Cystitis is an infection of the bladder and the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Many mild cases settle within a few days, but antibiotics can help symptoms clear faster. With Global Health, women aged 16 to 65 can request UTI treatment online in Ireland for €25. You complete a secure questionnaire about your symptoms, a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable your prescription is sent to the Irish pharmacy of your choice. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your symptom questionnaire by an Irish Medical Council-registered doctor
- A prescription for a short course of antibiotics, if clinically suitable
- Secure electronic delivery of the prescription to your chosen pharmacy in Ireland
- Written advice on self-care and what to do if symptoms do not improve
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The €25 fee covers the doctor's review. The cost of the medication is paid separately at your pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
This service is only for uncomplicated lower UTIs in women. Our doctors cannot safely treat a UTI online if you:
- are male, under 16 or over 65
- are pregnant or think you might be
- have a high temperature, shivering, pain in your back or side (loin pain), or feel sick or are vomiting
- have blood in your urine
- have had three or more UTIs in the last year, or a UTI that came back soon after treatment
- have a urinary catheter, kidney problems, or a known abnormality of the urinary tract
- have a weakened immune system or unusual vaginal discharge
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly. A fever with back pain can mean a kidney infection, which needs urgent care.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your symptoms, general health and any medication you take. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. An Irish-registered doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Prescription sent. If treatment is suitable, the prescription is sent securely by Healthmail to the Irish pharmacy you choose, ready for you to collect.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Doctors often use the terms UTI and cystitis to mean the same thing when the infection is in the lower urinary tract. Women get it far more often than men because the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, is shorter and closer to the back passage.
UTI symptoms in women
- pain, burning or stinging when you pass urine
- needing to pass urine more often or more urgently than usual
- passing only small amounts, or feeling you have not fully emptied your bladder
- cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
- pain or discomfort low in your tummy
What causes a UTI?
Most UTIs happen when bacteria from the bowel get into the urethra and travel up to the bladder. Sex, wiping from back to front, not drinking enough fluids, and changes after the menopause can all make infection more likely. Some symptoms can also be caused by thrush or a sexually transmitted infection, especially if you have vaginal discharge or itching.
UTI treatment options
Antibiotics for a UTI work by killing the bacteria causing the infection. For an uncomplicated bladder infection in women, a short course of antibiotics, usually lasting a few days, is standard. Symptoms often start to improve within a day or two.
- take every dose and finish the course, even if you feel better
- if symptoms have not improved after 48 hours, or get worse at any point, contact a doctor
- some mild cases clear on their own within a few days, and your doctor may discuss waiting before starting antibiotics
How to get rid of a UTI faster with self-care
- drink enough fluids so your urine is pale
- take over-the-counter pain relief, following the pack instructions
- rest and use a hot water bottle on your tummy for comfort
- avoid sex until symptoms settle
To lower the chance of another infection, pass urine soon after sex, wipe from front to back, and avoid perfumed soaps around the genital area.
Side effects and safety
Antibiotics are generally well tolerated. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and, in some women, vaginal thrush. Some antibiotics used for UTIs can turn urine a darker colour, which is harmless. Tell the doctor about any allergies, especially to antibiotics, and about all other medication you take. Using antibiotics only when needed helps to prevent antibiotic resistance, so your doctor will only prescribe when it is appropriate.
Stop the medication and seek urgent help if you develop a rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, as these can be signs of an allergic reaction.
When to see a doctor in person
Call 112 or 999, or go to an emergency department, if you feel very unwell, confused, or have a high temperature with shivering and back pain. These can be signs of a kidney infection or sepsis. See your GP if symptoms do not improve after 48 hours of antibiotics, if they return soon after treatment, or if you notice blood in your urine. You can also meet our Irish-registered doctors or see all online prescription services.