Viagra, known generically as sildenafil, is a widely recognised medication for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Since its approval in the late 1990s, it has helped millions of men regain confidence and intimacy in their relationships. Designed to improve blood flow to the penis, Viagra can enhance a man's ability to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. This article explores how Viagra works, who it’s for, and what to expect when using it. Whether you’re considering it for the first time or simply curious about its effects, understanding the benefits, potential side effects, and precautions can help you make informed decisions about this well-known treatment.

Vaginal dryness is a common problem that many women have at some point in their lives. It can affect women of all ages, but it is far more common in women who are post-menopausal. It affects around 2 in 10 women under the age of 50. The symptoms of vaginal dryness can cause you to feel sore or itchy in and around your vagina. You may also feel pain or discomfort during sex and may need to pee more often than usual. Many of the symptoms of vaginal dryness can also be mistaken for other common infections such as thrush and urinary tract infections. Vaginal dryness can also increase your risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs.

Hot flushes are the most common menopause symptom, with 3 out of every 4 women experiencing the sensation across their face, chest and body. It can cause some to feel uncomfortable, with sweating, dizziness and possibly palpitations. Hot flushes come on suddenly at any time, and can last a few seconds or several minutes. Their unpredictable and all-consuming nature means they carry a high cost in terms of self-confidence, as it can feel embarrassing at work or social events. Night sweats are a particular feature, sometimes leaving the bed linen drenched. They add to the insomnia many menopausal women feel during the transition.

Pubic lice, commonly known as crabs or crab lice, are small parasitic insects that infest the pubic hair region and sometimes other areas of the body with coarse hair. While not typically considered a serious medical condition, pubic lice infestations can cause discomfort, itching, and embarrassment. Understanding the symptoms, transmission methods, and treatment options for pubic lice is essential for effective management and prevention of infestations.

The progestogen-only pill (POP) is a type of contraception. It contains a progestogen hormone. The hormone closely resembles the progesterone hormone produced by a woman’s ovaries. Older (traditional) POPs contain either levonorgestrel (Norgeston) or norethisterone (Noriday). Newer POPs contain desogestrel; brands include Cerazette, Cerelle, Feanolla, and Zelleta. The POP is also referred to as the mini pill and contains desogestrel.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclical worsening of mood and physical health due to hormones released during the menstrual cycle. 4 out of 10 women experience some symptoms of PMS and about 1 in 20 women will have severe symptoms. Women normally experience PMS for approximately two weeks, around half of their menstrual cycle. Doctors describe menstrual cycle lengths by calling day 1 the first day of your period, and for women with an average cycle length (around 28 days), PMS tends to start around day 15 which is around the time of egg release (ovulation). The symptoms can last until the end of your period. Often women experiencing an easing of their symptoms once their period begins. Premenstrual Syndrome includes a large range of both physical and psychological symptoms. These physical and psychological symptoms can be severe enough to affect daily activities. They may impair school performance, interfere with work, affect family life or relationships with others.

Menopause is individual to every woman, and treatment should be tailored to her individual symptoms and concerns as she goes through the change in hormones from her late-40s onwards. Every woman goes through it, but everyone experiences different symptoms, and to varying degrees of severity. Previously women would book an appointment with their doctor to discuss symptoms and treatment options, but some women have done their research and already think that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is right for them. To make access easier, there’s a proposal underway to make HRT available without a prescription, so you no longer need an appointment with your GP. It’s not quite that black-and-white, so let’s talk you through the proposed change to getting hold of HRT.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure carried out to remove a woman’s uterus (womb). There are many reasons why people have a hysterectomy, and it is a common procedure. Once the uterus is removed, a woman will no longer have periods and will not be able to get pregnant.

Emergency contraception is given to those who have had unprotected sex, are not taking regular contraception and want to avoid pregnancy. It’s commonly known as the morning-after pill, but this isn’t accurate, as it's available for up to 5 days after any unprotected sex. But the sooner it’s taken, the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy. It’s important to emphasise that this is not an abortion or termination of an embryo or foetus. The pill delays the release of a woman's egg, and the coil creates a hostile environment for sperm to fuse with a woman’s egg. It prevents a pregnancy, rather than ending a pregnancy. Your local sexual health clinic is best for all types of emergency contraception, but tablets are available on prescription from your GP, the emergency department and some pharmacies.

The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is a type of contraception for women. It is available free of charge on the NHS in the UK and is sometimes referred to as just the pill. It contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones closely resemble the oestrogen and progesterone hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries. There are lots of different COCPs available. Examples include Rigevidon, Yasmin, Lucette, Femodette, Levest, and Cilique. The amount and type of oestrogen and progestogen hormones differ between the other brands. COCPs are either monophasic (all the pills in the pack contain the same amount of hormones) or multiphasic (different pills in the pack contain differing amounts of hormones). Some are taken for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break. Others are taken daily and hold inactive (dummy) pills at the end of the pack.

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication and is used to treat common fungal infections like the bugs that cause vaginal thrush. Pessaries (also known as vaginal tablets) are a way to treat the local area affected by inserting directly into the vagina. Canesten is a branded version of clotrimazole pessaries. Clotrimazole pessaries are available over the counter in different strengths. Combination packs with clotrimazole cream are also available.

Erectile dysfunction, a condition that affects many men, can now be managed with greater convenience and accessibility through Cialis, which contains the medication tadalafil at a strength of 10mg. This medication is designed to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. Evolution of Accessibility A significant milestone was reached in March 2023 when the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reclassified Cialis from a prescription-only medicine (POM) to a pharmacy (P) medicine. This change in classification means that men no longer require a prescription to obtain Cialis; it is readily available over the counter in pharmacies. To ensure the medication is suitable for them, men must complete a medical questionnaire and engage in a discussion with their pharmacist. Moreover, the medication can also be purchased online from select pharmacy retailers following the completion of an online medical questionnaire and a phone consultation with a pharmacist if needed. These changes offer a balance between facilitating convenient access to Cialis and ensuring the safe distribution of the medication.