How Does a TestCard Work?

A TestCard is a simple test you can use at home to check if you have a UTI. It works in a similar way to other testing strips or UTI dip tests you might have used before. The difference is that TestCard uses an app on your phone to help your doctors give you a rapid and accurate diagnosis. This way you can find out quickly if you have a UTI.

Your TestCard works in the following way:

• Each TestCard comes with its own set of UTI test strips 
• Collect your urine in a clean container. This urine is your sample. It is important you do not contaminate your sample by letting your urine come into contact with any dirty surfaces.
• Dip your TestCard UTI strip into your sample.  Using the TestCard app on your phone, scan the QR code on the UTI strip
• Your test results will appear quickly on your phone within seconds. The results will give you a clear diagnosis of whether or not you’re likely to have a UTI. Based on these results, you will be told if you need treatment
• If you do have a UTI, our team of doctors can recommend the right treatment for you and will provide you with expert advice.

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Why Should I Take a UTI Test?

Having a UTI may feel uncomfortable, but you should not feel uncomfortable about asking for help. UTIs are relatively common: between 10-20% of women experience symptoms from a UTI at some point, though men suffer from UTIs less often.

UTIs are easy to diagnose and treat, and it is important you speak to a doctor or do a test if you are experiencing symptoms. This is because the earlier treatment starts, the smaller the chances are of complications from the infection. Most UTIs are not dangerous if treated early, but if left undiagnosed and untreated, they can cause serious health problems. For example, if a UTI is not treated, the bacteria causing the infection can spread to the kidneys resulting in long-term kidney damage. Kidney damage can increase your risk of kidney failure in the future.

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When Should I Get Tested for a UTI?

If you think you have a UTI, it is a good idea to see a doctor or get a test. It is best to get tested as soon as possible after noticing symptoms to prevent any health complications. It is particularly important to get tested if your symptoms are worsening, or if after a few days your symptoms haven’t improved. 

If you regularly suffer from UTIs, speak to your doctor. You should also speak to your doctor or use a TestCard if you’re a man with symptoms of a UTI, you have symptoms of a UTI after surgery, or you have already had treatment for a UTI, but your symptoms have returned. 

Getting yourself tested for a UTI if you are worried is important, as early treatment reduces the risk of health problems. Leaving a UTI untreated can result in serious health complications. To find out more about the symptoms of UTIs and the possible health risks if they are left untreated, read on.

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What is a UTI?

UTI is short for Urinary Tract Infection, also known as cystitis. UTIs are caused by bacteria, normally from your poo, travelling up your urethra and reaching your urinary tract. It can also be caused by normally harmless bacteria living on your skin getting into your urinary tract. This may happen when you wipe after you use the toilet, or when you are having sex. 

The urinary tract is your body's system for making urine and then getting rid of it from your body. It includes your two kidneys, bladder and urethra. Your kidneys filter your blood to make urine, which is stored in the bladder until you need to urinate. When you urinate, the urine travels down your urethra and exits your body: your urethra is the tube that carries the urine out of your body. A UTI can affect any part of your urinary tract, depending on how far up the bacteria has travelled. If your bladder becomes infected it is known as cystitis; if your urethra is infected you have urethritis; if your kidneys become infected, it is known as a kidney infection or pyelonephritis.

Can men get cystitis?

Both men and women can get UTIs, but UTIs are more common in women because of the way the bacteria enters the urinary tract. Women have shorter urethras than men, so the bacteria has to travel less distance to the urinary tract to cause an infection. This makes women more prone to UTIs than men.

Is cystitis a sexually transmitted infection?

Cystitis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it can be caused by having an STI. However, much like an STI, you can pass on the bacteria that causes UTIs to your partner when you are having sex. You do not need to tell your previous sexual partners if you do have a UTI, but you should avoid sex until your treatment has ended. This is because having sex with a UTI can cause you pain and discomfort.

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How are UTIs Treated?

If you test positive for a UTI, there are a few different treatment options you can choose from. When deciding, you should carefully consider which treatment will be best for you, and talk to your doctor before beginning treatment. Which treatment is best for you depends on whether you have had a UTI before, how bad your UTI is, what caused it, and whether you are pregnant.

• Nitrofurantoin (formerly sold as Macrobid) is offered by Superdrug Online Doctor. Nitrofurantoin is a three-day course of antibiotics which you take twice a day.
  
  Nitrofurantoin is the best first-line antibiotic option for treating cystitis in the UK. Your symptoms will usually begin to improve within just 24 hours of starting nitrofurantoin, but it is important you do not stop taking your antibiotics early. You must finish your entire course, and not miss any doses. Stopping your antibiotics early increases your risk of developing antibiotic resistance.  This is when your body stops being sensitive to the antibiotics, so they stop working at treating the infection. 
  
  Depending on the type of UTI you have, your doctor might decide you do not need antibiotics. This is because UTIs can often go away without antibiotic treatment. If you do not need antibiotics, it is advisable to avoid using them, as each time you use antibiotics you increase your chances of developing resistance. If you are not sure about taking nitrofurantoin, your doctor will be able to advise and support you to make the best decision for you. 
  
  You will need a prescription in order to take nitrofurantoin, as antibiotics for UTIs are not available over the counter. With Superdrug Online Doctor, you can fill in a brief questionnaire about your symptoms and other relevant medical conditions. This will get assessed by one of our doctors, who will work out whether nitrofurantoin is suitable for you. 
  
  
• Non-prescription medications and treatments can be used to treat UTIs and manage your symptoms. These can be purchased online or in store from Superdrug.

You can use certain medications, products or methods to help manage the symptoms of cystitis you might be experiencing. Some examples are:

• a hot water bottle or hot wheat bag placed between your thighs or on your lower stomach can help ease discomfort or pain
• paracetamol, ibuprofen or other painkillers can be used to manage any aches and pains you have
•  Paracetamol can help relieve the shivering, sweating or chills that a raised temperature can cause
• drinking lots of water and sugar-free fluids. It is unknown exactly how effective this is for treating cystitis, but many people find it helpful. The idea behind this is that more water passing through your bladder can help flush out the infection
• avoiding sugar, including sugary drinks
• avoiding sex

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Sources

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