Okamoto I, et al. – This study aspired to describe the opinions of intermittent catheter (IC) users regarding urinary tract infection (UTI) symptom presentation, terminology. The intent was to elucidate the signs and symptoms, the cause of UTI and management strategies. Uncertainty prevailed among IC users about UTI signs and symptoms and when to seek help. Individual accounts of UTI fitted within the modified National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) descriptors. However, it encompassed less technical and more ‘lay’ language. IC users’ descriptions of UTI signs and symptoms possibly exhibited lack of precision. This was partly attributed to the presence of underlying health conditions. This, in combination with varying levels of concern about the need to seek help and self–medication with antibiotics, was challenging for the GP. Hence, it yielded a framework for developing a self–help tool which could assist in determining UTI and enhancing the communication with healthcare professionals.