Everything you need to know about boric acid suppositories

Your burning questions, answered.

If you’re a person with a vagina you might have heard about boric acid suppositories. Boric acid is making waves on TikTok right now with many creators sharing their experiences, both raving and ranting, about the use of the suppositories to treat vaginal infections.

For more wellness advice, head on over to our Health section.

With so many personal experiences being shared, you might still be left wondering what the hell boric acid is, how you insert a suppository and whether it actually works. Luckily for you, we’ve done a deep dive into the internet’s latest hyper fixation.

What is a boric acid suppository?

Boric acid is usually prescribed to treat vaginal candida (also referred to as thrush or a yeast infection) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). The two are often confused as their symptoms can be quite similar, but they’re actually two different types of infection. Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of the candida fungus, whereas BV is caused by an imbalance in bacteria in the vagina.

75 per cent of women are likely to experience a vaginal candida infection at least once in their life and with both thrush and BV, recurrent infections are common and many people struggle to find effective solutions. 

So what’s a suppository, and how can it help? Basically, it’s a medication that’s inserted into the body. Boric acid is administered by inserting the capsule into your vagina, similar to how you would with a tampon. The capsules are small – around the same size as a probiotic. Once inserted, the boric acid will dissolve internally. This process can get a bit messy for those who experience discharge when the boric acid dissolves, so it’s best to insert it at nighttime if possible.

While the insertion process is pain-free and easy for some, for others the method of insertion might not be the right fit. Boric acid isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There are other forms of medication, like creams and gels, that are available via a doctor and over the counter for vaginal infections that may be better suited to you. 

Boric acid itself is pretty strong stuff and can be found in all sorts of products from toothpaste to cosmetics. It’s even used to manufacture things like glass and cement, and shockingly, is often found in pesticides like cockroach exterminators (yikes). Luckily, boric acid has only been found to be toxic to humans in moderate to large doses, and the small amount found in suppositories made by licensed chemists is approved for use. It should go without saying but never swallow a suppository – they’re toxic if ingested orally.

How does it work?

It’s believed boric acid can help restore the natural pH balance of your vagina. According to Healthline, “A normal vaginal pH level is usually between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic”. An acidic vaginal environment creates a barrier that prevents bad bacteria and yeast from multiplying and causing infections like thrush and BV.

Some medical professionals believe boric acid should only be prescribed in chronic cases of infection, and that it shouldn’t be taken long-term as it can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina if taken when not needed. 

The low down on the area down low

If you’re wondering if boric acid could be the right treatment for you, you’ll need to speak to your doctor before you can give them a go in Australia. According to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, boric acid suppositories should be prescribed by a registered medical doctor and compounded by a registered pharmacist at a licensed chemist.

There is some online discourse where people describe purchasing boric acid suppositories from ‘black market’ style Amazon stores, which is downright dangerous. It’s also entirely unnecessary, given the prescription is affordable and easily attainable if your doctor feels it’s the right treatment for you. Your vagina is precious, so please don’t insert anything risky into it.

If you want to know more about boric acid and whether it’s right for you, talk to your health professional. For more on the potential dangers of boric acid suppositories, head here.