Where Can I Get a Home Test for a UTI?

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI), as it sounds, is an infection of your urinary tract. Your body eliminates excess water and waste via the urinary tract. It is also known as a water infection.

A UTI is a result of bacteria, however, it can also be caused by viruses and fungi. The body’s immune system usually eliminates them before they cause an infection. If your body doesn’t fight off the germs, you could get an uncomfortable UTI. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder specifically, and is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI).

Who’s at Risk for UTIs?

While UTIs can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk. Women are more prone due to their shorter urethras, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. In fact, around half of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.

Pregnancy, menopause, and certain types of birth control can also up the odds. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the urinary tract, while reduced oestrogen levels after menopause can thin the urethral lining, making infection more likely.

For men, an enlarged prostate gland can trap urine in the bladder, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Men over 50 are at increased risk for this reason.

UTI Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms include an almost uncontrollable urge to urinate, peeing more frequently, not peeing much when you do go and a burning feeling when peeing. You may also notice cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine, or experience pain in your lower abdomen.

Get medical help if you feel you have a UTI. The doctor will determine if you actually have a UTI and prescribe an antibiotic to treat it.

Preventing Recurrent UTIs

Staying hydrated is key to flushing out your system, so keep that water bottle handy! Aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily to help dilute your urine and flush bacteria from your urinary tract.

Cranberry juice isn’t just an old wives’ tale – it contains compounds called proanthocyanidins that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder walls. However, the NHS notes that evidence is mixed, so don’t rely on it as a cure-all.

Daily Prevention Strategies

Proper hygiene is crucial too. Always wipe from front to back after using the loo, and try to urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria that might’ve hitched a ride. Don’t hold your urine for long periods – empty your bladder regularly throughout the day.

If you’re prone to recurrent UTIs, chat with your GP about preventative strategies. They might suggest things like taking low-dose antibiotics or using vaginal oestrogen creams for postmenopausal women. According to NICE guidance, recurrent UTIs warrant specialist investigation to rule out underlying causes.

How Do UTI Home Tests Work?

You can buy a UTI dipstick test over-the-counter or online. They are similar to a pregnancy test. Most kits come with multiple test strips.

Just pee on the strip for a couple of seconds or you can collect your pee in a clean container and dip the strip. The strip will change colour after a few minutes and the colour will depend on the make of test. Read the instructions to find out if you are positive for the UTI.

Home test kits are useful if you have recurring UTIs. The test kits check the urine for bacteria and white blood cells (leukocytes), which are signs your body is fighting an infection. They also detect nitrites, which are produced when bacteria break down compounds in your urine.

What Customers Say

When to Use a Home Test vs. See a Doctor

Home UTI tests are particularly useful if you recognise the symptoms from previous infections and want quick confirmation before contacting your GP. They’re especially helpful if you have recurring UTIs and your doctor has advised you on self-management.

Use a Home Test When:

• You have mild symptoms and a history of UTIs
• You want to check before booking a GP appointment
• Your doctor has recommended home monitoring for recurrent infections
• You need reassurance about symptoms
• It’s difficult to get a same-day GP appointment

See a Doctor Immediately If:

• This is your first suspected UTI
• You have severe pain or high fever
• You see blood in your urine
• You’re pregnant
• Symptoms don’t improve after 2-3 days
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• You experience back pain (possible kidney infection)

How Accurate Are Home UTI Tests?

If you are taking certain medications, you might get a false positive. Research has shown that urine cultures performed in laboratories are more reliable for detecting UTIs, as they can identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and test which antibiotics will be most effective.

However, home tests are generally reliable for detecting the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. They typically have an accuracy rate of 80-90% when used correctly, according to clinical studies. They’re particularly effective at ruling out UTIs – a negative result is usually accurate.

Factors That Can Affect Results:

• Timing: First morning urine is best, as it’s more concentrated
• Hydration: Very dilute urine may give false negatives
• Medication: Some antibiotics, vitamin C supplements, and other medications can affect results
• Contamination: Not cleaning properly before collecting urine can cause false positives
• Storage: Test strips must be stored properly and used before their expiry date

If you have recurring UTIs, it is always a good idea to keep a stock of home UTI tests handy as this will save you time as you won’t need to book a GP appointment to determine if you have an infection. The Zoom Health test kit for UTIs and Cystitis can be bought as a two or five strip pack, offering excellent value for money. This allows you to have tests ready for when you need them.

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Explore more articles on urinary health and home testing:

• What Is Cystitis? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
• Understanding Urinary Tract Infections
• Do You Have a Water Infection?