With the advent of so-called Dr Google, more and more people are turning to the internet to get to the bottom of concerning symptoms rather than a pharmacy team member or GP, especially if they’re suffering from a potentially sensitive or embarrassing problem. But resorting to the internet can do more harm than good, resulting in a DIY diagnosis that’s far off the mark and causing unnecessary worry and stress.

But while Dr Google might be the preferred port of call for women suffering from potentially embarrassing intimate health issues, a sensitive approach, level head and the right advice and recommendations from pharmacy teams can help women determine the correct diagnosis and get back to full health without a panic-induced trip to the GP or A&E.

It’s important to remember however, there are times when symptoms will be outside the pharmacy team’s remit and so keeping an eye out for red flags and referring to the pharmacist when appropriate, can help women get extra help when they need it.