Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the symptoms of a UTI?

  Common UTI symptoms include a burning or stinging sensation during urination, a frequent and urgent need to urinate (often with little urine output), cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Some people also experience fever, chills, or back and flank pain — signs that the infection may have spread to the kidneys. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are a UTI, speak with your Rexall Pharmacist for a same-day assessment.

• What causes a UTI?

  UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria — particularly E. coli from the digestive tract — entering the urethra and travelling to the bladder. Risk factors include being female (due to a shorter urethra), sexual activity, use of diaphragms or spermicides, menopause, urinary tract abnormalities, and a weakened immune system. Wiping from back to front after using the bathroom can also introduce bacteria near the urethra.

• How do you treat a UTI?

  Most UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics — commonly nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin — prescribed based on your symptoms and history. A Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms and write prescription treatment, if appropriate. Drinking plenty of water and urinating frequently can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract while you recover. It’s important to complete the full antibiotic course even if symptoms improve quickly, to prevent recurrence or antibiotic resistance. Over-the-counter products like phenazopyridine can temporarily relieve discomfort but do not treat the infection itself.

• What does a bladder infection feel like?

  A bladder infection — the most common type of UTI — typically causes a persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when you do, and the feeling that your bladder is never fully empty. You may notice that your urine looks cloudy, dark, or has an unusually strong odour. Lower abdominal pressure or cramping is also common. These symptoms can range from mild to quite uncomfortable and usually appear within a day or two of the infection taking hold.

• Are UTIs contagious?

  No, UTIs are not contagious — you cannot catch a urinary tract infection from another person through casual contact. UTIs develop when bacteria that naturally live in or around the body enter the urinary tract. While sexual activity can increase the risk for both partners by mechanically pushing bacteria toward the urethra, this is not the same as transmitting an infection from one person to another.

• What can you take for a UTI?

  Antibiotics are the standard treatment for a confirmed UTI and are required to clear the bacterial infection. Your Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms and, where authorized, prescribe the appropriate antibiotic directly. In the meantime, drinking plenty of water, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and using a heating pad for abdominal discomfort can help manage symptoms. Over-the-counter urinary analgesics such as phenazopyridine may relieve burning temporarily but do not treat the underlying infection.

• How can a Rexall Pharmacist prescribe antibiotics for a UTI?

  Rexall Pharmacists are authorized to assess and prescribe treatment for uncomplicated UTIs across all provinces as part of their expanded scope of practice. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review your symptoms, medical history, and any previous UTI treatments to determine the most appropriate antibiotic and dosage. If your symptoms suggest a more serious infection — such as a kidney infection — your pharmacist will refer you to a physician. Book Consultation to get assessed and treated the same day.

• When should you see a doctor for a UTI?

  You should seek care from a doctor or emergency department if you have a UTI accompanied by high fever, severe back or flank pain, vomiting, or symptoms that are getting rapidly worse — as these may signal a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) requiring more intensive treatment. Men, children, pregnant individuals, and people with diabetes or a compromised immune system should also consult a physician, as UTIs in these groups carry a higher risk of complications. Your Rexall Pharmacist can help determine whether your situation requires a medical referral.

• Can a Rexall Pharmacist help with a UTI?

  Yes — a Rexall Pharmacist can assess your UTI symptoms, confirm whether a UTI is likely, and prescribe antibiotics across all provinces without requiring a doctor’s visit. They can also recommend supportive products to relieve discomfort while your treatment takes effect, and advise on prevention strategies if you experience recurrent infections. Book Consultation at your nearest Rexall to get started.