same-day appointments with our expertly trained doctors, both in-person and online, through video consultations. Our GPs can provide first-class private healthcare. We work with leading practitioners, trained and worked for the NHS, registered with the General Medical Council, and work under Mayfield Clinic's CQC registration.

You can use Mayfield Clinic alongside your existing NHS GP practice. We believe in joined-up care; we don’t believe that it is in your best interests to have different doctors independently trying to treat you. For this reason, once you’ve seen a Mayfield Clinic GP we aim (with your permission) to share your consultation notes back with your current NHS GP.

For example, if you can’t get an appointment at your local GP practice this week, you can book in with Mayfield Clinic’s GPs. With your consent, we’ll share the Mayfield Clinic consultation notes back with you and your NHS GP, so that when you next see your NHS GP they will have a full picture of your care history.

To access our GP services, you don’t need to be registered with us. You can book appointments directly from our website. We often have appointments available for the same day or next day within clinic opening hours and you can book directly with a GP.

If you are from overseas, you don’t need to be registered with the NHS or have an NHS number. Being seen at Mayfield Clinic won’t impact your eligibility to use the NHS in the future.