garlic and the gynecologist

[anabeth8225.livejournal.com]

So here is an embarrassing question.

I have what I think is a chronic yeast infection. I've had it for three months, and I went to my school's clinic four times to try to deal with it. Although they confirmed it was yeast, the medicines they prescribed weren't helping. I haven't been able to get an appointment with a gynecologist until December.

Last night, I tried the garlic remedy by inserting a clove in my vagina for four hours while I slept. So far so good.

But! There was a cancellation at the gynecologist's today (I have never seen her before,) and they called to ask if I wanted to take it. I jumped on the opportunity. So, what should I tell the gynecologist about the garlic? She is definitely going to be able to smell it.

I guess I just want some reassurance that the garlic thing isn't that weird, and that I'm not going to get a lecture about it from a new gynecologist. I'm already petrified enough as-is. My appointment is at 1 est. 

Comments

[dnl2002.livejournal.com]

Just tell them that you've been doing extensive research on the subject and decided to try the garlic home remedy. It's quite possible that the gynecologist is already familiar with using it as a treatment. My practitioner was actually the first person to ever tell me about using garlic. She suggested it to treat reoccurring BV.

In the end, remember this is a doctor that you'll probably only ever see once or twice a year at most...who cares what she thinks? She's there to treat you as a medical professional, not give social commentary a la Negative Nancy. ;)

Oh, and garlic is a popular home remedy used the world over...it really isn't weird.

Hope you feel better!

[archangelbeth]

Considering how many people here suggest garlic, I think that if the gyno doesn't know about it... She's the one out of the loop. O:> I'd explain that you've been home-treating with garlic -- just take it out, and you don't have to say if you've been inserting it, or eating it, or what. O:>

[bomega.livejournal.com]

Well, you should tell her you tried it so that she doesn't think the garlic smell is caused by something bacterial, but be prepared for her to freak out that you tried it. Most allopathic doctors discount the efficacy of naturopathic treatments, especially ones that are considered home remedies (that do not come in a pill.) It's possible she will think it was a good idea, but since you want her treatment, you will just have to play along when she starts giving you funny looks.

[taterbug160.livejournal.com]

I doubt that she would openly freak out on you - just be the one to say it first so the garlic smell doesn't make her wonder.

They see so much in that line of work, I don't think some garlic would shock them...

[imnotyourstarx.livejournal.com]

i used to work at a women's repoductive health clinic, and trust me, they see everything. a little garlic is nothing. one time a young woman came into the office claiming she had a tapmon stuck inside her for 3 or 4 days. (i guess the string had come loose or something.) she must have been harboring one hell of an infection (and who wouldnt, after all those days?!) because lemme tell you, the entire office smelled awful for the rest of the day after she had it removed.

i know for a fact garlic is a good remedy for yeast. if your doctor says something, shes the one who needs to do some research.

do yourself a favor: go to your local heath food shop or wherever they sell vitamins near you. pick up a bottle of acidophilus pills. (my favorite brand is "nature made" in a brown bottle with a yellow label, from CVS, about 10 dollars a bottle.) take two a day twice a day with a glass of water, milk, or food. not only will this keep the yeast in your vagina in balance, but it also aids digestion and other stomach functions. take this everyday as a preventative measure. if you already have an infection, as you do, take two pills three times a day instead of two. this alone usually kills my yeast infections. i start popping them when i suspect one is coming on and can sometimes cure it before its a full blown problem.

good luck!