You’ve probably heard about boric acid, a century-old remedy for yeast infections that’s used when other medications and treatments fail to give you relief. It’s a safe, affordable, and effective way to treat yeast infections that may be resistant to oral or topical antifungals.
When should you not use boric acid?
Boric acid suppositories are a common treatment for recurrent yeast infections that don’t respond to other methods of infection control, says Kecia Gaither, MD, an ob-gyn in New York City. They’re also recommended for preventing yeast infections in women who have a history of developing them or who are at high risk for developing them.
The most important thing to remember when using boric acid for yeast is that you must use it only via a vaginal suppository. You should never take it orally, because it can be toxic. It’s also important not to use it if you are pregnant, as boric acid can be harmful to the unborn baby.
In addition to treating the symptoms of a yeast infection, boric acid can help improve your vaginal pH and keep harmful bacteria at bay, according to Staci Tanouye, board-certified gynecologist in Los Angeles. It can also help reduce inflammation, which can cause itching, discharge, and burning sensation.
A study in mice found that boric acid inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, reduced microbial diversity, and improved skin microflora. It was also found that this type of acid may be effective in treating vaginal bacterial vaginosis, which is caused by a lowered pH and a lack of healthy bacteria.