Boric acid, also called hydrogen borate, is an acid that has been used for many years as an antiseptic. It has been found to be safe in small amounts and does not cause serious toxicity when consumed orally.

What happens after inserting boric acid?

If you have a recurrent yeast infection (also known as candidal vulvovaginitis), your health care provider may prescribe boric acid suppositories to treat the problem. It has been shown to be effective against both Candida albicans and the more resistant Candida glabrata yeast strains.

Can you use boric acid suppositories while pregnant? It’s a common, inexpensive treatment option for bacterial vaginosis and can be applied using gelatin capsules that are inserted into the vagina. The capsules contain a diluted solution of boric acid.

Before you begin using a boric acid suppository, ask your healthcare professional for instructions. They will advise you on how much to use, when to take it, and how often to do so.

How to use a boric acid suppository

To use a boric acid suppository, remove the cap from the capsule and carefully insert it into a special applicator designed for this purpose. Using your fingers or the applicator, gently insert the suppository into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can take the suppository twice daily or once in the morning and once at night for 7 to 14 days. During this time, your suppository will slowly dissolve in your vagina, which helps keep the yeast under control. If you notice any side effects, discontinue use and speak to your health care professional.