Additional advice 

There are plenty of self-care tips that you can pass on to customers to help them maintain good intimate health: 

• Only use plain, unperfumed soaps rather than perfumed products on the vaginal area   
• Change tampons and sanitary pads frequently (every four to six hours). Menstrual cups can be changed every six to eight hours (or 12 hours if necessary) 
• After going to the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid transferring bacteria to the vaginal area  
• Change underwear after swimming or going to the gym. Sweaty gym gear and damp swimsuits trap body heat and moisture, which can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and skin rashes. 

In addition, the following advice can be passed on to women suffering from specific conditions:    

• Vaginal dryness – customers may want to discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with their GP 
• Thrush – avoid tight-fitting underwear/tights and wear cotton rather than synthetic underwear. If a customer has diabetes, keeping her blood sugar under control may help 
• Cystitis – drink plenty of water. A hot water bottle held against the stomach may help. Cranberry juice and cranberry supplements may also be beneficial for the urinary tract. Avoid tight-fitting underwear and tights, and wear cotton rather than synthetic underwear 
• BV – avoid washing out the vagina (douching) or using strong detergents to wash underwear.  

When to refer

These customers should be referred to the pharmacist:  

• Children 
• Pregnant women 
• Anyone with blood in their urine 
• Customers complaining of fever or pain in their side, or vomiting  
• Anyone experiencing thrush symptoms for the first time 
• Customers frequently affected by thrush (more than twice in six months) 
• If the diagnosis is uncertain  
• Customers who are taking other medication.