There has been an increase in the use of boric acid suppositories in treating yeast infections in Kenya. While many have successfully used the boric acid suppositories and benefited, some are still doubtful. They keep asking are boric acid suppositories safe. Should I insert boric acid into my vagina? Isn’t boric acid used as a pesticide?

Yeast infections are common and uncomfortable ailments that affect many women. While there is medication available for yeast infections, sometimes they are not effective and we are providing alternative remedies such as boric acid suppositories.

At Grae Care, we are happy to address all these concerns so you can make an informed decision on whether using boric acid suppositories is safe for you. Here are some things you need to learn about boric acid suppositories.

What is boric acid?

Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Think of it like salt, which is a naturally occurring compound as well. Due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, it can be used to treat cuts and wounds by fighting any bacteria and fungi that may cause an infection. When diluted, it can be used to clean scrapes and even in the making of eye drops.

What are boric acid suppositories?

There are capsules or pessaries that you insert into your vagina. A boric acid capsule is made using pure, medical boric acid powder that is put into a vegetarian capsule. One capsule contains 600mg of pure, medical boric acid. This capsule is small enough to be inserted into your vagina using an applicator or your finger. It is also important to note that boric acid is toxic when taken orally and should not be taken by mouth at all.

Safety considerations when using boric acid suppositories

Toxicity concerns

While boric acid is generally safe, it can be toxic when ingested by mouth. Safety recommendations therefore insist it should be used on surfaces, or within the vaginal cavity. We also discourage using boric acid suppositories when pregnant. There has been limited research on the safety of boric acid during pregnancy therefore we advise that pregnant women do not use it at all.

Potential side effects

Generally, boric acid suppositories are safe to use with minimal effects. However, there might be some individuals that are sensitive to it. Some side effects include mild burning or irritation upon insertion. On rare occasions, some women may experience mild cramping or spotting. In such situations, we advise that you stop using and seek alternative solutions to yeast infection treatment.

Isn’t boric acid a pesticide?

True, in stronger concentrations, boric acid is used in making pesticides to kill insects. However, the boric acid used in suppositories is pure, medical boric acid. Also, the same way boric acid is toxic to humans when taken by mouth, it is the same way it is toxic to insects when they ingest it that is why it can be used to eliminate insects.

To understand how safe boric acid is, let us look at its effectiveness in treating yeast infections

Effectiveness of boric acid in treating yeast infections

Antifungal properties

Various studies have shown that boric acid has antifungal properties, making it great for eliminating resistant strains of candida. According to research. Boric acid disrupts the cell membrane of the fungi, inhibiting its growth. The use of boric acid suppositories therefore effectively slows down and limits yeast overgrowth.

Recurring yeast infections

At some point, yeast infections can develop resistance to antifungals. Certain candida strains can resist antifungals over time. This is where boric acid comes in. Boric acid can effectively eliminate even the most resistant strains of candida reducing the frequency of recurring yeast infections.

Complementary treatment

While boric acid is effective at eliminating strong strains of candida and creating healthy ph within the vaginal cavity, we always recommend that it is used together with other treatments. In our case, we recommend combining boric acid with probiotics to help repair and strengthen vaginal flora. As much as boric acid will eliminate bad yeast and bacteria, it has no contribution to vaginal flora. One will need probiotics to restore healthy vaginal flora especially if antifungals and antibiotics have been previously used.

What symptoms do boric acid suppositories help with?

Itching, burning and irritation on the vulva

The most common symptom of a yeast infection, pH imbalance or yeast overgrowth is itching. Boric acid suppositories help eliminate itching and soothe the inflamed area. Boric acid suppositories take a couple of days to work. If the itching is too intense and the vulva is inflamed, we recommend using a cream at the same time with boric acid suppositories for some relief.

White, cottage-cheese-like discharge

This is another common symptom of a yeast infection. Using boric acid suppositories restore the vaginal discharge to its usual, almost clear nature. Please note this restoration does not happen when actively using boric acid suppositories. When using the boric acid, your discharge may be watery and could contain some particles from the boric powder.

Vaginal odour

While the vaginal odour is not exactly a yeast infection symptom, it can be an indication of ph imbalance and bacterial overgrowth. Boric acid counters the bad bacteria causing a foul smell and leading to a normal-smelling vagina. It is common to get odour after your period. Boric acid also helps eliminate the odour.

Conclusion

To answer the question, are boric acid suppositories safe for treating yeast infections? The answer is yes. Boric acid is very safe when inserted into your vaginal cavity as long as it is not taken by mouth. It is a mild chemical and hardly has any side effects.

All the same, it is important to familiarize yourself with the safety considerations, do your research before using the product and seek advice if you need to. Conclusively, boric acid suppositories have been a game-changer in treating yeast infections and are considered a safe option.