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Meeting Women’s Intimate Health Needs
Women as well as men can be too embarrassed to seek help when something does not feel right, but independent pharmacists are well placed to offer their support, says Victoria Goldman…
The reality of women’s health challenges
In December 2024, a report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) warned that ‘medical misogyny’ is leaving many women in unnecessary pain and undiagnosed for years.
📊 Key statistics
- 1 in 3 women in the UK live with heavy menstrual bleeding
- 2 in 3 women will develop at least one uterine fibroid in their lifetime
- 40% of women experience urinary incontinence
Women with conditions like endometriosis often find their symptoms normalised and pain dismissed. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent unnecessary suffering and complications.
Menstrual health
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in December 2024, up to one in three women has heavy periods. They may need to:
- Change a sanitary pad/tampon every 1-2 hours
- Bleed through clothing
- Have periods lasting 7+ days
- **Many women with heavy periods also experience severe period pain
Pain relief & management
“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve menstrual cramps and reduce heavy flow,” says Dr Shazia Malik, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and UK medical director at gynaecological health company and virtual women's health clinic Daye.
🔥 Heat therapy products such as heating pads or patches can also provide relief.
🌿 Some pharmacies may stock herbal remedies or supplements like evening primrose oil or magnesium, though the efficacy varies.
Survey insights
📅 In April 2024, the ‘Just a Period’ survey by the Wellbeing of Women charity found that large numbers of girls get such painful and debilitating periods that they can’t eat or sleep, have to miss school or end up bedbound. More than 90% of women said they had to change their plans due to heavy bleeding.
“Research for our Just a Period campaign shows that 51 per cent of women and girls felt healthcare professionals failed to take their period problems seriously, and more than half have found it difficult to access treatment and support,” says Janet Lindsay, the chief executive of Wellbeing of Women.
“We want to make sure there is good information and education available for anyone who needs it”
If women are buying products for heavy periods in bulk from a pharmacy, this could provide an opportunity to discuss period health. Pelvic pain and painful periods may be symptoms of endometriosis, which can have a significant effect on women’s quality of life and lead to fertility problems.
In a 2024 report by Endometriosis UK, almost half of women had visited their GP ten or more times with symptoms before receiving their diagnosis.
Heavy or painful periods can also be signs of fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. These are most common in women aged 30 to 50 and often shrink naturally after the menopause. However, they can cause abdominal pain, frequent urination and bowel symptoms such as constipation.
Vaginal health
Good pharmacist-recommended hygiene practices to prevent common vaginal include:
✅ Wiping from front to back after using the toilet
✅ Urinating after sex
❌ Avoiding douching
“It’s generally not necessary or recommended to use feminine washes, wipes or other specialised products on a regular basis,” says Dr Malik. “Overuse of these products can disrupt the natural pH and bacterial flora in the vaginal microbiome, leading to a higher risk of irritation, UTIs and vaginal infections such as thrush or yeast, bacterial vaginosis and STIs.”
Treatments:
- Vaginal moisturisers can be used regularly to reduce dryness and itching
- While vaginal lubricants are applied during sexual activity to help reduce friction
These products may be particularly important at the menopause if women are experiencing vaginal symptoms. “These non-hormonal options can provide immediate relief and are safe for long-term use,” says Dr Malik. “If these prove insufficient, local oestrogen treatments (part of HRT) may be considered.”
Pelvic floor health
In November 2023, NIHR research revealed that women are often too embarrassed to seek help for pelvic floor and bladder conditions.
”Good pelvic health is crucial for overall wellbeing and quality of life” – Dr. Shazia Malik
“The pelvic floor muscles support vital organs such as the bladder, uterus and rectum. Maintaining their strength and function helps prevent issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual dysfunction. Proper pelvic health also ensures comfortable urination, bowel movements and sexual activity. Daily pelvic floor exercises strengthen muscles.”
“Encourage patients to consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist for tailored advice and a personalised exercise programme, especially if they are experiencing chronic pain, incontinence or issues related to childbirth or the menopause,” says Laura Dowling, community pharmacist in Dublin and founder of FabUWellness.
📈 Bladder training involves teaching patients to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits to improve bladder control.
🏪 Pharmacists can also recommend pelvic floor trainers or biofeedback devices for strengthening exercises and suggest incontinence pads or liners for short-term symptom management.
Bladder problems & UTIs
Many UTIs resolve naturally, but over-the-counter treatments can help. They include:
- Potassium citrate or sodium citrate sachets, which reduce urine acidity to ease discomfort
- Concentrated cranberry or D-mannose supplements may help limit infections
- Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists are trained to assess acute UTI symptoms and, where appropriate, supply antibiotics (e.g., nitrofurantoin) under Patient Group Directions (PGDs)
“This helps to alleviate pressure on overstretched services, such as GP appointments and A&E, particularly during busy periods. Pharmacy First has enabled timely, expert care closer to home, easing pressure on GPs and A&E” – Elen Jones, RPS Director for England & Wales
“Many women have commented on how easy it is to access the service. They can call in to their local pharmacy at a convenient time for them and have a consultation with the pharmacist, usually without an appointment” – Amanda Smith, the pharmacy manager at Heath Pharmacy Ltd in Halifax
“Pharmacy First is freeing up GP capacity for more complex cases. This is particularly impactful for women aged 16 to 65, who can often be treated without the need for a prescription. Early intervention reduces the progression of UTIs to more serious conditions such as kidney infections” – Laura Dowling, community pharmacist & founder of FabUWellness
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