A wide range of products are available over the counter from pharmacies that can help women treat intimate health problems, although in some cases a prescription may be required.

1. Vaginal dryness can be managed with moisturisers and lubricants and a range of different products are available. Lubricants offer short-term relief, whereas moisturisers are creams that are applied inside the vagina to keep the area moist. Moisturisers should be applied regularly, according to the product directions, to ease itching, irritation and discomfort. There are a variety of brands that have slightly different compositions and pHs, so customers may need to try a few different products before they find the one that works best for them. Examples include Replens MD. Petroleum-based or oil-based products can damage condoms so extra care must be taken when using these.

2. Thrush can be treated with antifungals. These are available as topical treatments (e.g. clotrimazole) or as oral capsules (fluconazole). Topical formulations include pessaries, internal creams with vaginal applicators and external creams. Many products are sold in a combination (e.g. pessaries and creams) for both internal treatment and external symptom relief. Examples include the Canesten range.

3. Cystitis symptoms can be managed with OTC products that reduce the acidity of urine, such as sodium citrate sachets mixed with water. Examples include Effercitrate and Canesten Oasis. If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Customers should also be advised to drink plenty of water.

4. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be treated with over-the-counter gels or creams that help to regulate the pH of the vagina. Examples include Canesbalance. There are also testing kits available, such as Canestest, to tell whether an infection is thrush or BV. In some cases, the infection may need to be treated with antibiotic tablets, gels or creams from a doctor. It is common for BV to come back, usually within three months, and these treatments may need to be used for up to six months if the condition keeps recurring.