Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects many people, especially women. While it’s often mild, the discomfort it causes can disrupt daily life — with symptoms like a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to go, and lower abdominal pain. Fortunately, effective treatment is easily accessible through your local pharmacy.
At Market Harborough Pharmacy, we provide fast and effective relief for cystitis through the Pharmacy First scheme. This allows patients to receive expert consultations and treatment, including cystitis sachets, without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
What Is Cystitis?
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. It is more common in women because their urethra is shorter and closer to the bladder, making it easier for bacteria to travel upwards. Men and children can also experience cystitis, but it is less common in these groups.
Typical symptoms of cystitis include:
- –> A stinging or burning sensation when urinating
- –> Needing to urinate more often than usual
- –> Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- –> Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- –> Feeling generally unwell or tired
While mild cases can sometimes clear up on their own, treatment helps relieve symptoms more quickly and prevents the infection from spreading to the kidneys, which can cause more serious illness.
What Are Cystitis Sachets?
Cystitis sachets are a common first-line treatment used to relieve symptoms and make your urine less acidic. They typically contain ingredients such as sodium citrate or potassium citrate, which help neutralise the acid in urine, reducing the burning sensation during urination and easing discomfort.
These sachets are dissolved in water and taken several times a day, usually over a two-day course. They are available over the counter, meaning you can get them directly from your local pharmacy without a prescription.
Benefits of Using Cystitis Sachets
- –> Fast symptom relief within a few hours of use
- –> Simple to take — just dissolve in water
- –> Helps prevent irritation of the bladder lining
- –> Supports your recovery while your body clears the infection
It’s important to drink plenty of water during this time to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and aid recovery. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you may need further treatment such as antibiotics — which can be discussed during your consultation.
Accessing Cystitis Treatment Through Pharmacy First
The Pharmacy First scheme allows patients to receive advice and treatment for certain common conditions, including uncomplicated cystitis, directly from a pharmacist. This means you can skip long GP waiting times and get professional, confidential help right away.
At Market Harborough Pharmacy, our qualified pharmacists can assess your symptoms, recommend suitable cystitis sachets, and if necessary, provide prescription medication. You’ll receive tailored advice to ensure safe and effective recovery — all within a convenient community setting.
Who Is Eligible?
Pharmacy First consultations are available to patients in England who are registered with a GP. The scheme covers common conditions such as:
- –> Cystitis (in women aged 16 to 64)
- –> Ear infections
- –> Impetigo
- –> Sinusitis
- –> Sore throats
- –> Shingles
- –> Infected insect bites
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can speak to a pharmacist directly without the need for a GP appointment, making the process faster and easier.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
While cystitis sachets can effectively relieve symptoms, you should seek further medical advice if you:
- –> Have symptoms lasting longer than three days
- –> Develop a high temperature or fever
- –> Notice blood in your urine
- –> Feel pain in your sides or lower back
- –> Are pregnant or have recurring infections
These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment or further medical investigation. Your pharmacist will be able to advise whether you need to see a GP or another healthcare provider.
Preventing Future UTIs
Alongside treatment, there are several simple steps you can take to help prevent cystitis from recurring:
- –> Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- –> Urinate as soon as you feel the urge — don’t hold it in
- –> Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria spreading
- –> Avoid using perfumed soaps or sprays in the genital area
- –> Wear breathable cotton underwear
- –> Empty your bladder after sexual activity
These habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing cystitis and support better urinary tract health in the long term.
Fast, Professional Care from Market Harborough Pharmacy
If you are experiencing the symptoms of cystitis, you don’t need to wait for a GP appointment. Through the Pharmacy First scheme, our expert pharmacists at Market Harborough Pharmacy can assess your symptoms, recommend treatment, and provide cystitis sachets or other suitable medication.
We’re here to help you feel better quickly with confidential, accessible, and professional care — all without long waits or unnecessary stress.
Book now to speak to one of our pharmacists and get fast, effective cystitis treatment today.
This blog was written on behalf of Market Harborough Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
