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[[ File:Flag of Vietnam.svg.png|400px | thumb|right|]] | |||
'''OVERVIEW''' | |||
''' | Vietnam has many women's health resources. Contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives, are legal and do not require a prescription. There are a plethora of pharmacies throughout the city though you may struggle to find certain international brands. Since the 1960s, the North Vietnamese government has advocated family planning -- and, after reunification in 1975, family planning policies extended throughout the country. There is a 2-child policy that has remained in place for decades, although this policy seems to be on its way out (Note: It may have been removed in 2015... waiting for confirmation). Nowadays in Vietnam, you can get STI tests at many hospitals and clinics. However, if you're a foreigner or don't speak Vietnamese, it's recommended that you visit an international facility (list of such facilities below). You can find both pads and tampons, typically without applicators (like OB), at many markets and stores. Furthermore, abortion is fully legal for up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, and there are no known restrictions related to age or reasons. Due to its high prevalence, Vietnam has been called the "abortion capital" of Asia, a title that has also been given to [[China]]. You will find that both surgical and medical abortion options are available, and there are many resources, including international organizations like Marie Stopes, that can help you identify the appropriate services. | ||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
'''General Note:''' There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control here]. It is recommended that you consult with a health practitioner to determine the best contraceptive choice for you. If you want to find which hormonal contraceptives are available by brand, manufacturer or country, click [http://contraceptive.ippf.org/search here]. | |||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
Birth control is legal and widely accessible in Vietnam. It is estimated that 73%-75% of Vietnamese women (of reproductive age) use some form of birth control.<ref>[http://www.dktinternational.org/country-programs/vietnam/ DKT International: Vietnam]</ref> Typically, you'll be able to find oral contraceptive pills, IUDs, injectables (Depo Provera) and Implanon. The most commonly used forms of modern contraceptives tend to be IUDs and condoms. However, it is estimated that approximately 54% of Vietnamese women use modern methods of birth control; the remaining percentage use older methods, like withdrawal, the rhythm method or periodic abstinence.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/about/journals/ipsrh/2002/12/accessibility-and-use-contraceptives-vietnam Accessibility and Use of Contraceptives in Vietnam]</ref> | Birth control is legal and widely accessible in Vietnam. It is estimated that 73%-75% of Vietnamese women (of reproductive age) use some form of birth control.<ref>[http://www.dktinternational.org/country-programs/vietnam/ DKT International: Vietnam]</ref> Typically, you'll be able to find oral contraceptive pills, IUDs, injectables (Depo Provera) and Implanon. The most commonly used forms of modern contraceptives tend to be IUDs and condoms. However, it is estimated that approximately 54% of Vietnamese women use modern methods of birth control; the remaining percentage use older methods, like withdrawal, the rhythm method or periodic abstinence.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/about/journals/ipsrh/2002/12/accessibility-and-use-contraceptives-vietnam Accessibility and Use of Contraceptives in Vietnam]</ref> | ||
Since 1963, Vietnam has had some form of population control. This began under the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), when the government advocated capping families at two to three children. After reunification of Vietnam in 1975 under the communist government, family planning policies extended throughout the country. Ultimately, a 2-Child Policy was implemented in 1983. During the 1980s, the Vietnamese government provides incentives for those who followed the policy, like contraceptive availability, and those who | Since 1963, Vietnam has had some form of population control. This began under the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), when the government advocated capping families at two to three children. After reunification of Vietnam in 1975 under the communist government, family planning policies extended throughout the country. Ultimately, a 2-Child Policy was implemented in 1983. During the 1980s, the Vietnamese government provides incentives for those who followed the policy, like contraceptive availability, and those who did not, like enforcing penalties. The government also took cue from the Chinese government's stance by encouraging its citizens to get married later and to space out children 3-5 years apart. This policy is currently being reconsidered but seems to remain in place.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-child_policy Wikipedia: Two-child Policy]</ref> | ||
Despite widespread contraceptive use in Vietnam, there is limited knowledge of all methods. According to one study in the late 1990s: "Several contraceptive methods, such as the pill and the condom, are not widely used even in urban areas, where they are easily obtainable. A study on oral contraceptives in Vietnam indicated that the major reason women who had used modern contraceptive methods had never used the pill was that they did not know about the method. If this lack of information is the result of the strong campaigns conducted in Vietnam in the 1980s to promote IUD use and in the mid-1990s to promote sterilization, contraceptive use depends not only on availability but also on the intensity of promotion. Thus, along with availability of contraceptives, access to information on individual methods could reduce the bias in Vietnam toward urban areas and toward IUD and traditional contraceptive use."<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/about/journals/ipsrh/2002/12/accessibility-and-use-contraceptives-vietnam Accessibility and Use of Contraceptives in Vietnam]</ref> | Despite widespread contraceptive use in Vietnam, there is limited knowledge of all methods. According to one study in the late 1990s: "Several contraceptive methods, such as the pill and the condom, are not widely used even in urban areas, where they are easily obtainable. A study on oral contraceptives in Vietnam indicated that the major reason women who had used modern contraceptive methods had never used the pill was that they did not know about the method. If this lack of information is the result of the strong campaigns conducted in Vietnam in the 1980s to promote IUD use and in the mid-1990s to promote sterilization, contraceptive use depends not only on availability but also on the intensity of promotion. Thus, along with availability of contraceptives, access to information on individual methods could reduce the bias in Vietnam toward urban areas and toward IUD and traditional contraceptive use."<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/about/journals/ipsrh/2002/12/accessibility-and-use-contraceptives-vietnam Accessibility and Use of Contraceptives in Vietnam]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | |||
[[File:Contraceptivefilmvietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|left|'''Spermicide found in Hanoi pharmacy (Hoan Kiem district)''']] | |||
* For birth control pills (oral contraceptives), you can buy them at the many pharmacies (called "nha thuoc") throughout Hanoi. The word for birth control is Vietnamese is "thuốc tránh thai" (how to pronounce it: thwork chanh tide). Some of the reported brands include HN Choice, Rigevidon, Marvelon, Microgynon. There are also many generic or Vietnamese brands in Hanoi pharmacies, and most medications appear to be made in Vietnam or India. | * For birth control pills (oral contraceptives), you can buy them at the many pharmacies (called "nha thuoc") throughout Hanoi. The word for birth control is Vietnamese is "thuốc tránh thai" (how to pronounce it: thwork chanh tide). Some of the reported brands include HN Choice, Rigevidon, Marvelon, Microgynon. There are also many generic or Vietnamese brands in Hanoi pharmacies, and most medications appear to be made in Vietnam or India. | ||
* Nuvaring is not available Vietnam. We asked many pharmacies -- and none of them carried Nuvaring. | * Nuvaring is not available Vietnam. We asked many pharmacies -- and none of them carried Nuvaring. | ||
* You can buy vaginal contraceptive film, which is very similar to spermicide, under the brand name "VCF." | * You can buy vaginal contraceptive film, which is very similar to spermicide, under the brand name "VCF." | ||
* For IUDs, you can | * For IUDs, you can go to [http://www.internationalsos.com/ International SOS]:, they have the Mirena IUD at an all inclusive (consultation as well) cost of $370, they also have quite a selection of birth control pills including Yaz, Marvelon, Mercilon, Rigevidon, Diane 35 and Embevin 28. The prices for these oral contraceptives range from a minimum of $2 to a maximum of $16. | ||
* For contraceptives implants, you can | *[http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/ Family Medical Practice]: Normal IUD insertion is $142 USD, IUD insertion with Mirena is $351 USD. If you want a non-hormonal IUD, that is also available (but it's not Paragard) for an addition $20. Note that the consultation fee ($95) is not included in the general fee. There may be additional costs for tests or medications. For the procedure, they don't have equipment for local anesthesia on the cervix, but they can give painkillers 30-60 minutes before insertion of IUDs. They may also be able to prescribe Misopostrol on the evening before insertion to facilitate the procedure. | ||
* For the contraceptive patch, you can | * Another option for IUDS is Hong Ngoc Hospital (near Truc Bach Lake in Ba Dinh). They charge 1.6 million VND for removal (not sure about cost for insertion, but it's probably cheaper than Family Medical Practice). | ||
* For contraceptives implants, you can get Implanon insertion at [http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/ Family Medical Practice] for $295 USD or at the [http://en.hfh.com.vn/ French Hospital] for about 5 million VND. | |||
* For the contraceptive patch, you can get it at [http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/ Family Medical Practice] for about $18-20/month. | |||
If you want specialized brands that are not found in most pharmacies, here's a list of pharmacies that have wider selection: | If you want specialized brands that are not found in most pharmacies, here's a list of pharmacies that have wider selection: | ||
* Nguyễn Luận Pharmacy: This pharmacy has been recommended by a few people; they have some English-speaking staff. Address: 3 Trang Thi street, Hoan Kiem District. Phone: 04 3826 8644. Hours: 8 am-6 pm. | |||
* Liên Mai: 625 hoàng hoa thám. | |||
* Mega 31: Address: 31 Láng Hạ _ Ba Đình _ Hà Nội, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Phone: 04 6255 2255, Hours: 7:30AM–7:30PM | |||
* "I have found stuff I couldn't find elsewhere at a pharmacy on Tran Huy Lieu off of Giang Vo. It is on the left heading towards the lake and appears to serve many Russian (or at least Eastern Bloc) customers."<ref>[http://tnhvietnam.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/9629 Big Pharmacy? - Answers for Hanoi]</ref> | |||
* Try to contact [http://www.mariestopes.org.vn/ Marie Stopes Vietnam] - check to see if they have more options | |||
===Costs=== | |||
For Depo, it's reported that the Hanoi Family Program does it for 300,000 dong. Supposedly, the French Vietnamese hospital does it for 7 million dong. For IUD, you can expect to pay between $100-$400. | |||
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | |||
'''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) For combined pills, you must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here]. | |||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | |||
In Vietnam, emergency contraception is available directly from pharmacists without a prescription. There appears to be no age restrictions. However, if you want to purchase certain EC brands, like ella, Ciel EC and Mifestad 10 you may need a prescription.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/vietnam/ EC Status and Availability: Vietnam]</ref> | In Vietnam, emergency contraception is available directly from pharmacists without a prescription. There appears to be no age restrictions. However, if you want to purchase certain EC brands, like ella, Ciel EC and Mifestad 10 you may need a prescription.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/vietnam/ EC Status and Availability: Vietnam]</ref> | ||
=== | Generally, Vietnamese pharmacists support EC usage but lack proper understanding of its usage and side effects. According to one study: "A series of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted in 1995-96 with hospital-based family planning workers from Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, revealed widespread support for the concept of emergency contraception, but a lack of accurate information about method use. Emergency contraception was regarded as especially appropriate for rape victims, unmarried adolescents, those not in a permanent union, and perimenopausal women. Providers from eight of the nine hospital sites had heard of or used Postinor (a levonorgestrel-only regimen), while participants at seven sites were familiar with the Yuzpe regimen (ethinyl estradiol and either norgestrel or levonorgestrel) and postcoital insertion of a copper-bearing IUD. Providers typically learned about postcoital methods during medical school or at a continuing education seminar. However, even those aware of emergency contraception had substantial misinformation about dosages, intervals between doses, and the maximum length of time after intercourse that the regimen can be initiated. Moreover, they tended to exaggerate side effects and specify unnecessary contraindications. All participants expressed a need for more comprehensive training. Because these methods are often available from pharmacies, respondents urged that druggists be trained to counsel women about the correct use of emergency contraception and suggested that the regimens be specially packaged with clear, simple instructions."<ref>[http://www.ibisreproductivehealth.org/publications/knowledge-attitudes-about-ec-among-health-workers-ho-chi-minh Knowledge and attitudes about emergency contraception among health workers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | |||
[[File:Victoriavietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|right|'''aseVictoria - an emergency contraceptive that can be purchased in Hanoi''']] | [[File:Victoriavietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|right|'''aseVictoria - an emergency contraceptive that can be purchased in Hanoi''']] | ||
You can buy emergency contraception for 45,000 dong (less than $2 as of 2016) in any pharmacy. One popular brand is Victoria. Below, we have listed the main brands and types of EC available in Vietnam: | You can buy emergency contraception for 45,000 dong (less than $2 as of 2016) in any pharmacy. One popular brand is Victoria. Below, we have listed the main brands and types of EC available in Vietnam:<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
''Dedicated Products / Anti-Progestin | ''Dedicated Products / Anti-Progestin | ||
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''Dedicated Products / Progestin Only | ''Dedicated Products / Progestin Only | ||
Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:'' | Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:'' | ||
* Escapelle | * Escapelle | ||
''Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:'' | ''Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:'' | ||
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* FMP | * FMP | ||
Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later: | |||
* Anna | |||
* Microgynon-30 | |||
* Nordette | |||
* Rigevidon | |||
===Costs=== | |||
==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)== | ==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)== | ||
'' | '''Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP:''' If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click [https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/ here]. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click [http://www.whatisprep.org/ here]. | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | |||
'''Note''': "There is a decree requiring HIV positives to report to the immigration officer. However, the ordinance is not applied. None of my friends have ever declared their condition. Therefore, we don't know what would happen if somebody would actually do it!"<ref>[http://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryCode=VN VIETNAM - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref> | |||
There are no known travel restrictions or requirements attached to any STI, including HIV, in Vietnam. For foreigners seeking work, especially teaching, there are some reports of schools asking for health checks (especially agencies that recruit from public ones). However, health checks are not required by authorities in order to receive a work permit. | There are no known travel restrictions or requirements attached to any STI, including HIV, in Vietnam. For foreigners seeking work, especially teaching, there are some reports of schools asking for health checks (especially agencies that recruit from public ones). However, health checks are not required by authorities in order to receive a work permit. | ||
Today, there is no conclusive data on STI rate in Vietnam, with estimated infection rates ranging from 300,000 to 2 million annually.<ref>[http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/plastic-bag-is-the-new-condom-vietnamese-injured-after-strange-safe-sex-practice-3468256.html Plastic bag is the new condom? Vietnamese injured after strange safe sex practice]</ref> | Today, there is no conclusive data on STI rate in Vietnam, with estimated infection rates ranging from 300,000 to 2 million annually.<ref>[http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/plastic-bag-is-the-new-condom-vietnamese-injured-after-strange-safe-sex-practice-3468256.html Plastic bag is the new condom? Vietnamese injured after strange safe sex practice]</ref> | ||
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For people living with HIV in Vietnam, lack of government funding and social stigma are harsh realities. The majority of HIV/AIDS program funding (70%) comes from international organizations with only about 13% coming from the Vietnamese government. There is also a shortage of health workers with only 1300 in 2011. And there is also social stigma. "Social stigma against HIV/AIDS patients presents a major obstacle to contain HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS patients are treated unequally in the hospitals and denied employment. Children with HIV are not welcomed in school. In 2009, parents in Ho Chi Minh City forced officials to expel children with HIV.[9] Discrimination thus discourages people to go for screening or to take medication in fear of revealing their HIV status."<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS_in_Vietnam HIV/AIDS in Vietnam]</ref> | For people living with HIV in Vietnam, lack of government funding and social stigma are harsh realities. The majority of HIV/AIDS program funding (70%) comes from international organizations with only about 13% coming from the Vietnamese government. There is also a shortage of health workers with only 1300 in 2011. And there is also social stigma. "Social stigma against HIV/AIDS patients presents a major obstacle to contain HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS patients are treated unequally in the hospitals and denied employment. Children with HIV are not welcomed in school. In 2009, parents in Ho Chi Minh City forced officials to expel children with HIV.[9] Discrimination thus discourages people to go for screening or to take medication in fear of revealing their HIV status."<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS_in_Vietnam HIV/AIDS in Vietnam]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | |||
Regarding HPV, Vietnam has a vaccination pilot program in place. | Regarding HPV, Vietnam has a vaccination pilot program in place. | ||
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There seems to be PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Vietnam: According to UNAIDS: " In such cases, there is PEP at some private clinics if the person can afford, such as the Family Medical Practice clinics in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City."<ref>[http://unaids.org.vn/en/frequently-asked-questions/ Frequently Asked Questions: Vietnam]</ref> Furthermore, "Mylan Pharmaceuticals donated a supply of tenofovir/emtricitabine tablets to provide free post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after high-risk sexual exposure to HIV in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City."<ref>[http://carmah.vn/partners.html Carmah]</ref> | There seems to be PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Vietnam: According to UNAIDS: " In such cases, there is PEP at some private clinics if the person can afford, such as the Family Medical Practice clinics in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City."<ref>[http://unaids.org.vn/en/frequently-asked-questions/ Frequently Asked Questions: Vietnam]</ref> Furthermore, "Mylan Pharmaceuticals donated a supply of tenofovir/emtricitabine tablets to provide free post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after high-risk sexual exposure to HIV in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City."<ref>[http://carmah.vn/partners.html Carmah]</ref> | ||
There are no known specific | ====Testing Facilities==== | ||
* International SOS Clinic in Hanoi administers tests for HIV, STIs, hepatitis. Address: 51 Xuan Dieu (behind Fraser Suites), Tay Ho Quang An, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel: +84 4 3934 0666 Email: infovn@internationalsos.com | |||
*[http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/en/location-contact-us/hanoi/ Family Medical Practice Hanoi]: Tests STIs including HIV and hepatitis. Does rapid tests. Also has access to PEP. Address: 298 I Kim Ma Street, Van Phuc Compound, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam, Tel: +84 4 3843 0748, Fax: +84 4 3846 1750, Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com | |||
* Sexual Health Clinic, Hanoi Medical University: Mainly aims for research subjects but they do administer tests, if you know someone there or have been recommended. Address: Room 605, Building A1, Hanoi Medical University, No.1, Ton That Tung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam | |||
====Support==== | |||
There are no known specific HIV treatment centers in Vietnam. But here are some resources in Hanoi and Vietnam: | |||
* Ford Foundation: Phone: 976 0164 , Fax: 976 0163 , E-mail: l.messersmith@fordfound.org, Contact person: Lisa Messersmith (Programme Officer) | * Ford Foundation: Phone: 976 0164 , Fax: 976 0163 , E-mail: l.messersmith@fordfound.org, Contact person: Lisa Messersmith (Programme Officer) | ||
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* Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS): Conducts research, advocacy, information dissemination efforts and trainings in gender, sexuality, social development and health. | * Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS): Conducts research, advocacy, information dissemination efforts and trainings in gender, sexuality, social development and health. | ||
'''Important Note:''' Avoid self-diagnosing or seeking treatment (before diagnosis) at a pharmacy. According to one study: "Even though 74% (51 of 69) of pharmacists and drug sellers know that they should not treat STD patients, in fact 84% (250 of 297) did treat. When they did treat, no one gave the correct combination of drugs for treatment by the syndromic approach, as only 12% (36 of 297) gave tetracycline or doxycycline, and of those who sold them no one gave them for a sufficient number of days. Quinolones were by far the most common drug given but are not recommended by the Vietnam Institute of Venereology..."<ref>[http://sti.bmj.com/content/76/4/299.full STD management by private pharmacies in Hanoi: practice and knowledge of drug sellers]</ref> | '''Important Note:''' Avoid self-diagnosing or seeking treatment (before diagnosis) at a pharmacy. According to one study: "Even though 74% (51 of 69) of pharmacists and drug sellers know that they should not treat STD patients, in fact 84% (250 of 297) did treat. When they did treat, no one gave the correct combination of drugs for treatment by the syndromic approach, as only 12% (36 of 297) gave tetracycline or doxycycline, and of those who sold them no one gave them for a sufficient number of days. Quinolones were by far the most common drug given but are not recommended by the Vietnam Institute of Venereology..."<ref>[http://sti.bmj.com/content/76/4/299.full STD management by private pharmacies in Hanoi: practice and knowledge of drug sellers]</ref> | ||
===Costs=== | |||
==Medications & Vaccines== | |||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
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Note: While this is an unverified, a Hanoi pharmacist has told us that yeast infections in Vietnam are fairly common due to the low-quality tap water. When women wash or douche themselves with the water, they may develop yeast infections. While this cannot be entirely avoided, it's something to remember. | Note: While this is an unverified, a Hanoi pharmacist has told us that yeast infections in Vietnam are fairly common due to the low-quality tap water. When women wash or douche themselves with the water, they may develop yeast infections. While this cannot be entirely avoided, it's something to remember. | ||
===What | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
[[File:Canestenvietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|left|'''Canesten - yeast infection medication, which requires that you insert pills vaginally''']] | [[File:Canestenvietnam.jpg|300px | thumb|left|'''Canesten - yeast infection medication, which requires that you insert pills vaginally''']] | ||
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* For details on PrEP and PEP, visit the "Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)" section of this page | * For details on PrEP and PEP, visit the "Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)" section of this page | ||
* If you have a yeast infection, try to say "Nhiễm nấm âm đạo" (can someone confirm if this is correct?). If you go to a pharmacy, you can ask for "Canesten." This is basically the Asian version of Monistat. Note that you may receive a pill version, which means you have to insert pills into your vagina through an insertion device. The pills need to actually dissolve inside of you and, if they're clumpy at all, the pills may not work. So the pharmacists may also recommend that you buy some sort of vaginal lubricant/cleaner that will help dissolve and clean out the pills. | * If you have a yeast infection, try to say "Nhiễm nấm âm đạo" (can someone confirm if this is correct?). If you go to a pharmacy, you can ask for "Canesten." This is basically the Asian version of Monistat. Note that you may receive a pill version, which means you have to insert pills into your vagina through an insertion device. The pills need to actually dissolve inside of you and, if they're clumpy at all, the pills may not work. So the pharmacists may also recommend that you buy some sort of vaginal lubricant/cleaner that will help dissolve and clean out the pills. | ||
* If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you can try to say "nhiễm trùng đường tiết niệu," though we're not sure if this is accurate (can someone confirm?). If you go to a pharmacy, may be given Midasol | * If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you can try to say "nhiễm trùng đường tiết niệu," though we're not sure if this is accurate (can someone confirm?). If you go to a pharmacy, you may be given Midasol. But first confirm that you have a UTI before you proceed with medication. | ||
Facilities to Visit for Medications & Vaccines: | |||
* [http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/en/location-contact-us/hanoi/ Family Medical Practice Hanoi]: Tends to have more international selection of medications and accommodates foreigners. 298 I Kim Ma Street, Van Phuc Compound, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel: +84 4 3843 0748. Fax: +84 4 3846 1750. Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com. | |||
* [http://www.internationalsos.com International SOS Clinic]: Has a well-equipped pharmacy with mostly imported medicines and a few locally sourced. | |||
Address: 51 Xuan Dieu (behind Frasers Suites), Tay Ho, Quang An, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel: +84 4 3934 0666 Email: infovn@internationalsos.com | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
==Menstruation== | ==Menstruation== | ||