In order to help keep the intimate vaginal area healthy, you can pass on the following advice to women:

• Plain, unperfumed soaps, rather than perfumed products should be used to gently wash the area around the vagina each day
• Change tampons and sanitary pads frequently
• After going to the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid transferring germs to the vaginal area
• Change underwear after swimming or going to the gym.

In addition, the following advice can be passed onto women suffering from specific conditions:

• Vaginal dryness – customers may want to discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT)/oestrogen treatments with their GP
• Thrush – avoid tight-fitting underwear/tights and wear cotton rather than synthetic underwear. If a customer has diabetes, keeping her blood sugar under control may help
• Cystitis – drink plenty of water. A hot water bottle held against the stomach may help. Avoid tight-fitting underwear and tights, and wear cotton rather than synthetic underwear
• BV – avoid washing out the vagina (douching) or using strong detergents to wash underwear.