Vaginitis

Q Can vaginitis be cured with Korean medicine alone, without antibiotics?

A. For mild cases and recurrence prevention, Korean medicine treatment alone is possible. For acute infections or when there is concern about progression to pelvic inflammatory disease, combining antibiotics is realistic.

Q If I have vaginitis, can cervicitis develop along with it?

A. Yes. When bacterial or trichomonas vaginitis ascends, cervicitis tends to accompany it. Increased cervical discharge and pain during intercourse are warning signs.

Q Does vaginitis get worse if I have diabetes or an immune disorder?

A. Yes. When blood sugar is high, Candida overgrows easily, and with immune disorders or immunosuppressant use, bacterial vaginosis also heals poorly.

Q Is it okay to have sex while I have vaginitis?

A. Abstinence is recommended during treatment. Especially for trichomonas, the sexual partner must be treated together to prevent reinfection.

Q Does herbal steam therapy (jwahun) actually help? Can I do it at home?

A. Clinic herbal steam therapy is performed safely with prescribed herbs. Doing it arbitrarily at home carries the risk of burns and mucosal damage, so receive it under professional guidance.

Q Is it safe to take Korean herbal medicine for vaginitis during pregnancy?

A. During pregnancy, the range of usable herbs is limited. You must inform us that you are pregnant and receive a safe prescription.

Q If I take herbal medicine for vaginitis for a long time, will I develop resistance or side effects?

A. Unlike antibiotics, herbal medicine does not cause resistance. Liver or kidney dysfunction is rare even with long-term use, but regular monitoring is recommended.

Q Can I take antibiotics like metronidazole together with Korean herbal medicine?

A. Generally they can be taken together, but keep an interval of at least 2 hours between doses and always inform your Korean medicine doctor in advance.

Q Can vaginitis worsen into pelvic inflammatory disease?

A. Yes. Untreated bacterial or trichomonas vaginitis can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and become pelvic inflammatory disease. Early treatment is important.

Q How long does it take to fully recover after Korean medicine treatment?

A. It varies by severity and type, but most people experience significant improvement with 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, and 3 months or more is recommended to prevent recurrence.

Q What causes vaginitis?

A. It is caused by a decrease in beneficial vaginal bacteria and overgrowth of harmful microbes. The three main types are bacterial, candidal, and trichomonas vaginitis.

Q Why does my vaginitis keep coming back?

A. Recurrence is caused by weakened immunity, antibiotic overuse, stress, and hormonal changes. Improving your underlying constitution is necessary.

Q Are there foods that are bad for vaginitis?

A. Sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol promote Candida overgrowth. Spicy, irritating foods also worsen damp-heat in the lower jiao.

Q Can stress or fatigue trigger vaginitis?

A. Yes. Stress hormones suppress immunity and disrupt the vaginal pH balance, triggering or worsening vaginitis.

Q Can I receive vaginitis treatment during my period?

A. Taking herbal medicine is possible during menstruation. Refrain from herbal steam therapy during your period and start it after checking your condition once it ends.

Q In what order does vaginitis treatment proceed at Dongjedang?

A. It proceeds in the order of initial consultation → assessment of discharge type → prescription → herbal steam therapy (if needed) → follow-up after 2 weeks.

Q My symptoms have improved during vaginitis treatment. Can I stop the medication?

A. Even if symptoms have disappeared, do not stop on your own. To prevent recurrence, the dose should be tapered gradually under your Korean medicine doctor's judgment.

Q Can vaginitis actually be treated with herbal medicine?

A. Yes, it is possible. You can expect symptom improvement and prevention of recurrence through the elimination of damp heat and immune system strengthening.