Avoiding the issue

“Our team often spot customers who are frequent purchasers of cystitis products but don’t ask for advice, and this is an opportunity to offer help,” says Reena. “For example, people may not be aware that experiencing recurrent UTIs can be a sign of underlying diabetes. We also see women who are experiencing vaginal atrophy – thinning of the lining of the vagina during menopause – which can make them more prone to UTIs, and for this the pharmacist can advise and supply them with Gina 10 vaginal oestrogen.”

“It’s really common for women to panic the minute they get a UTI”, adds Reena, “especially if they’ve had one before, so pharmacy teams can do a lot to reassure them – and a great thing about Pharmacy First is people can always come back the next day if things are not improving”.