Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories: Everything You Need to Know
Boric Acid (BA) is an antiseptic and it helps to promote the normal pH (acid balance) in the vagina. It has both anti-fungal and antibacterial properties plus destroys biofilms when used vaginally. It also never expires!
BA is available in gelatin or vegan capsules that can be inserted into the vagina (suppositories). A typical dose is 600 milligrams per day, usually inserted at night before bedtime.
What are Boric Acid suppositories used for?
They are used to help treat yeast infections of the vagina (thrush ) and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Plus they are ideal for maintaining vaginal pH balance.
Thrush symptoms can include itching, discomfort, thick (cottage cheese-like) vaginal discharge, burning when urinating, and pain during sex.
Boric Acid suppositories are useful as a treatment for recurrent vaginal yeast infections that keep occuring despite antifungal treatment. Boric acid is highly effective for thrush resistant to fluconazole and for diabetics who have a more persistent type of thrush. eg Non Albicans, Glabrata etc
Boric Acid suppositories are also an effective treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) which is the result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in the vagina. We typically experience BV when our pH is disrupted. eg after our period and sexual activity etc.
BV often comes with a white or grey discharge with a strong odour. While most people do not experience any discomfort, sometimes there may be symptoms like vaginal discomfort or pain when urinating.
How long does it take for BA suppositories to work?
Typically, within 1-3 days of starting treatment, you may notice improvements in symptoms. Many users only need to use one.. Most infections duerto a simple pH imbalance will resolve in 3 days, but some may take up to 7 days.
If there is no improvement after 7 days, then this is almost diagnostic that something else is going on and further testing is recommended. Contact us for more information.
BA suppositories can take up to 24 hours to completely dissolve. There is no significant absorption into the bloodstream. Fun fact - the BA doesn't actually dissolve only the outer capsule does. The BA doesn't even stay in the vagina but comes out in some exit water! It's very similar to how a mouthwash works.
BA suppositories side effects:
BA suppositories have been used for over a century as an effective vaginal pH balancing treatment. Using them as per instructions is generally very safe. Side effects are mild and may include vaginal irritation or watery discharge (you may wish to wear a panty liner or period undies to protect your clothing from discharge from the suppository). No serious side effects or death have been reported.
If you are experiencing dryness you can use a lube plus a zinc paste on you vulva membranes are irritated. This helps to protect your skin barrier if it's degraded. Don't worry BA gets easier to tolerate as your overall symptoms resolve.
Some important restrictions to keep in mind:
Boric Acid hasn't been tested for use be during pregnancy and is toxic to the developing fetus. Please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and experiencing thrush or BV.
Boric Acid is poisonous when taken orally but dose-dependent (eg one capsule won't be fatal to a grown adult but may be harmful to a child). It would take from 6 to 12 plus capsules swallowed at once to be fatal to an adult.
Boric Acid should only be used as a vaginal suppository and not consumed. Please keep out of reach of children.
When used as directed BA is an affordable safe effective gentle treatment that has few if any adverse side effects for users who need them. It will save you money and time not going to the doctor to test for thrush and BV since these treat both. Plus you can avoid using harsh antibiotics or fluconozole which come with many side effects.
Antifungal mechanisms supporting boric acid therapy of Candida vaginitis
Francesco De Seta, Martin Schmidt, Bao Vu, Michael Essmann, Bryan Larsen
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 63, Issue 2, February 2009, Pages 325–336, https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkn486
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