Emergency contraceptive pills are readily available from pharmacies across the UK without a prescription. The two main options include ellaOne, which can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse, and Levonelle, effective up to 72 hours (3 days) afterwards. Both medications work by delaying ovulation, and their effectiveness decreases with time, making prompt access crucial.
You should seek emergency contraception if you've had unprotected sex, experienced contraceptive failure such as a split condom, or missed regular contraceptive pills. Most pharmacies offer private consultation areas where trained pharmacists can provide advice and supply emergency contraception. There are no age restrictions for emergency contraception in the UK, though pharmacists may conduct a brief consultation to ensure appropriate usage.
The combined oral contraceptive pill remains one of the most popular choices for women in the UK, containing both oestrogen and progestogen hormones. These pills are over 99% effective when taken correctly and offer additional benefits including lighter, more regular periods and reduced risk of certain cancers.
Progesterone-only pills, commonly known as the mini-pill, provide an excellent alternative for women who cannot take oestrogen. Modern contraceptive methods also include:
Home pregnancy tests available from UK pharmacies are highly accurate when used correctly, detecting pregnancy hormones in urine with over 99% reliability from the first day of a missed period. Digital pregnancy tests provide clear 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant' results, whilst standard tests show results through colour-changing lines.
Early detection pregnancy tests can identify pregnancy up to 6 days before a missed period, though accuracy increases closer to the expected period date. You should consult a healthcare professional if you receive conflicting test results, experience unusual symptoms, or need advice about pregnancy options and antenatal care.
Menstrual cramps affect the majority of women, and effective pain relief is readily available from UK pharmacies. Ibuprofen is particularly effective for period pain as it reduces inflammation and prostaglandin production, which cause uterine contractions. Paracetamol provides an alternative for those who cannot take anti-inflammatory medications.
Naproxen offers longer-lasting relief for severe menstrual pain and can be particularly beneficial for women with heavy periods. Buscopan targets period-related stomach cramps and digestive discomfort that often accompanies menstruation. Additional pain relief options include heat patches, topical gels, and magnesium supplements, which can help reduce muscle tension and cramping.
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects approximately one in three women in the UK, significantly impacting quality of life. Tranexamic acid, available from pharmacies, reduces menstrual blood loss by up to 50% by improving blood clotting. This medication can be taken during menstruation without affecting cycle regularity.
Iron deficiency anaemia commonly develops due to heavy periods, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Iron supplements help restore healthy iron levels, though they should be taken with vitamin C to improve absorption. Vitex agnus-castus, a herbal remedy, may help regulate irregular cycles by supporting natural hormone balance.
You should seek medical attention if your periods last longer than 7 days, you need to change protection every hour, pass clots larger than a 50p coin, or experience bleeding between periods. These symptoms may indicate underlying conditions requiring professional medical assessment and treatment.
Finding the right menstrual protection is essential for comfort and confidence during your period. Our comprehensive range includes ultra-thin day pads, overnight protection with wings, and organic cotton options for sensitive skin. We stock regular, super, and super plus tampons with applicators and without, ensuring you can find the perfect absorbency level for your flow.
Environmentally conscious and cost-effective alternatives are increasingly popular amongst UK women. Menstrual cups offer up to 12 hours of protection and can last for years with proper care. We also provide reusable cloth pads and period pants that combine comfort with sustainability, perfect for those looking to reduce their environmental impact whilst maintaining excellent protection.
Maintaining proper intimate hygiene requires specially formulated products designed for the delicate vaginal area. Our selection includes:
The menstrual cycle can increase susceptibility to thrush due to hormonal changes and increased moisture. Regular changing of sanitary products, choosing breathable cotton underwear, and avoiding heavily perfumed products can significantly reduce your risk of developing uncomfortable yeast infections during your period.
Fluconazole offers a convenient single-dose oral treatment for uncomplicated vaginal thrush. This prescription-strength antifungal medication works systemically to eliminate Candida overgrowth, providing effective relief from itching, discharge, and discomfort within 1-3 days of treatment.
Clotrimazole provides targeted topical treatment directly to the affected area. Available as pessaries for internal treatment and creams for external symptoms, this antifungal medication offers flexible treatment options. The combination approach ensures comprehensive coverage of both internal and external thrush symptoms.
Combination treatments like Canesten Duo provide both internal pessary and external cream in one convenient package. These dual-action treatments address all aspects of thrush infection simultaneously, offering faster symptom relief and more comprehensive treatment than single-product approaches.
For women experiencing frequent thrush episodes, prevention becomes crucial. Consider probiotics to support healthy vaginal flora, avoid tight synthetic clothing, limit sugar intake, and maintain good intimate hygiene without over-washing. Discuss long-term antifungal maintenance therapy with your pharmacist if you experience more than four episodes annually.
Trimethoprim remains a first-line antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. This prescription medication effectively targets common UTI-causing bacteria whilst minimising resistance development. Treatment typically requires a 3-day course for acute uncomplicated cystitis.
Clinical evidence supports cranberry's role in preventing recurrent UTIs by preventing bacterial adhesion to urinary tract walls. High-strength cranberry extract supplements provide concentrated proanthocyanidins, the active compounds responsible for UTI prevention, without the high sugar content of cranberry juice.
D-Mannose offers a natural approach to UTI prevention and treatment, particularly effective against E. coli infections. This simple sugar works by binding to bacteria, preventing their attachment to urinary tract walls and facilitating their elimination through urination.
Seek immediate medical attention for UTI symptoms including severe pelvic pain, high fever, blood in urine, or kidney pain. These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection requiring prescription antibiotic treatment and professional medical supervision.
Metronidazole gel provides targeted treatment for bacterial vaginosis with minimal systemic absorption. Applied directly to the vaginal area, this antibiotic gel effectively eliminates harmful bacteria whilst reducing side effects commonly associated with oral antibiotics, such as nausea and metallic taste.
Restoring healthy vaginal bacteria is crucial for preventing BV recurrence. Specific lactobacillus strains, including L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri, have demonstrated clinical efficacy in maintaining optimal vaginal pH and supporting natural protective barriers against harmful bacterial overgrowth.
Regular monitoring of vaginal pH helps detect imbalances before symptoms develop. Normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, and elevated levels may indicate bacterial vaginosis or other infections. Home testing strips provide convenient, private monitoring of intimate health status.
Several lifestyle modifications can significantly impact vaginal health and reduce infection risk:
Navigating menopause can be challenging, but natural remedies and supplements can provide significant relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Black cohosh has been traditionally used for centuries to help manage hot flushes, offering a gentle alternative for women seeking natural support. Red clover supplements contain natural plant compounds that may help restore hormonal balance during this transitional period.
For those experiencing troublesome night sweats, sage extract has shown promising results in clinical studies, helping to regulate body temperature and improve sleep quality. Additionally, maintaining bone health becomes crucial during menopause, making vitamin D and calcium supplementation essential for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining skeletal strength.
Whether you're considering hormone replacement therapy or seeking natural alternatives, various options can support your menopausal journey. Natural progesterone creams offer targeted hormonal support, whilst evening primrose oil provides essential fatty acids that may help alleviate various menopausal symptoms including mood swings and breast tenderness.
Magnesium supplements play a vital role in supporting both mood stability and sleep quality, two areas often affected during menopause. Herbal remedies such as valerian root, passionflower, and chamomile can provide additional comfort for menopausal discomfort, offering gentle support for this natural life transition.
Planning for pregnancy requires careful attention to nutritional needs and lifestyle factors. Folic acid supplementation is crucial for preventing neural tube defects and should ideally begin at least one month before conception. Modern ovulation prediction kits and fertility monitors have revolutionised family planning, providing accurate insights into fertile windows and helping couples optimise their chances of conception.
Comprehensive conception vitamins containing essential minerals like zinc, selenium, and vitamin E support reproductive health in both partners. Understanding lifestyle factors that affect fertility is equally important, including maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress levels, limiting alcohol consumption, and ensuring adequate sleep.
During pregnancy, nutritional demands increase significantly, making specialised supplements essential. Pregnacare and other pregnancy multivitamins provide comprehensive nutritional support tailored to each trimester's specific needs. Iron supplements become particularly important during pregnancy to prevent anaemia and support increased blood volume.
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are crucial for foetal brain and eye development. For expectant mothers experiencing morning sickness, natural remedies including ginger supplements can provide gentle relief without compromising safety during pregnancy.
Supporting beauty from within starts with proper nutrition and targeted supplements. Collagen supplements help maintain skin elasticity and may reduce signs of ageing, whilst biotin supports healthy hair growth and stronger nails. Antioxidant vitamins including vitamins C and E provide protection against environmental damage and support overall skin health.
Many women experience fatigue due to iron deficiency, making iron supplements a vital consideration for maintaining energy levels. B-complex vitamins support energy metabolism and nervous system function, helping combat daily stress and fatigue. Probiotics promote digestive health and may influence mood through the gut-brain connection, whilst adaptogenic herbs and magnesium supplements can support the body's natural stress response mechanisms.
