Boric acid vaginal suppositories are medications that balance the acid level in the vagina. They are effective when combined with medicines to treat bacterial infection in the vagina or yeast infection. They help to prevent recurring infection as antibiotics may treat the infection for the time being but there is a chance of recurrence. But couples planning to have a baby may need to understand the safety of boric acid vaginal suppositories when trying to conceive.
So, are these suppositories safe when you are trying to conceive? Are there any conditions during which you can use them? And what is the right way to use them? Here in this article, we detail everything you need to know about these suppositories.
In This Article
- What is A Boric Acid Suppository?
- Is Boric Acid Suppository Safe When Trying to Conceive?
- Who Can Use Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories?
- When to Use Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories?
- Boric Acid Suppositories For Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Boric Acid Suppositories For Yeast Infection
- Boric Acid Suppositories For Trichomoniasis
- How to Use Boric Acid Suppositories
- How Long Do Boric Acid Suppositories Take to Dissolve?
- How Long Does it Take For Boric Acid Suppositories to Work?
- Side Effects of Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories
- Precautions to Take When Using Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories
- FAQ’s
What is A Boric Acid Suppository?
A boric acid suppository is a medication for vaginal health. It contains oxygen, boron, and nitrogen and comes in the form of a powder-like substance. It is white in color and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Boric acid balances the acid level in your vagina and treats yeast infections that cause irritation or itching. This medicine is not taken orally but inserted in the vagina. Oral consumption can turn toxic and fatal.
Is Boric Acid Suppository Safe When Trying to Conceive?
Couples wondering about the safety of boric acid vaginal suppositories when trying to conceive may be up for some bad news. Boric acid suppositories may not be safe when you are trying to conceive. While there is no sufficient research on the connection between boric acid and conception, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Oral ingestion of boric acid can be fatal and must be avoided. Considering this fact, if you happen to fall pregnant unknowingly, the fetus may happen to absorb this chemical leading to fatal consequences. Boric acid suppositories are usually inserted in the vagina which may affect the reproductive system. Moreover, the health of the embryo may be at risk as boric acid is highly toxic. For this reason, you must avoid these suppositories if you plan on having a baby.
Under unavoidable circumstances, you can always consult a doctor or a gynecologist for medical advice on whether or not boric acid supplements are safe when trying to conceive.
Who Can Use Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories?
If you are suffering from yeast infection then you should seek advice from a doctor regarding boric acid vaginal suppositories. These suppositories have traditionally been used to treat yeast infections and have proven to be effective.
In fact, in a 2011 research review article published by PubMed, researchers focused on boric acid as a treatment for recurrent vaginal infection and came to the conclusion that it is safer than other conventional treatments to cure yeast infection or bacteria in the vagina.
When to Use Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories?
You should use Boric acid suppositories only when you feel itchy or irritated in the vagina. Using these might provide some relief. Also, you will need to consult your doctor before using these suppositories to be on the safe side.
You can use these suppositories when you have the following conditions
- Bacterial Vaginosis or BV
- Yeast infection
- Trichomoniasis
But if you are planning to have a baby and are having one of the above conditions, you may need to consult a doctor on the safe use of boric acid vaginal suppositories when trying to conceive.
Additionally, do let the doctor know if you have the following conditions
- Diabetes
- Infections
- HIV or AIDS
- Allergic reaction to medicines, food, boric acid, etc.
- Weak immune system
Boric Acid Suppositories For Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis is an infection in the vagina caused due to changes in the vaginal pH level. The change in the vaginal pH occurs due to hormonal changes like pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause; using vaginal deodorants; using liquid solutions to clean the vagina, etc. The liquid solution comes as a package of water and vinegar, iodine, or baking soda.
Boric acid is a natural remedy that you can combine with antibiotics and use to cure bacterial vaginosis (BV). Antibiotics help to cure BV but it can recur after a certain period.
As per a journal published by PubMed Central, antibiotics can cure bacterial vaginosis 70 to 80 percent after a month of treatment. On the other hand, according to a Journal of the Americans Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association, November 2009 paper, women who were given boric acid along with antibiotics were cured 88 percent women at seven weeks and 92 percent at 12 weeks. So, the study concluded that boric acid may help to fight the disease-causing organisms that antibiotics find hard to cure completely.
Though the above research shows a positive result of using boric acid to treat BV there is a need for more studies to confirm the effectiveness of boric acid as an additional treatment for BV.
Boric Acid Suppositories For Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infection also known as Candidiasis occurs with the changes in the balance of vaginal bacteria and yeast. It is not a sexually transmitted disease but it spreads in people having multiple sexual partners.
- Boric acid is effective to use for yeast infection as it contains the following benefits:
- Boric acid has got antifungal and antimicrobial properties
- The suppositories are safe to use and they treat vaginal yeast infection effectively.
- The application of boric acid will stop the growth of yeast in the vagina.
- You may notice improvements in symptoms after the treatment. It is likely to treat the infection in 1 to 2 weeks.
Boric acid is an over-the-counter medicine. You can easily avail and put it in gelatin capsules and insert it in the vagina. According to researchers, it is very effective in preventing the recurrence of yeast infections.
Boric Acid Suppositories For Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that causes itching, foul smell in the vagina, pain during sexual intercourse and urination, and vaginal discharge. Boric acid works as an alternative treatment for Trichomoniasis. Generally, it is treated with antibiotics but it is difficult to resist drugs in such conditions.
Although, no in vitro studies were done that show the reaction of Boric acid to Trichomoniasis. Research on “The antimicrobial effect of boric acid on Trichomonas vaginalis” was conducted to examine the sensitivity of the disease to Boric acid and it was observed that boric acid can suppress or control the growth of parasite in the vagina. Thus, boric acid is regarded as safe and therapeutic in treating Trichomoniasis.
How to Use Boric Acid Suppositories
Before you use boric acid for any vaginal infection, do not forget to first consult a health care provider. Boric acid is widely available in the market – online and offline. Ideally, you should use 600 milligrams of boric acid per day but it is better to know the correct proportion from your health care provider and follow the clear instructions.
Here are some of the following steps to use boric acid vaginal suppositories
- Clean your hands thoroughly with handwash.
- Take out the capsule from its cover.
- You can lie either on the bed or stand with your knees bent.
- Then gently put the suppository into your vagina using your fingers or applicator.
- To protect your clothes from discharge from the suppository you can wear a panty liner or a sanitary pad.
- After the process is over you should again wash your hands thoroughly.
- Follow the same timing to insert the suppository every day. For many people, bedtime is the best time to insert the suppository.
How Long Do Boric Acid Suppositories Take to Dissolve?
The time taken to dissolve boric acid vaginal suppositories is usually 4-12 hrs. Thus, it is ideal to use the suppositories at night.
There may be water leakage so it is better to use sanitary pads or panty liners after inserting the boric acid capsule.
How Long Does it Take For Boric Acid Suppositories to Work?
If the health care provider prescribes you to use boric acid suppositories and follow the instructions you will see the result in a day. The symptoms begin to improve. But you should follow the course of treatment otherwise there is a chance of infection recurring. Seek advice from the health care provider regarding the time period to use the suppositories.
Side Effects of Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories
You should be careful in using boric acid suppositories and seek medical advice if you have any of the following conditions
- Hives
- Swelling of lips, tongue, throat, or face
- Breathing problem
- Itching and vaginal discharge
- High fever
- Burning sensation in the vagina
- Pelvic Inflammatory diseases
- Nausea
- Heart disease
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Vaginal bleeding
Some of the most common side effects of using boric acid suppositories are
- Watery content in the vaginal discharge
- Mild burning or redness in the vaginal area
- Scratchy sensation or roughness in the vagina.
Precautions to Take When Using Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories
Some of the important factors for consideration while administering boric acid suppositories are the age of the patient, skin condition, appropriate dose, and route of administration. All these should be kept in mind while using suppositories.
It is unsafe to use boric acid vaginal suppositories when trying to conceive, when pregnant, or for people with conditions such as diabetes, HIV, allergy, weak immune system, etc. Also, if you have skin issues seek a doctor’s advice before taking it. Also, remember to contact your healthcare provider if you feel discomfort after using boric acid suppositories for any kind of vaginal infection.
Do not use other vaginal products along with boric acid. Be careful about the dosage of boric acid. Boric acid overdose may be fatal though it hardly happens. Consult with your doctor to be sure about the dose.
Always avoid boric acid vaginal suppositories when trying to conceive. In cases of conditions such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis, do talk to your doctor regarding the safety of using them. Never take the suppositories orally. Always administer it vaginally.
FAQ’s
1. Is Boric Acid Good For Early Pregnancy?
No, boric acid usage is not safe during any stage of pregnancy, early or late. The boric acid may reach the fetus and cause harm. In case of any vaginal infections, you may need to talk to your gynecologist for a safe treatment.
2. Is Boric Acid Safe For The Uterus?
Yes, boric acid is safe for the uterus. Boric acid suppositories inserted vaginally will not affect the uterus as it is safe to use according to various research studies. But, consult your doctor at the beginning, before you take it as medication. Do not takes these suppositories orally.
3. Can Boric Acid Affect my Period?
Boric acid does not affect the menstrual cycle. But if you experience heavy bleeding or any changes in your period cycle you should consult your doctor and discontinue the use of boric acid.
4. Who Should Not Use Boric Acid?
Those who are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant should not use boric acid. Also, people who have diabetes, a poor immune system or AIDS should not use boric acid.
5. How Many Days After The Period Should I Use Boric Acid?
You can start using boric acid on the last day of your period. Starting from the last day, you can use it for the following 2-3 days during bedtime.
