Feminine Health

Discreet, pharmacist-advised products for intimate health: pH-balanced washes from FemFresh and Vagisil, CanesMeno for menopause dryness, Always Discreet for bladder leaks and Pregnacare Conception for anyone trying for a baby. Delivered in plain packaging.

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Intimate health, answered plainly

Washing

The vagina cleans itself. Plain water on the outside is enough; if you prefer a wash, use a pH-balanced one such as FemFresh or Vagisil and keep it external. Scented soaps, douches and wipes upset the natural balance and cause the irritation they claim to fix.

Thrush versus BV

Thick white discharge with itching is usually thrush, treated with clotrimazole (Canesten Combi, in our skin treatments section). Thin greyish discharge with a fishy smell is more likely bacterial vaginosis, which needs a pH-restoring gel such as Balance Activ, not antifungal. Getting the diagnosis right matters; if you are unsure, message us and describe the symptoms.

Menopause dryness

Falling oestrogen thins and dries vaginal tissue, causing discomfort, itching and painful sex. CanesMeno is a hormone-free vaginal moisturiser used regularly, two or three times a week, not just before sex. If that is not enough, local oestrogen on prescription is very effective and suits most women; ask us or your GP. See our menopause and HRT guide.

Bladder leaks

Always Discreet pads are designed for urine, which period pads are not, and are far thinner and more absorbent for that purpose. Leaks are common after childbirth and in menopause and often improve with pelvic floor exercises; a physiotherapist can help if they do not.

Trying for a baby

Pregnacare Conception provides folic acid 400 micrograms plus the vitamins recommended before pregnancy. Start it as soon as you begin trying.

Discreet by default: plain packaging, no product names on the outside, and only Laois Pharmacy on your statement.

Common questions about feminine health

How do I know if it is thrush or BV?

Thrush: thick, white, cottage-cheese discharge with itching and soreness. BV: thin, grey or watery discharge with a fishy smell and little itch. They need different treatments, so ask us if you are unsure, and see a GP if it is your first episode or keeps returning.

What helps vaginal dryness during menopause?

A regular vaginal moisturiser such as CanesMeno used two or three times a week, plus a lubricant for sex. If symptoms persist, prescription local oestrogen is highly effective and suitable for most women.

Are intimate washes necessary?

No. Water is enough for most people. If you want a wash, choose a pH-balanced, fragrance-free one and use it externally only. Never douche.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.