UTIs typically occur when bacteria enters the urethra, and makes its way up into the bladder, which then causes an infection. Women tend to get UTIs more frequently than men, due to women having shorter urethras, making the opening closer and more susceptible to potential contaminants.

Bacteria can enter the urethra in several ways. The most common include:

• Cross contamination from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Transmitted via sexual activity.
• Improper hygiene.
  
  

Typically, antibiotics are the treatment for a UTI. The most common antibiotics that are prescribed include Amoxycillin, Trimethoprim, Cephalexin with clavulanate.

It is best to treat a UTI as soon as symptoms arise. Some may choose to wait 1-2 days to see if symptoms clear up on their own. If you choose to do this, it is recommended to still have antibiotics ready to take if your symptoms worsen, or do not improve after 2 days.

If you are experiencing extreme symptoms such as upper back pain, vomiting, blood in urine, fever and chills, seek immediate medical attention.
Left untreated, UTIs can progress, leading to serious and sometimes permanent side effects.

• Drink more fluids to help flush out bacteria.
• Urinate as soon as you feel the need.
• Urinate immediately after intercourse.
• Gently wipe from front to back after urinating to reduce the transfer of bacteria to your vagina.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants.
• Find an alternative method of birth control if you use spermicides.
• Don’t use perfumed soaps, talcum powder or deodorant around the genital area.
• Avoid constipation.
• Use lubricant gel with intercourse if the vaginal area is dry.
  

There is conflicting evidence for drinking cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. If you want to try cranberry products, ask your doctor for advice.

If infections are an ongoing problem, you may need to be referred to an urologist (a doctor specialising in urinary problems) for further treatment.

• Helps rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
• Easy to purchase, and low cost.
• Allows you to test in the comfort of your own home, and avoid any potentially embarrassing encounters with pharmacists/doctors.
• In most of Australia, from June 1st 2024, Pharmacists are allowed to treat UTIs with antibiotics (please refer to individual state policies for further details). Therefore, you no longer need to go to a GP to get tested, or get a script for antibiotics. Making the full process quicker, more convenient, and more private.

High levels of white blood cells in the urine can indicate a UTI. This is because UTI’s are commonly caused by bacterial infections, and our bodies produce a higher than normal level of white blood cells to combat the bacteria.

Healthy urine contains nitrates (a normal, functional chemical component of urine). When bacteria enters the urinary tract, the bacteria turns this Nitrate (good chemical) intro Nitrite (bacteria). High levels of Nitrate in the urine can indicate a UTI.

Health Alert tests for both Leukocytes and Nitrites as they are the most general and widespread indicators of a UTI. We don’t test for specific bacteria as there are too many variants possible.

There are 3 key types of UTIs. Each can often be classified by the part of the urinary tract affected:

• Pyelonephritis (Kidneys) – Back or side pain, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea and vomiting.
• Cystitis (Bladder) - Pelvic pressure, Lower belly discomfort, Frequent, painful urination, Blood in urine. This is the most common type of UTI.
• Urethritis (Urethra) – Burning when urinating, discharge.
  
  
  
  

• A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away
• A burning feeling when urinating
• Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine
• Urine that looks cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-coloured, signs of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women, especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
  
  
  

Use the UTI Test Strips if you have a painful, burning feeling when you urinate, you have to go very often, or only small amounts of urine pass even when you have to go very badly. Please seek medical attention if your result comes out positive.

Gather the following items:

• The UTI Test Strip in CLOSED foil pouch
• Paper towel(s)
• Watch or Timer
• A Pen or Pencil (optional)
  
  
• Remove the strip from the foil pouch and use the test immediately. If the test has been left out of the foil pouch for 20 minutes or more, open a new test strip.
  
• Begin urinating. After some urine has passed, hold the test pads in the urine stream for 1-2 seconds. Make sure both test pads are wet.
  
• Dab the side of the strip on a paper towel to remove excess urine.
   
• Lay the test strip with the test pads facing upwards and begin your timer.
  Read test results for Nitrate after 1 minute and for Leukocytes after 2 minutes. Compare each test area to its corresponding colour blocks on the colour chart to obtain results. Correct read time is important for accurate results.
  
• Record the results with a pen or pencil. Compare them to the table in the Results section.

Yes, you may get false and inaccurate results if:

• You have been taking medicine or dietary supplement that may change urine colour (such as drugs containing azo dyes (ie Pyridium®, Azo Gantrisin®, Azo Gantanok®, nitrofurantoin (Microdantin®, Furadanlin®, riboflavin).
• You are taking Vitamin C or multivitamin.
• You have a UTI caused by bacteria that does not change nitrate to nitrite, or if your diet does not include nitrates.
• When urine has not been held in the bladder for more than 4 hours.
• You are taking drugs containing acetazolamide, potassium citrate, and sodium bicarbonate because your urine PH maybe ≥8.0.