For centuries, boric acid has been used as a natural antifungal and antiseptic agent for wounds, burns, skin conditions, and infections. It is now being widely used to treat yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
What does boric acid do to insects?
Boric acid for bv inhibits the growth of fungi, such as candida albicans and dermatophytes, in the vagina. It also helps replenish and maintain the pH balance in the vagina.
Yeast infection occurs when the amount of yeast in your body exceeds normal levels. This can happen for a number of reasons, including hormonal changes during pregnancy or in immunocompromised patients.
Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, happens when certain bacteria form biofilms, hardy little walls of bacteria that antibiotics can’t penetrate. These biofilms can be stubborn and difficult to break, which can lead to recurrence.
That’s why many health care providers recommend dual treatment for BV, using both an antibiotic and a probiotic supplement. However, “it’s important to see a doctor before starting any new supplement,” says Dr. Minkin.
The most common over-the-counter supplement for BV is a boric acid suppository. These are easy to use — just insert a capsule into the vagina and let it do its job.
You can purchase suppositories at most drugstores. It is best to take a couple of doses daily for two weeks. You’ll need to keep the suppository in a safe place and dispose of it after each use.
The suppository is made of gelatin capsules, which you insert into the vagina. This takes about a few minutes and helps improve the infection.