Patients are unaware of the services pharmacies can provide, a survey by Flomax Relief has found.

The survey of 2,000 consumers, which took place in July, found that 82 per cent were not aware pharmacists could offer travel health advice, while 89 per cent didn't know they could help with urinary health problems.

The results showed that consumers still had "preconceived ideas of pharmacy as a prescription-only outlet", said Boehringer Ingelheim, manufacturer of Flomax Relief.

"The results highlight the need for greater education and awareness among consumers in order to drive uptake of the services provided by pharmacy," a spokesperson said.

The survey also revealed particularly low awareness of pharmacy services among men, because only a third visited their pharmacy every two to three months and one tenth never visited a pharmacy. Only 12 per cent knew they could seek advice on prostate health from pharmacists.

Men said better promotion of services, extended opening hours and a more discreet service would encourage them to visit their pharmacy more often.

Independent pharmacist Raj Rohilla stressed that men represented an "untapped revenue stream". "There are a number of steps pharmacists can take to encourage male customers into pharmacies, for example making window displays more male-friendly and clearly advertising the presence of your private consultation room," he said.