Boric Acid: Terrifying or Terrific?
Are you sure I can put THAT in my vagina?
I wish it had a different name that was less terrifying, but yes, you CAN put Boric Acid in your vagina.
Why Would Someone Use Boric Acid?
One of the most common vaginal infections is Bacterial Vaginosis. Also known as: BV, Gardnerella, Acute Vaginitis, or Vulvovaginitis. This is not a sexually transmitted infection, and most women will deal with this bacteria at least once or twice in their life. This infection happens when there is a shift in the vaginal flora, which results in a shift in pH balance, and causes many or no symptoms at all. While an infrequent diagnosis for most, some women will struggle to maintain a normal pH balance, be diagnosed with BV frequently, and require antibiotics over and over again. This can be incredibly frustrating and many women are looking for preventative measures to reduce the frequency of these infections. That’s where Boric Acid comes in.
How Do I Use Boric Acid?
Boric acid is to be used VAGINALLY ONLY. It is not to be taken orally and can be very dangerous to do so. You should store it in a cool dry place that is secure from children and pets. For the most effective use, insert one capsule vaginally right before bed. Do not have penetrative sex after you have inserted the capsule, as it could irritate your partner.
It can be used for acute treatment, aka at the first sign of a potential bacterial infection (watery discharge, fishy odor). If using for acute treatment, insert one capsule vaginally every night for seven nights. If you continue to have symptoms of an infection after using Boric Acid you should go to your healthcare provider for testing and possible antibiotic treatment.
If you have struggled with recurrent vaginal infections and are using Boric Acid as a preventative measure, you can insert one capsule vaginally, two to three times per week. There are longer regimens of nightly use for suppression of vaginal infections that come back frequently. But I recommend you talk to your provider before starting a nightly longer term regimen.
Who Should NOT Use Boric Acid?
Pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant should not use boric acid. It simply has not been studied in these populations, so we are unsure of safety guidelines.
If you have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection your provider will likely discuss treatment with a few options of oral or vaginal antibiotics. Boric Acid has been found to be ineffective when used alone without antibiotics to treat a diagnosed infection. Boric Acid can be used as supplementary treatment while or after using antibiotics. Bottom line, if BV is positive on a vaginal swab, you’ll probably require an antibiotic treatment to clear it.
What Should I Look For When Purchasing Boric Acid?
Boric Acid has been studied for its effectiveness, but other added ingredients have not. Please look at the ingredients list and make sure that Boric Acid is the only ingredient, and it is inside a simple gelatin capsule. There are some products available that contain MOSTLY boric acid, but also contain essential oils or less studied ingredients. I personally recommend the brand pH-D because it has been on the market for awhile now, is readily available at many Target and Pharmacy locations, and I have seen many patients be successful with it.
Yes, you can put Boric Acid in your vagina. Does it have the worst name ever? Also yes. I hope this was helpful, and as always, let me know all your “awkward” questions via email or social media. Bye!
