Boric Acid Suppositories for treating thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis
- Dr. Natalie Bassat
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 4
Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories: Everything You Need to Know
Boric Acid (BA) is an antiseptic and it helps to promote a healthy vaginal pH (acidic) balance. It has both anti-fungal and antibacterial properties plus destroys biofilm. Boric Acid also never expires!
Our Boric Acid Dissolvables are available in gelatin or vegan capsules and are inserted vaginally. A typical dose is one capsule (600 mg) per day, usually inserted at night before bedtime.
What are Boric Acid suppositories used for?
They are used to help treat yeast infections of the vagina (thrush ) and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Plus they are ideal for maintaining a healthy vaginal pH balance. Boric acid also destroys biofilm.
Thrush symptoms can include itching, discomfort, thick (cottage cheese-like) vaginal discharge, burning when urinating, and pain during sex. Thrush can be very painful and involve swelling and inflammation of the vulva.
Please read our detailed fact sheet on how to use if this is your situation.
Boric Acid suppositories are useful as a treatment for recurrent vaginal yeast infections that don’t respond to Fluconazole or other thrush treatments. Boric acid is highly effective for resistant thrush. eg Non Albicans, Glabrata etc
Boric Acid Dissolvables are also a great treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) which is often the result of a simple pH disruption of “good” and “bad” bacteria eg after our period and sexual activity. Sperm and period blood have a high pH which BV thrives in.
BV often involves a liquidity white or grey discharge with a strong odour. While most people do not experience any discomfort, sometimes there may be symptoms like vaginal discomfort or pain when urinating.
It’s possible to have both thrush and BV at the same time.
How long does it take for Boric Acid Dissolvables to work?
Typically, within 1-3 days of starting treatment, you should notice improvements in your symptoms. Most users only need to use one for a simple pH imbalance, but some cases may take up to 7 days.
If there is no improvement after 7 days, then this is almost diagnostic that something else is going on and further testing is recommended. Contact us for more information.
Boric Dissolvables can take up to 24 hours to completely dissolve and exit. There is no significant absorption into the bloodstream. Think of this treatment as being similar to a mouth wash.
Fun fact - the Boric Acid doesn't actually dissolve only the outer capsule does. The Boric Acid powder doesn't even stay in the vagina but comes out in some exit fluid.
Boric Acid Dissolvable side effects:
Boric Acid Dissolvables have been used for over a century as an effective vaginal pH-balancing treatment. Using them as per instructions is generally very safe.
Side effects are mild and may include vaginal irritation or watery discharge (you may wish to wear a panty liner or period undies to protect your clothing from discharge from the suppository). No serious side effects or deaths have been reported.
If you are experiencing dryness you can use a vulva balm or lube to make inserting easier. A soft edged reusable applicator can also be helpful.
Some women benefit from using a zinc paste on their vulva if they are irritated. This helps to protect your skin barrier. Don't worry Boric Acid typically gets easier to tolerate as your thrush or BV symptoms resolve.
However, if your symptoms don’t resolve or get worse stop use and see your doctor. We can also help you to work out what’s going on.
Boric Acid does not treat these conditions
STI’s
Ureaplasma
Aerobic Vaginosis (AV)
Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginosis (DIV) Cytolytic Vaginosis (CV)
Atrophy
these conditions require a different approach.
Some important restrictions to keep in mind:
Boric Acid hasn't been tested for safety for use during pregnancy. Please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and experiencing thrush or BV.
Boric Acid is toxic when taken orally but dose-dependent. (eg one capsule won't be fatal to a full grown adult, but may be harmful to a child). It would take from 10 to 20 plus capsules swallowed at once to be fatal to an adult.
Boric Acid should only be used as a vaginal suppository and not consumed. Please keep out of reach of children.
When used as directed BA is an affordable safe effective gentle treatment that has few if any adverse side effects for users who need them. It will save you money and time not going to the doctor to test for thrush and BV since these treat both. Plus you can avoid using harsh antibiotics or fluconazole which come with many side effects.
We encourage women helping women in safe online spaces.
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Antifungal mechanisms supporting boric acid therapy of Candida vaginitis
Francesco De Seta, Martin Schmidt, Bao Vu, Michael Essmann, Bryan Larsen
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 63, Issue 2, February 2009, Pages 325–336, https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkn486
Join us on Reddit on our sub r/Boricacid
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