At a glance
- For adult women with typical symptoms of cystitis that started recently.
- Your consultation is with a nurse who is authorised to prescribe – not a doctor.
- You get an e-prescription only if the nurse considers the medicine appropriate and safe.
- Fever, pain around the kidneys, blood in your urine or pregnancy mean you need to see a doctor.
How to recognise cystitis
Cystitis is the most common form of urinary tract infection (UTI). It usually starts suddenly, and the symptoms are hard to mistake for anything else:
- burning or pain when you pee,
- a frequent, urgent need to pee – including at night,
- passing only small amounts of urine despite a strong urge,
- a feeling that your bladder hasn't emptied completely,
- pain or pressure in your lower abdomen,
- cloudy urine or urine that smells different.
The condition is far more common in women. If your symptoms are unusual, or come with any of the warning signs described below, an online consultation is not enough.
When a consultation with a nurse is enough
The online consultation at Receptosia is intended for adult women who:
- have typical symptoms that started recently,
- have no fever and no pain in the lower back,
- can't see any blood in their urine,
- are not pregnant and don't suspect they might be,
- are not having similar episodes one after another.
We ask about all of this directly in the form. Based on your answers, the nurse assesses whether they can help remotely or whether it is safer to refer you to a doctor.
What the nurse can do
Suitably qualified nurses can independently prescribe medicines containing substances on the Minister of Health's list. For urinary tract infections, the list includes furazidine, fosfomycin and trimethoprim.
Whether you need a medicine, and which one is suitable, is decided by the nurse after reviewing your request – taking into account your long-term conditions, the medicines you take and any allergies. They may also recommend a urine test or a visit to a doctor.
You don't choose a medicine from a list or order a prescription for a specific product. You describe your symptoms, and the decision about treatment is made by a licensed professional.
You can read more about the legal basis in the article what a nurse can prescribe.
What you can do straight away
Whatever the outcome of the consultation, it's worth looking after the basics:
- drink more water than usual,
- don't hold it in – go to the toilet when you feel the need,
- rest, and keep an eye on whether your symptoms are getting worse.
Home remedies are not a substitute for treatment. If your symptoms are getting worse or you develop a fever, don't wait – contact a doctor.
How it works
You fill in a form
You describe your symptoms and answer questions about your health, the medicines you take and your medical history. It takes a few minutes.
A nurse assesses your request
A nurse or midwife reads your answers and, if anything is missing, asks follow-up questions. It is the nurse or midwife who decides whether a prescription is appropriate.
You get an e-prescription or a clear answer
If a medicine is appropriate, you receive an e-prescription code that you can use at any pharmacy. If not, you'll find out why and what to do next.
When you need to see a doctor
Cystitis can be the start of a more serious infection. An online consultation with a nurse is not for you if:
- you have a fever or chills,
- you have pain in your side or lower back (around the kidneys),
- you can see blood in your urine,
- you are pregnant or might be pregnant,
- the symptoms affect a child or anyone under 18,
- you are a man,
- your symptoms keep coming back – this is another episode within a short time,
- your symptoms are not going away despite treatment, or are clearly getting worse,
- you have diabetes, kidney disease or a weakened immune system.
In an emergency – severe pain, shortness of breath, confusion or loss of consciousness, rapidly worsening symptoms – call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (SOR). An online consultation is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
Can a nurse issue a prescription for cystitis?
Yes. A nurse who is authorised to prescribe can independently issue a prescription for medicines containing substances on the Minister of Health's list, and the list includes substances used for urinary tract infections.
Will I definitely get a prescription?
There's no guarantee. The nurse issues an e-prescription only if they consider the medicine appropriate and safe. If your symptoms need an examination or a visit to a doctor, you'll get clear advice on what to do next.
Do I need to have a urine test?
Not always. The nurse may recommend a urine test if they think it is needed to make a safe decision – for example, if your symptoms are unusual or keep coming back.
Can men use this consultation?
No. Urinary tract infections in men need to be assessed by a doctor, so in that situation we recommend a visit to a clinic.
I'm pregnant and have symptoms of cystitis. What should I do?
Contact the doctor looking after your pregnancy or your primary care doctor. We don't provide online consultations for this condition during pregnancy.
How do I use my e-prescription?
At any pharmacy in Poland – just give your e-prescription code and your PESEL number. Your e-prescription is also visible in your Internet Patient Account (IKP).
The content on this page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
