How do boric acid suppositories work? Some ob-gyns and health practitioners have recommended boric acid suppositories for years to help treat persistent or recurring vaginal infections. They’re also sometimes used as a preventative measure before standard treatment has been tried, says Kecia Gaither, MD, an ob-gyn in New York City.
Does boric acid clean you out?
The answer is simple: They reset your vagina’s pH to make it more hospitable for good bacteria. That’s why they help fight yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV)—both of which occur when the environment in your vagina is out of balance.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast, which causes irritation, itching, and swelling of the vaginal area. Yeast can also cause thick, odorless vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
Bacterial vaginosis is another type of vaginal infection that occurs when there’s an overgrowth of bacteria, and it causes symptoms such as itching, burning, and a strong fishy odor. Antibiotics usually cure BV, but it can come back if not treated properly.
Boric acid suppositories have been proven to be effective in fighting both yeast and bacterial infections. And they’re easy to use: Insert one suppository into your vagina once or twice daily for about 2 weeks.
Yeast and BV aren’t considered sexually transmitted diseases, but they still can be passed from person to person through sex, so you should practice safe sex while you’re taking boric acid suppositories or until your infection has been cleared up. If you’re pregnant, boric acid suppositories should be avoided because they can be toxic to the developing fetus.