Clinical research shows that around 25% of women experience yeast infections. Most yeast infection cases are due to the quick growth of candidiasis, a fungal organism that can thrive in the vagina’s walls. Many prescription medications are used to treat this condition, but using boric acid for yeast infection has as much capability to eliminate the disease as known remedies do.
What Does the Research Say?
The Journal of Women’s Health featured a review wherein researchers assessed several studies focused on boric acid as a treatment for frequent candidiasis.
The studies included case series, case reports, and randomized clinical trials, and they showed that the cure rates for boric acid treatment were between 40-100 percent.
Other research states that the use of boric acid restricts the growth of C. glabrata and C. albicans.
It also prevents yeast from growing to become infectious.
Boric acid is a safe alternative to other medications for candidiasis. It is also an affordable way to treat the condition.
What Is Boric Acid, Exactly?
Boric acid is a boron compound and an essential industrial acid with various uses.
It has been used for centuries due to its antiseptic and antifungal qualities, and it is also used to treat vaginal infections.
In its natural state, Boric acid comes in either crystal or powder forms and can be colorless or white in hue.
It’s an over-the-counter item and can be used for many purposes, from eliminating refrigerator odors to pest control.
It’s also used in many products, from astringents to eye washes, medicated powders, and the like.
How To Use Boric Acid for Yeast Infection
There are vaginal boric acid suppositories to treat several infections in the area.
These suppositories are oval and solid and must be inserted into the vagina.
The suppositories melt and turn into liquid once warmed up due to body heat.
The suppositories only take a few minutes to dissolve within the vagina.
Many women prefer to wear a pantyliner while on boric acid vaginal capsule. Some instructions suggest using a suppository before bed since lying down will decrease the chances of the suppository liquid leaking.
You can use these suppositories if a woman is on her period. However, tampons are not advised since they can absorb some of the boric acid.
Instead, women can use a sanitary pad to stop the medication from staining their underwear.
To use boric acid for yeast infection, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends using 600 mg boric acid suppositories.
Women must take the medication once a day for two weeks.
Always make sure to follow the instructions described on the label of the medication.
Before inserting the suppository, ensure that the vaginal area and the hands are washed clean and dried enough to stop bacteria from getting inside the body.
Proper use of vaginal capsules can be done by following these steps:
- Lie down on your back with your knees bent. Alternatively, you can stand and place one foot on a chair, the toilet seat, or the bed.
- Gently insert the applicator into the vagina.
- Release the capsule by pressing on the plunger.
- Remove the applicator carefully.
Risks and Side Effects
There is a mounting quantity of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of boric acid for yeast infections.
Moreover, if a patient uses the right dose, it has fewer side effects than traditional medication and home remedies for infections.
The following are common side effects of using boric acid for candidiasis:
- Slight burning sensation following suppository insertion
- Vaginal discomfort
- Thin, runny vaginal discharge
- Urticaria (hives)
Women with the following conditions should not take vaginal capsules:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Nausea
- Fever
- Heart disease
- Blood vessel conditions
- Pelvic inflammatory illnesses
- Sexually-transmitted diseases
Note that boric acid is still a toxic substance — incorrect medication use can be harmful.
It is also not advised to take boric acid orally or apply the substance to open wounds due to its high acidity.
Make sure to wash the hands immediately following boric acid suppository use to prevent chances of ingesting the substance.
Taking boric acid while pregnant is also not advised since it can harm a developing fetus.
What Are Boric Acid Suppositories?
Boric acid suppositories are vaginal capsules inserted in the vagina to treat vaginal infections.
They are also used as alternative medication to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis.
These capsules or suppositories thaw out once they warm up to body temperature.
Is It Safe To Use These Capsules on Your Own for Vaginal Issues?
Vaginal capsules are safe to use on your own for vaginal issues if taken the proper way.
However, this medication is for vaginal use only. It should not be taken by mouth.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the medicine. Always read the directions carefully before use.
Do not use the suppositories more often than recommended.
However, do not stop using vaginal capsules except when recommended by your doctor.
Boric Acid Has a Very Specific Role When It Comes to Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are a common disease, usually in the vagina. They’re caused by either fungi C. albicans (Candida albicans) or C. glabrata (Candida glabrata).
Due to its strong antifungal and antiviral properties, Boric acid can help treat such vaginal conditions.
In addition, according to research, the use of boric acid impedes the growth of both fungi by disrupting their natural life cycle, thus stopping them from developing and turning into infections.
Why You Should Consider Boric Acid for Yeast Infections
Boric acid is often used as an alternative treatment to cure infections resistant to traditional medicines.
For example, when fluconazole or topical antifungal medications refuse to work, your doctor might suggest using flucytosine, nystatin, or boric acid.
Boric vaginal capsules are also affordable and are OTC (over-the-counter) medications.
In addition, a study has indicated that boric acid is effective in easing infections caused by candida fungi, and this consists of cases that antifungal treatment did not fix.
Therefore, women who experience frequent infections might have their condition resolved using boric acid medication.
Boric acid is also a safe and affordable alternative medication for women with recurrent vaginal infections, according to a 2011 medical report.
What Should I Avoid When Using Boric Acid?
You should take boric acid correctly for the medication to work and avoid harmful side effects.
It would help if you remembered several essential restrictions when considering boric acid for candidiasis.
Boric acid is toxic when taken orally. It is only meant for vaginal use. It would be best to take it under your doctor’s or health provider’s prescription.
You should not take boric acid during pregnancy because it is hazardous to a developing fetus.
Boric acid must not be applied to open wounds because it will irritate them. If your vagina shows open wounds, you must stop using the medication.
While it’s safe to use during menstruation, you should not use a boric acid suppository with a tampon since it can absorb the boric acid once it melts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many reports and studies have shown the effectiveness of boric acid as a treatment for candidiasis.
If using standard antifungal medication does not seem to eliminate your candidiasis, you may consider using boric acid to treat the problem.
Furthermore, chat with your doctor if you have vulvovaginal candidiasis symptoms and want to try vaginal capsules.
According to this research, boric acid can treat Candida infections effectively. In addition, the study includes cases of diseases that have not been repaired using standard medication.
Therefore, doctors might refer to boric acid treatments as an effective alternative to treat yeast infections.
A 2011 medical report also shows that boric acid is a safe and affordable medical option for women with frequent vaginal infections, specifically when traditional medications haven’t been effective in curing the disease.
This is not recommended. Before using this method for bacterial vaginosis, you should seek advice from your doctor first.
To use boric acid for treating candidiasis, the CDC advises using a 600 mg vaginal capsule only once a day for two weeks. Remember to follow the instructions described on the label. Boric acid has toxic side effects if not used correctly.
Boric acid ophthalmic is often utilized as an eye wash to clean or irritate the eyes. It takes away pollutants from the eyes and also helps soothe eye irritation.
