Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories: Everything You Need to Know

Let’s take a closer look.

What is boric acid? 

Boric acid — also called hydrogen borate or boracic acid — is a weak acid that’s been used for many years as an antiseptic. The natural form of this compound is found in volcanic areas in Europe and North America and has been used at least since the time of the ancient Greeks for cleaning, preserving food, and other purposes.

Many of the medical applications for boric acid are connected to its use as an antiseptic, for instance, to treat minor cuts, burns, and acne. As an acid, it may also help maintain normal pH of the vagina when prescribed by a health care provider. This is why boric acid is sometimes used to treat a number of medical conditions.

When are boric acid vaginal suppositories used?

Boric acid suppositories are sometimes used as an alternative treatment for the following conditions:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Trichomoniasis

Boric acid suppositories for bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina that is caused by excessive bacterial activity, such as gardnerella, bacteroides, and fusobacterium. Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance between the good vaginal flora (like lactobacillus) and the bad ones. BV often comes with a white or gray vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor. While most people do not experience any discomfort, sometimes there may be symptoms like vaginal discomfort or pain when urinating. 

Although BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), risk factors for infection include having multiple sexual partners.

Health care providers will typically prescribe an antibiotic to treat BV, but some health care providers might recommend alternative treatments, including probiotic supplements. The effectiveness of these alternative methods is still debated among health care providers.

Some people use boric acid capsules as an alternative treatment for bacterial vaginosis, although data on their effectiveness is limited. If you suspect you have BV, contact a health care provider for advice and treatment.

Boric acid suppositories for yeast infections

Vaginal yeast infections are also known as candidal vulvovaginitis or candidiasis. They result from an increased growth of yeast in the vagina, which causes irritation, swelling, and itching in the area. Other symptoms include pain and burning when urinating, thick but odorless vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese, and pain during sex.

Vaginal yeast infections are associated with the candida genus of yeast, which is normally always in the vagina, just in much lower numbers. But if the balance of normal vaginal bacteria and yeast changes, symptoms of candidiasis can arise. While it’s not an STI, rates of infection tend to increase in people with multiple sexual partners. Typical treatment is an oral or topical antifungal medication.

Boric acid suppositories are sometimes prescribed as an alternative treatment for vaginal yeast infections that keep occurring despite treatment. 

Boric acid suppositories for trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis. Typical symptoms include genital itching, a green or yellow foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain when urinating and during sex. 

A trichomonas infection is usually treated with antibiotics, but drug resistance is an increasing problem. In some cases, boric acid suppositories might be prescribed as an alternative treatment, although their effectiveness and safety have not been fully studied.

How to use boric acid suppositories 

Always consult with a health care provider first.

Boric acid suppositories are widely available without a prescription from drug stores and online retailers. A typical dose is 600 milligrams per day, but it’s crucial to consult your health care provider about the right regimen and to follow the instructions carefully.

Here are some guidelines to follow when inserting your boric acid suppository:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and remove the capsule from its packaging.
• Lie back on a bed or couch with your knees bent, or stand with your knees bent.
• Using your fingers or an applicator specifically designed for this purpose, gently insert the suppository into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go.
• You may wish to wear a panty liner to protect your clothing from discharge from the suppository.
• Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

The suppository should be inserted at the same time each day. Many people find it convenient to insert it before going to bed

How long does it take for boric acid suppositories to dissolve?

Boric acid suppositories take only a few minutes to completely dissolve in the vagina. Some people prefer to wear a panty liner while using a vaginal suppository.

How long does it take for boric acid suppositories to work?

If you were prescribed boric acid suppositories and followed instructions from a health care provider, the symptoms may begin to improve in as little as a day. Make sure to complete the prescribed course of treatment to reduce the likelihood of the infection returning. Always consult a health care provider for advice on how much and for how long to use the suppositories.

If you experience any discomfort or side effects, make sure to contact a health care provider right away.

Boric acid suppositories side effects 

Boric acid suppositories have been used for many years as an alternative treatment, but there are still not enough studies or scientific data about their safety. Boric acid suppositories can also cause side effects including:

• Burning at the vaginal opening
• Watery discharge
• Redness around the vagina

Stop using boric acid suppositories and seek medical advice if they cause severe discomfort.

Here are some important restrictions to keep in mind:

• Boric acid should not be used during pregnancy — it’s toxic to the developing fetus.
• Boric acid causes irritation to open wounds in and around the vagina and should not be used in such cases.
• Boric acid is highly poisonous when taken orally. It should only be used as a vaginal suppository when prescribed by a health care provider.