Boric acid for vaginal health: what it treats and how it works
Boric acid is a vaginal suppository that treats yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. How it works, what to expect, and when to use it.
What boric acid treats
Boric acid vaginal suppositories treat two common vaginal infections:
- Yeast infections, particularly recurrent or antifungal-resistant strains
- Bacterial vaginosis, especially recurrent cases
How boric acid works
Boric acid works by restoring vaginal pH balance. A healthy vagina maintains an acidic environment (pH 3.8 to 4.5) that prevents overgrowth of yeast and harmful bacteria. When pH rises, these organisms can flourish. Boric acid lowers vaginal pH back to normal levels, stopping the infection.
How to use boric acid
Boric acid comes as a vaginal suppository. The typical dose is one 600 mg suppository inserted vaginally once or twice daily for 7 to 14 days, depending on the infection and your provider's instructions.
Who should not use boric acid
Boric acid is not for:
- Pregnant people (it can harm the fetus)
- People with open cuts or sores in the vagina
- People with a known allergy to boric acid
Do not use boric acid if you might be pregnant without talking to your doctor first.
When to see a doctor
If symptoms don't improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have severe itching, burning, or discharge, contact your provider. Recurrent infections may need different treatment or investigation into the underlying cause.