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Understanding Boric Acid and Vaginal Health
  • Fact Checked
  • September 12, 2024
  • 6 min read

Understanding Boric Acid and Vaginal Health

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Boric acid can be used to treat minor BV symptoms here and there, but it is not a long-term solution and will not prevent reinfection. 
  • Boric acid should always be inserted into the vagina and never taken by mouth, and it is suggested to wait 24 hours before sexual activity.
  • If you are struggling with BV symptoms and reoccurrences after taking boric acid, consider restoring your vaginal pH by taking a daily probiotic.
  • Always consult a healthcare provider before using boric acid or if symptoms persist even after taking boric acid as prescribed.

Understanding Boric Acid: From its Origins to Its Uses

While the thought of “acid” in your vagina might not be pleasant, boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a very weak acid derived from boron. It is used for all kinds of things, including an insecticide, flame retardant, and even a preservative

But women, and especially women who struggle with vaginal infections, are most familiar with boric acid as a treatment for yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis or BV. Boric acid helps treat these infections by disrupting the cell walls of the fungi or bacteria causing the infection, essentially killing them off. However, boric acid also kills the good bacteria living in your vagina, which can lead to imbalances in your vaginal flora and vaginal pH. 

Boric Acid and Vaginal Health

Can boric acid improve your overall vaginal health? Not really, no. If someone is experiencing minor BV symptoms every now and again, occasional boric acid suppositories can help clear these symptoms.  But if you are struggling with chronic BV due to imbalances in your microbiome, boric acid will not restore these imbalances. In fact, it can contribute to them. 

While boric acid has long been seen as an alternative when first-line treatments like antifungals and antibiotics don’t completely clear the infection or in the case of recurrent infection, recent studies have shown that frequent boric acid use can negatively impact your vaginal health. That’s because it kills the good bacteria in your microbiome along with the bad, making you more prone to reinfection.

Using Boric Acid Safely

If your doctor recommends boric acid to treat a yeast infection or BV, there are some things you need to know to use the suppository safely and effectively. 

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the suppository.
  2. Insert the suppository into your vagina using an applicator or a finger.
  3. Follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

Also, a bit of a tip here: insert the suppository right before you go to bed, so it can dissolve overnight and not leak. 

And when it comes to sex after a suppository, wait at least 24 hours after inserting a boric acid suppository before engaging in any sexual activity. This gives the boric acid time to work effectively and helps avoid irritation. 

If you are concerned about the frequency with which your doctor is prescribing boric acid, ask them about other proven alternatives, like probiotics, that have been shown to restore your vaginal pH to help end vaginal infections. 

Risks and Side Effects of Boric Acid

While boric acid is widely used, it is not without possible side effects. These include:

  • Vaginal burning
  • Vaginal redness
  • Burning & itching sensation
  • Watery discharge

 

In rare cases, people experience more extreme reactions to boric acid. Stop using boric acid and seek immediate medical care if you ever experience: 

  • Allergic reaction
  • Swelling
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

 

Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant since boric acid can be toxic to the developing fetus and can contribute to reproductive issues. And never use boric acid if you have open wounds or sores in the vaginal area. 

Alternatives to Boric Acid and Preventative Measures

While boric acid is often used as an alternative to anti-fungal creams or prescriptions like fluconazole, there is another, more effective alternative, one that doesn’t just treat the symptoms of vaginal infections but gets at the root cause: vaginal probiotics. 

Probiotics are good bacteria. They live on almost every organ in your body and keep things functioning as they should. In the vagina, the probiotic Lactobacillus releases lactic acid, which can help kill infection-causing bacteria.  You can get Lactobacillus naturally through foods like yogurt, but if you are suffering from chronic vaginal infections and need to restore your vaginal microbiome, look into a probiotic like Happy V’s that contains clinically proven strains of probiotics at clinically proven doses. This will make sure you are getting the levels of probiotics you need to restore your microbiome and end the cycle of infection.  

Also, make sure your vaginal hygiene is on point by doing things like: 

  • Washing your vulva regularly with warm water and unscented soap
  • Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
  • Not douching

When to Consult a Doctor

As a rule of thumb, you should always consult a doctor before using boric acid. Boric acid is typically not the most appropriate first-line treatment for vaginal infections, so your doctor may want to prescribe you an anti-fungal or antibiotics instead. 

Also, you might think you know the infection you are trying to treat, but the symptoms of many vaginal infections and STIs overlap, so you should confirm a diagnosis with your doctor before beginning any treatment. 

Remember that if your doctor does suggest boric acid, it is meant to be inserted into the vagina (NEVER taken orally!) and that you should schedule a follow-up if you feel like symptoms are worsening or the infection keeps coming back

Can you pee after inserting boric acid?

Definitely, and holding in your pee is actually bad for your vaginal health! Just remember that while the boric acid is dissolving, you may experience slight burning while you pee. 

How many times a day should I insert boric acid?

Only your healthcare provider can answer this question. Ask them and use it exactly as directed. 

Why do I have so much watery discharge?

It’s not uncommon to experience watery discharge when using boring acid, especially during the initial application. However, if you feel like this watery discharge is lingering or is ever accompanied by other concerning symptoms, call your doctor

Taking Control of Your Health with Happy V

While boric acid can help clear minor vaginal infection symptoms, it cannot prevent reoccurrence, making it a short-term solution.  Probiotics like Happy V’s Prebiotic + Probiotic, on the other hand, can help keep infections at bay and improve your long-term vaginal health. 

That’s because, unlike boric acid, Happy V’s probiotics get to the root cause of your recurring infections, which is a lack of good, infection-fighting bacteria in the vagina, namely the probiotic Lactobacillus. In the vagina, Lactobacillus releases lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH and kills bad bacteria before it can cause infection. 

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Happy V’s probiotics are doctor-formulated to replenish and restore your vaginal flora by providing your body with the Lactobacillus strains it needs, and our prebiotics support probiotic colonization, making them more likely to flourish in your vagina and give you the results you are hoping for. 

Conclusion

Boric acid can be useful for treating minor symptoms every now and again, but if you want to improve your vaginal health, the science has two clear pieces of advice: practice good vaginal hygiene and take daily probiotics.

FAQ

Boric Acid: A weak acid derived from boron, used to treat yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis by restoring vaginal pH.

Vaginal pH: The level of acidity in the vagina, crucial for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and preventing infections.

Lactobacillus: Beneficial bacteria in the vagina that produce lactic acid to maintain an acidic environment and prevent infections.

Yeast Infection: A fungal infection caused by Candida, leading to itching, discharge, and irritation.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): A vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria, resulting in symptoms like thin, grayish discharge and a fishy odor.

Probiotics: Live beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body, including the vagina.

Vaginal Suppository: A solid medical preparation inserted into the vagina to dissolve and deliver medication directly to the affected area.

Antifungal Medications: Treatments used to combat fungal infections, such as yeast infections, available over the counter or by prescription.

Hydrogen Borate: Another name for boric acid, commonly used in medical and industrial applications.

Sexual Health: A state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality; involves a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.

Boric acid. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Boric-Acid

Powell A, Ghanem KG, Rogers L, et al. Clinicians’ use of intravaginal boric acid maintenance therapy for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Sexually transmitted diseases. December 2019. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6878170/

Boynton E. Why chronic yeast infections occur and how to deal. Right as Rain by UW Medicine. January 24, 2022. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/prevention/boric-acid-yeast-infections

ME; ICII. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: The clinical evidence. Journal of women’s health (2002). July 20, 2011. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21774671/

Everything you need to know about suppositories: Information, tips and tricks. TROGE. January 9, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.trogemedical.de/en/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-suppositories-information-tips-and-tricks

Worth T. Vaginal yeast infections: Medicine, creams, and pills. WebMD. March 13, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/women/yeast-infection-treatments-prescription-drugs

Bacterial vaginosis. Mayo Clinic. June 10, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279

Do boric acid suppositories and washes work for bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections? Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE. June 1, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.nebraskamed.com/health/conditions-and-services/do-boric-acid-suppositories-and-washes-work-for-bacterial-vaginosis.

D’Souza G. Boric acid for yeast infection: Effectiveness and risks. Medical News Today. June 20, 2019. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325518.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

  1. Published on: September 12, 2024
  2. Last updates: October 17, 2024
    Written by Daniella Levy
    Edited by Daniella Levy
    Medical Reviewed by Dr. Barry Peskin, MD, MBA

Table of Contents

  1. Boric Acid and Vaginal Health
  2. Using Boric Acid Safely
  3. Risks and Side Effects of Boric Acid
  4. Alternatives to Boric Acid and Preventative Measures
  5. When to Consult a Doctor
  6. Popular FAQs about Boric Acid
  7. Taking Control of Your Health with Happy V
  8. Conclusion

Boric Acid: A weak acid derived from boron, used to treat yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis by restoring vaginal pH.

Vaginal pH: The level of acidity in the vagina, crucial for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and preventing infections.

Lactobacillus: Beneficial bacteria in the vagina that produce lactic acid to maintain an acidic environment and prevent infections.

Yeast Infection: A fungal infection caused by Candida, leading to itching, discharge, and irritation.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): A vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria, resulting in symptoms like thin, grayish discharge and a fishy odor.

Probiotics: Live beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body, including the vagina.

Vaginal Suppository: A solid medical preparation inserted into the vagina to dissolve and deliver medication directly to the affected area.

Antifungal Medications: Treatments used to combat fungal infections, such as yeast infections, available over the counter or by prescription.

Hydrogen Borate: Another name for boric acid, commonly used in medical and industrial applications.

Sexual Health: A state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality; involves a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.

Boric acid. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Boric-Acid

Powell A, Ghanem KG, Rogers L, et al. Clinicians’ use of intravaginal boric acid maintenance therapy for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Sexually transmitted diseases. December 2019. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6878170/

Boynton E. Why chronic yeast infections occur and how to deal. Right as Rain by UW Medicine. January 24, 2022. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/prevention/boric-acid-yeast-infections

ME; ICII. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: The clinical evidence. Journal of women’s health (2002). July 20, 2011. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21774671/

Everything you need to know about suppositories: Information, tips and tricks. TROGE. January 9, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.trogemedical.de/en/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-suppositories-information-tips-and-tricks

Worth T. Vaginal yeast infections: Medicine, creams, and pills. WebMD. March 13, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/women/yeast-infection-treatments-prescription-drugs

Bacterial vaginosis. Mayo Clinic. June 10, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279

Do boric acid suppositories and washes work for bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections? Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE. June 1, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.nebraskamed.com/health/conditions-and-services/do-boric-acid-suppositories-and-washes-work-for-bacterial-vaginosis.

D’Souza G. Boric acid for yeast infection: Effectiveness and risks. Medical News Today. June 20, 2019. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325518.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

  1. Published on: September 12, 2024
  2. Last updates: October 17, 2024
    Written by Daniella Levy
    Edited by Daniella Levy
    Medical Reviewed by Dr. Barry Peskin, MD, MBA