UTI Information Service and Helpline

Welcome to Our UTI Information Service and Helpline

Welcome to the place where you can find the information and support you need to manage and understand urinary tract infections (UTIs). At The Urology Foundation, we know the challenges that come with UTIs and are dedicated to providing the resources and guidance to help you through it.

UTIs are a significant health concern that affect millions of people each year, causing pain, inconvenience, and sometimes even serious complications. That’s why we felt it was essential to provide a dedicated service to support and guide you through these difficult times.

We are here to help.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time, dealing with recurrent infections, chronic UTIs or supporting a loved one, our service is here for you. We also offer valuable resources for healthcare professionals seeking advice and information.

Together, we can navigate the journey to better urological health. Thank you for visiting, and remember, you’re not alone.

Helpline opening hours

Our confidential UTI Information Service and Helpline is here to help you.

Email: nurse@theurologyfoundation.org

Call: 0808 801 1108

Opening hours: Tuesday 10am-12noon Thursday 10am-12noon.

Please note: Our helpline will be closed on Tuesday 20th October.

If you need to get in touch, you can still email us at info@theurologyfoundation.org.

[Please note that the UTI service is for adults 18+ and is not an emergency or crisis service. We are here to support you but we are unable to diagnose any condition or prescribe treatments]

Commonly Asked Questions:

Below is a list of questions that many people have about urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Is Cystitis the same as a UTI?
• Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis of a UTI?
• Are there any other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What factors may have contributed to my UTI?
• What are my treatment options?
• Do I need an appointment with my GP to access treatment?
• What steps can I take to prevent UTIs in the future?
• How can I manage and prevent recurrent UTIs?
• I am using a catheter, am I at an increased risk from UTIs?
• I’ve had blood in my urine but no pain, could that be a UTI?
• How long should I expect my symptoms to last once treatment begins?
• Are there any potential side effects of the recommended treatment?
• Could my UTI be related to other underlying health conditions?
• What steps could I take to alleviate my symptoms at home?
• When should I seek further medical attention?
• How can I speak to my GP about my recurrent UTIs?

Areas of our focus

• Talking about the different types of UTIs.
• Talking about the risk factors that make UTI’s more likely, and the steps you can take to help reduce your risk.
• Exploring current medical management strategies for treating UTIs.
• Exploring self-care and over-the-counter options, including the levels of evidence for adequate fluid intake, D Mannose, vitamin C, cranberry products, probiotics, and their efficacy in relieving symptoms and possible role in UTI prevention.
• Exploring the role of nutrition in supporting your immune systems and potential impact for UTI prevention.

Future Prospects and Research

The Urology Foundation is delighted to be working on ground-breaking research into UTIs.

Find out more about our UTI research HERE.

Events

We’re hosting a range of virtual events to provide information and support to people experiencing UTIs, their families and healthcare professionals. For details on upcoming events visit HERE.

Additional Resources for Professionals

See our UTI Resources for Professionals page here.

In time, we will be adding more resources to assist those working with individuals affected by UTIs, enhancing their ability to deliver effective care and improve patient outcomes.

We hope that the resources provided here will be invaluable in your health management journey, whether you are managing your own health, supporting a loved one, or caring for patients with UTIs.

Medical Disclaimer

Please see our medical disclaimer available here.

Our Support

Unfortunately we are unable to reply to any questions about care outside the United Kingdom. Health services and care are different in other countries so we can only advise on care in the UK. Please note, we are unable to contact someone on your behalf.

Confidentiality

The Urology Foundation’s UTI Information Service is confidential. There may be occasions where we need to share information you provide with others if a member our staff has concerns about your own or someone else’s safety or well-being. The circumstances under which we would share what you tell us with someone else are if:

• you ask us to
• we believe your life or someone else’s life is in danger
• you tell us that you or someone else is being, or is at risk of being abused by another person.