Korean Job Discussion Forums

[viva]

Hey Ladies,

I hate to bring up such a gross topic but I really need some info in a hurry.

Here goes:

Can a gal get a treatment for a yeast infection (also known as thrush) in a pharmacy without a prescription? Or, am I going to have to make my way down to the doctor's office and act out some pretty vulgar charades just to get a prescription?

Anybody know if Monistat, Canestin, or an alternative is available? And failing that, can anyone suggest any home remedies or preventative measures?

Thanks heaps for helping me out with this "taboo" topic!! Much appreciated.

[OiGirl]

Just been there and done that. Lovely humid Korean summers, line-dried laundry, and bathhouses.

The pharmacy said I had to go to a doctor. I talked to the doctor but was not examined. Explained the problem and said I'd like Diflucan (oral) or Miconozole (cream, etc.) I was given a prescription for Diflucan, and went back to the pharmacy and filled it.

Took about 20 minutes total. Cost: W10,000 for the doctor and W11,000 for 4 pills of Diflucan. I don't have insurance and was shocked still at how cheap it was.

The doctor told me never wash with soap, use a vinegar-water rinse. Yeasties love an alkaline environment.

If you've experienced this before, you probably know what you need. I had a Korean friend with me to interpret, but you should get far just with the words 'Candida' and 'Diflucan' written down in English.

[The Marchioness]

Hello Viva Candida

It's not really a gross subject; it is a legitimate health concern.

Most (if not all) doctors and pharmacists here speak English as their textbooks are in English. So, no fear about having to re-enact your discomfort with bizarre bodily contortions.

Also, a natural remedy is to avoid eating all sugars; no bread, crackers, cookies, or anything that might have yeast and/or sugars in them. In addition, eat plenty of yogurt as it will destroy the yeasties. Furthermore, buy some acidopholous from the pharmacy (make sure it's refrigerated) and that will destroy the blighters.

(Do I need to mention that if you have a partner, he should also follow this routine as the next sexual encounter will create a ping-pong effect and you will continue to infect one another????) It happened to me once and it took a while before I figured it out; duh!

TM

[katydid]