Urinary tract infections: symptoms, causes & when to seek help
What a urinary tract infection actually is, the symptoms to look for, why some people get them repeatedly, and the warning signs that mean you should be assessed urgently rather than waiting it out.
GP-reviewed · Dr Faizal Secretary MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Understanding UTIs & urinary symptoms
Urinary symptoms can be uncomfortable and may affect your daily life. If you're looking for private UTI treatment in Preston, Dr Faizal Secretary provides personalised assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for urinary tract infections and a wide range of urinary symptoms in a professional and confidential setting.
At My Private Clinic, we offer comprehensive clinical assessments, urine testing where clinically appropriate, treatment, and ongoing follow-up to support your urinary health. Appointments are available face-to-face at our Fulwood clinic, by telephone, by secure video consultation, and same-day where available. No registration is required, and you can continue to remain registered with your NHS GP.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Urinary tract infections & urinary symptoms
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections and can affect the bladder, urethra, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary tract. You can read more in the NHS guide to urinary tract infections.
Common symptoms
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- A sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- Pain in the lower back or side (flank pain)
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
When to seek medical advice
- Your urinary symptoms persist or worsen
- You have pain or burning when passing urine
- You notice blood in your urine (haematuria)
- You have fever, chills, or pain in your back or side
- You experience recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Your symptoms are affecting your daily life or causing concern
Men with urinary symptoms alongside low energy or reduced libido may benefit from assessment through our testosterone testing. In some cases, urinary symptoms may be caused by a sexually transmitted infection — if clinically appropriate, we may recommend STI testing. Not all urinary symptoms are caused by a UTI, so a thorough assessment helps identify the underlying cause. If your symptoms are concerning, you may be able to book a same-day appointment, subject to availability.
How we diagnose UTIs & urinary symptoms
Diagnosis starts with understanding your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. As urinary symptoms can have many possible causes, assessment and treatment are guided by current clinical evidence, including NICE guidance where appropriate.
During your consultation, Dr Faizal Secretary will discuss your symptoms and how they're affecting your daily life, review your medical history and current medications, assess any previous or recurrent urinary tract infections, perform an examination where clinically appropriate, and recommend private blood tests or urine testing where clinically indicated.
If investigations are recommended, they may include:
- Urine dipstick testing
- Urine culture to identify the bacteria causing an infection
- Blood tests where clinically appropriate
- Further investigations or referral if another underlying condition is suspected
Once your assessment is complete, we explain your diagnosis and discuss the findings, recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs, provide a personalised management plan, and arrange follow-up or specialist referral where clinically appropriate.
How UTIs & urinary symptoms are treated
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms, your medical history, and your overall health. Following a comprehensive assessment, Dr Faizal Secretary will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. Where clinically appropriate, this may include:
Antibiotic Treatment
For confirmed bacterial urinary tract infections, where clinically appropriate.
Symptom Relief & Self-Care
Advice on easing symptoms and supporting your recovery at home.
Managing Underlying Conditions
Treating health conditions that may be contributing to your urinary symptoms.
Specialist Referral
Referral for further specialist assessment where required.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Monitoring your recovery and response to treatment.
Our aim is to relieve your symptoms, treat the underlying cause, and help reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.
Our UTI & urinary symptoms services
Following your assessment, Dr Faizal Secretary will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and any investigations where clinically appropriate.
Private UTI Consultations
Comprehensive assessments to identify the cause of your urinary symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Urine Testing
Urine dipstick testing and urine culture where clinically appropriate to help support diagnosis.
Private Blood Tests
Blood tests where clinically indicated to investigate underlying health conditions contributing to your symptoms.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Individual treatment recommendations tailored to your diagnosis and overall health.
Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up
Review your recovery, monitor your response to treatment, and provide ongoing support where needed.
Specialist Referral
Referral for further investigations or specialist assessment where clinically appropriate.
What happens during your consultation?
Discussion
We'll discuss your urinary symptoms, medical history, current medications, and any concerns about your urinary or general health.
Assessment
We'll assess your symptoms, determine whether urine testing, blood tests, or further investigations are appropriate, and explain your diagnosis and treatment options.
Personalised Treatment Plan
You'll receive a personalised treatment plan based on your individual needs. Where clinically appropriate, this may include medication, self-care advice, follow-up, or referral for further specialist assessment.
If you're unable to attend the clinic, we also offer home visits, where clinically appropriate and subject to availability.
Getting a UTI treated in Preston
This page explains what urinary tract infections are and what causes them. If you have symptoms now and want to be seen, our UTI treatment page covers same-day appointments, urine testing, antibiotics where clinically appropriate, and what it costs.
Consultations start at £119 for a 30-minute appointment, with prescription writing included. See UTI treatment options and pricing →
Why patients choose My Private Clinic for urinary symptoms
Prompt assessment is important when you're experiencing urinary symptoms. We focus on identifying the underlying cause and providing personalised care to help you recover and support your long-term urinary health.
- Confidential, GP-led care — discuss your symptoms in a private, professional setting
- The same doctor every time — continuity from assessment through treatment and follow-up
- Longer, unhurried appointments to discuss your symptoms, history and options
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your clinical assessment and health needs
- Comprehensive investigations — urine tests, blood tests and further assessment where appropriate
- Flexible appointment options — face-to-face, telephone and secure video consultations
- No NHS GP referral required — book directly without lengthy waiting times
Expert UTI care from Dr Faizal Secretary
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered private GP with extensive experience in NHS general practice and acute medicine. He provides comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment for urinary tract infections and urinary symptoms, tailored to each patient's individual needs. As part of our wider GP consultation services, Dr Secretary also manages a broad range of acute and long-term health conditions to support your overall health and wellbeing.
"Good healthcare begins with listening, understanding your symptoms, and providing care that's tailored to your individual needs."
Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB MRCGP · Read the full profile →
UTI & urinary symptoms — FAQs
Can a urinary tract infection (UTI) go away without antibiotics?
Some mild urinary symptoms may improve on their own, but many bacterial UTIs require antibiotic treatment. A medical assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and overall health.
Will I need a urine test?
Not everyone requires a urine test. Where clinically appropriate, urine dipstick testing or a urine culture may be recommended to help support the diagnosis and guide treatment.
What causes recurrent urinary tract infections?
Recurrent UTIs can be associated with several factors, including anatomical changes, hormonal changes, underlying medical conditions, or incomplete bladder emptying. Further assessment may be recommended if infections occur frequently.
Can men get urinary tract infections?
Yes. Although UTIs are more common in women, men can also develop urinary tract infections. In men, urinary symptoms may sometimes be associated with prostate conditions or other underlying causes that require assessment.
Is blood in the urine always caused by a UTI?
No. Blood in the urine (haematuria) can have several causes and should always be assessed by a healthcare professional, even if your symptoms improve.
Can dehydration increase the risk of a UTI?
Not drinking enough fluids may contribute to urinary symptoms and may increase the risk of urinary tract infections in some people. Staying well hydrated supports normal urinary tract function.
Can I have a consultation by telephone or video?
Yes. Telephone and secure video consultations are available for many patients. If a face-to-face appointment or examination is clinically required, this will be discussed during your consultation.
Do I need an NHS GP referral?
No. You can book directly with My Private Clinic for a private UTI and urinary symptoms consultation without an NHS GP referral.
What happens if my symptoms aren't caused by a UTI?
If your assessment suggests another condition is causing your symptoms, Dr Faizal Secretary will explain the findings and recommend appropriate investigations, treatment, or referral where clinically appropriate.
Book a private UTI & urinary symptoms consultation in Preston
Whether you're experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, recurrent urinary symptoms, or would like a comprehensive assessment, Dr Faizal Secretary provides personalised, GP-led care in a professional and supportive setting. Patients from Preston and across Lancashire can access comprehensive assessment, tailored treatment, and ongoing follow-up — in person, by telephone or video consultation, with evening and Saturday appointments at our Fulwood clinic.