Convenient and Confidential Women’s Health Support
Discussing contraception, vaginal symptoms, period problems or urinary discomfort can feel personal.
An online pharmacist consultation provides a confidential way to explain your symptoms and find out whether pharmacy treatment may be appropriate.
The pharmacist may ask about:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Current contraception
- Allergies
- Prescription and non-prescription medicines
- Recent sexual activity
- Previous episodes of the same condition
- Any treatment already used
Providing accurate information allows the pharmacist to make a safer and more appropriate decision.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception may be required after unprotected sex or when regular contraception has failed.
Levonorgestrel emergency contraception generally needs to be taken within 72 hours. Ulipristal acetate, commonly supplied as ellaOne, can be taken within 120 hours.
Emergency contraception is usually more effective when it is taken as soon as possible.
The pharmacist must assess factors including:
- When unprotected sex occurred
- Your regular contraceptive method
- Other medicines you are taking
- Recent emergency contraception use
- Your menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy risk
Urinary Tract Infections and Cystitis
Common urinary tract infection symptoms may include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Sudden urinary urgency
- Cloudy urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
Some patients may be able to receive assessment and treatment through a pharmacist.
Urgent medical advice may be needed if symptoms are accompanied by:
- Fever or shivering
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the back or below the ribs
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Symptoms that are becoming worse
- Symptoms that are not improving
These signs may indicate a more serious infection requiring further assessment.
Vaginal Thrush
Thrush commonly causes itching, soreness and a thick white discharge that does not usually have a strong smell.
Antifungal treatment may be available as:
- A vaginal pessary
- An external cream
- An oral capsule
Pharmacy treatment may be more appropriate when you have previously been diagnosed with thrush and recognise the symptoms.
Further medical assessment may be recommended for:
- First-time symptoms
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Frequent or recurring thrush
- Treatment that has not worked
- A weakened immune system
- Unusual or severe symptoms
Changes in discharge colour, smell or texture, pelvic pain, bleeding after sex or pain when urinating may have another cause and should not automatically be treated as thrush.
Period Pain and Heavy Periods
Period pain is common and may sometimes improve with:
- Heat therapy
- Gentle movement
- Suitable pain relief
- Rest and hydration
However, worsening pain, unusually heavy or irregular periods, pain during sex, or pain when urinating or opening the bowels should be professionally assessed.
Tranexamic acid may be used to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding in suitable patients.
It is not appropriate for everyone. The pharmacist may need to consider your medical history, blood-clot risk and use of hormonal contraception before recommending treatment.
Period Delay
Norethisterone may be prescribed to delay a period in suitable patients. It must normally be started before the expected period begins and taken according to the prescriber’s instructions.
It is not a contraceptive and does not protect against pregnancy.
A clinical assessment is required because it may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions or risk factors.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness may occur due to hormonal changes, menopause, breastfeeding, certain medicines or other health factors.
Depending on the cause and the patient’s medical history, treatment options may include moisturisers, lubricants or local vaginal oestrogen treatment.
Unexpected bleeding, pain, unusual discharge or persistent symptoms should be professionally assessed.
Start a Confidential Women’s Health Consultation
Complete Pharma Available’s women’s health assessment with accurate information about your symptoms, medical history, medicines, allergies and pregnancy status.
The pharmacist will review your information and determine whether pharmacy treatment is suitable or whether you should be referred to another healthcare service.
Medical information notice: These articles provide general information and do not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis or emergency medical care. Seek urgent medical assistance for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.