SICK WITH EMBARRASSMENT

Pharmacy-shy Brits make health worse

MILLIONS of people are suffering unnecessary medical issues because they are too embarrassed to get the correct treatment, a study shows.

Research suggests 15 million adults in the UK have had an ailment that has been made worse because they were embarrassed to speak with their pharmacist about it.

The study, commissioned by Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy, revealed some of the most embarrassing products to buy are condoms, thrush cream, haemorrhoid ointment and erectile dysfunction pills.

Almost a fifth of customers confess to sending their partner into the pharmacist to save their blushes, and an astonishing 1 in 12 have sent their child.

NAME from Well pharmacy said “Whilst I can understand why people would feel embarrassed asking for certain items, it is important that we don't allow this to exacerbate health issues. Conditions if left untreated can cause further complications. Absolutely no one should suffer in silence."

"Our pharmacies all have private consultation rooms, which unlike GPs don't require prior booking. In addition, most of the items that people feel embarrassed about are available via our online pharmacy. We want it to be as easy and pain free as possible for people to access the treatments they need."

In total over half the adult population (56%) have struggled with embarrassment when buying items such as condoms, lubricant, and pregnancy tests. Over a third (36%) have gone to the pharmacy but left empty handed as they felt too ashamed.

The most embarrassing items to ask a pharmacist for are:

1.    Condoms

2.    Lubricant

3.    Thrush cream

4.    Erectile disfunction medication

5.    Haemorrhoid cream

6.    Vaginal cleaning products

7.    Vaginal dryness creams

8.    Morning after pill

9.    Sanitary products

10.  Laxatives

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Editors notes

1. Research of 2,000 UK adults was conducted by Atomik Research. The research fieldwork took place on 9th – 13th April 2021. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code. 

Well Pharmacy is the UK's largest independent pharmacy chain.