Is It Safe to Use Boric Acid to Treat Bacterial Vaginosis?
Before diving into the specifics of boric acid for bacterial vaginosis (BV), here is some basic information on BV.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a medical condition that results from an imbalance between the good and harmful bacteria in the vagina. It is the most commonly experienced vaginal experience among women.
What Are The Symptoms Of BV?
The Center for Disease Control has said, “Some women with BV don’t know they have it because they have no symptoms.”
Many women do not report or recognize that they have BV. One of the reasons for BV going unreported is that many women have adjusted to some level of vaginal discomfort as a norm. Many do not look at it as a condition severe enough to warrant medical attention. Common symptoms of BV include:
• A strong “fishy” smell, particularly after sex
• Burning while urinating
• A thin white, gray, or green vaginal discharge
• Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina
• Itching around the outside of the vagina
Treatment for BV
Abandoning shame and hesitation, when you notice even the slightest imbalance in your vaginal health, you must consult your doctor at the earliest. Early treatment can prevent the infection from getting worse.
Your doctor is most likely to prescribe an oral antibiotic like Metronidazole or Clindamycin to flush out the harmful bacteria. However, you must discuss the inclusion of boric acid as part of your treatment plan for combating BV.
Including Boric Acid for BV Treatment
Boric acid is a naturally occurring chemical that has been in use as the go-to home remedy for bacterial vaginosis. In its natural form, boric acid is a white powder or crystal, but it can be translucent, too. Owing to its antifungal properties, boric acid has successfully been proven to fight BV, making boric acid for BV an effective treatment.
Some studies have found that a combination of probiotics and boric acid suppositories effectively rebalance the healthy bacteria of the vagina. Pairing a healthy, nutritious diet and regular check-ups with boric acid have proven to be highly effective against BV, particularly for ongoing maintenance after the prescribed antibiotics have run their course.
Is Boric Acid Safe for BV?
Yes!
In its suppository form, boric acid is safe for managing and preventing BV from recurring. When taken orally, boric acid can be toxic and should strictly be kept away from children and pets. Pregnant women should also avoid the use of boric acid in favor of another treatment option.
Similar to the use of antibiotics, follow your doctor’s instructions faithfully and entirely when using boric acid suppositories.
Tips for Using Boric Acid for BV
Boric acid treatment is easy and hassle-free. To make it easier for you, here are some tips for common questions you may have about using boric acid for BV:
• How is boric acid used to treat BV?
You insert the boric acid suppository into your vagina. Wash your hands thoroughly before sliding the suppository inside your vagina. Avoid physical activity for at least an hour after the insertion to ensure that it stays in place.
• How often can you use boric acid suppositories for BV?
Commonly, one suppository is used once or twice per day and for anywhere between six days and 12 weeks. However, it completely depends and varies with your doctor’s instructions.
• Do boric acid suppositories work for BV on their own?
Although studies point to successful treatments of BV with boric acid suppositories alone, combining antibiotics and daily probiotics will prove more successful and provide quick relief from BV.
• Is boric acid safe for BV when taking other medications?
Boric acid is safe to use along with medications like antibiotics, birth control, or over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol or vitamins. However, you must notify your doctor of any medicines, vitamins, and supplements you may be currently taking before you begin taking boric acid suppositories.
Boric acid treatment for BV is safe, effective, and economical. Consult with your doctor to discuss BV treatment options and find the best course of action.