Korean Job Discussion Forums

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

I am a little over 5 weeks pregnant and have predictably developed a yeast infection. My doctor won't prescribe anything to treat it because she said I can't take any medicine in early pregnancy. It's particularly frustrating because from doing a little research, I have found that it's considered safe to take internal medications to treat it, just not the oral medication. So, my question is, does anyone have any natural remedies that have worked? Is Canestan topical cream safe to use? I don't really want to go against my doctor's advice, especially since I can't read the medication labels, but this is miserable. Help!

Zackback · Joined: 05 Nov 2010 Location: Kyungbuk

Panda where are you? You should be answering this.

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Hmm, I don't have the answer to your question but I feel for you. Even if it's not great to take many medicines during pregnancy I would think that just letting a yeast infection go can't be good for the baby (or you!). For natural remedies I've had good luck with yogurt in the past (applied at night). You obviously need a non-sugary yogurt with plenty of active cultures- most Emart and Homepluses sell plain Denmark yogurt (no sugar added). Maybe give that a try first? I've also heard that garlic applied topically helps, but you'd want to do this at night and it's obviously a rather smelly option (probably you'd want to do the yogurt just at night too).

I think you're right, though, than not all internal medicines should be off-limits during early pregnancy. If you're in the Seoul area you could ask Dr. Chung at Mediflower (in Apgujeong, near Seoul University of Education subway station). He tends to be more liberal about such things than I'd imagine many Korean doctors are. Here's the website: http://www.mediflower.co.kr/eng/sub_010101.html

You could try just e-mailing the English liaison (Stella) and maybe you could get some free advice that way. Otherwise you could go in and he could assess the situation- they take national insurance.

Good luck!

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

I found this article regarding non-drug treatments for this condition. None of them said to avoid if pregnant, so maybe this will be of some usefulness to you.
===========

10 Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
Category: Natural Health,Natural Remedies,Organic Living
Author: Dr. Edward Group

The common yeast infection, also known as vaginitis, is a painful condition that many may women experience at some point in their lives.

Characterized by extremely uncomfortable itching, burning and pain, as well as a smelly discharge, vaginal yeast infections are most-often caused by unhealthy forms of fungus that grow in the warm, damp environment of the female genitalia. And while men may also experience this condition, it is most common in women. The most prominent form of yeast infection fungus is Candida albicans.

Below, we will discuss ten of the most common natural remedies for yeast infections. Hopefully, these remedies will provide you with relief from the uncomfortable itching and burning.

For the rest of the story . . .
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/yeast-infection-remedies/
Good luck.
PS. I'm not a lady, but, in spite of your post title, I figured you'd appreciate useful suggestions even if I weren't. Cheers.

sadguy · Joined: 13 Feb 2011

instead of going the yogurt route, why don't you just buy pure acidophilus pills at iherb.com? that might help balance out your flora.

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

Dazed and Confused · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

From what I understand Candida overgrowth (yeast infection) is self timing. It will end by itself sooner or later. Granted you will probably be very uncomfortable but neither you nor your baby's health is at risk.

sadguy · Joined: 13 Feb 2011

ontheway · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:05 am Post subject:

Try drinking lots of cranberry juice.

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Cranberry juice is for bladder infections, not yeast infections.

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. It looks like iherb might be my best bet. They have so much selection that I'm not sure what to order. Any suggestions on a particular brand of prenatal vitamins or acidophilus?

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

TinyGuest · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:17 pm Post subject:

Pangaea, while not orientated towards living in S. Korea here are two groups that could also give possible solutions/answer more questions.

http://vaginapagina.livejournal.com/

http://womenhealth.livejournal.com/

sadguy · Joined: 13 Feb 2011

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

Here's what Consumerslab.com had to say about acidophulus and this condition.
----------------Vaginal bacterial infections
A combination of L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 (as in Jarrow Formulas femdophilus) taken orally has been shown to reduce colonization of the vagina by potential pathogenic bacteria and yeast (Reid 2003). Vaginal suppositories (which are not considered supplements in the U.S.) containing Lactobacillus organisms have also shown therapeutic benefit.
------------------