Some forms of vaginal infections have been treated with the chemical boric acid. It comes in a variety of forms, including as suppositories that you insert into your vagina.
You may have heard that exposure to boric acid can cause serious illness or even death. Because of this, you might be unsure about the safety of using boric acid suppositories.
Boric acid suppositories have not been linked to any fatalities. While vaginal applications of boric acid are thought to be safe, oral ingestion of the substance can be harmful.
To discover more about the safety of boric acid suppositories and other topics, keep reading.
Are boric acid suppositories dangerous?
Concerns concerning the safety of boric acid suppositories may surface after a brief internet search.
However, despite the fact that boric acid suppositories can have minor side effects, no fatalities or major side effects have been reported.
Is boric acid toxic?
Boric acid is poisonous and potentially fatal when taken by mouth. Both adults and kids have reportedly died as a result of unintentional intake of boric acid. dependable source
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted in a 2011 statement that people are toxic to consuming roughly 30 grammes of boric acid over a short period of time and can eventually die as a result.
This is substantially greater than the average 600 mg of boric acid found in a boric acid suppository.
Suppositories run the danger of being mistakenly ingested because they may resemble a medication that you take orally.
While using a boric acid suppository as directed for vaginal administration is generally safe, swallowing one is harmful.
When used as recommended, boric acid vaginal suppositories have typically only moderate side effects. They may consist of discharge or vaginal itchiness.
Boric acid and reproductive health
Another issue with boric acid suppositories has to do with their potential impact on reproductive health because they are put into the vagina.
Boric acid can have an impact on a developing foetus in female animals and male animals’ fertility when administered orally, according to animal studies. Human trials, however, didn’t provide the same outcomes.
A 2020 review of the literature contrasted studies in humans who were routinely exposed to high levels of boron, the primary component in boric acid, in the environment with the animal studies outlined above.
Overall, scientists discovered that:
Studies on high boron exposure in humans haven’t yet shown the same effects on reproduction as they have in animal studies.
Even at the greatest exposure levels, blood and tissue levels of boron were too low to have an adverse impact on human reproduction.
Why do people use boric acid suppositories?
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are two examples of recurrent vaginal infections that have been treated with boric acid, either by itself or in combination with other drugs. (An infection that keeps coming back after treatment is called a recurrent infection.)
14 research comparing boric acid with alternative therapies for recurrent yeast infections were examined by Trusted Source. Clinical trials, case series, and case studies were among the studies that were included. According to the study, boric acid had a cure rate ranging from 40 to 100 percent.
Less is known about boric acid’s use in treating bacterial vaginosis. Boric acid has only been the subject of one clinical investigation for bacterial vaginosis, but more have been suggested. dependable source
The antibacterial medication nitroimidazole, used to treat vaginal infections, was administered orally to trial subjects in 2009. This was followed with boric acid suppositories.
After this therapy, the cure rate ranged from 88 to 92 percent. Over several weeks, the illness came back in several people, nevertheless.
How exactly does boric acid work?
The mechanism through which boric acid treats vaginal infections is unknown. It is thought that it might function by obstructing bacterial and fungal growth.
Additionally, it might stop these organisms from developing biofilms. Microorganisms arranged in a sticky matrix make up biofilms. Some types of drugs can make it more difficult to treat organisms that have established a biofilm.
What are the potential side effects or risks of using boric acid vaginal suppositories?
Boric acid suppositories have a few negative effects that are related to their use. These are often minor, and they can consist of:
- vaginal burning
- watery vaginal discharge
- vaginal redness
When using boric acid suppositories to treat a vaginal infection, discontinue using them if you have severe discomfort and speak with your doctor about other possible treatments.
Additionally, speak with your doctor about other treatment options if, despite using boric acid suppositories, your illness doesn’t improve or worsens.
Who shouldn’t use suppositories containing boric acid?
Boric acid suppositories should be avoided if you are because research into the substance’s effects on reproduction is ongoing:
- pregnant
- planning to become pregnant
- breastfeeding
Moreover, refrain from using suppositories containing boric acid if you:
- present bleeding from the vagina, open wounds, or sores around your vagina
- have a STI or pelvic inflammatory illness, or have reason to believe you do
- currently experiencing symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, that could point to a more serious condition?
- possess underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system
- are currently taking a blood thinner
What is boric acid?
Boric acid typically appears as an odorless white powder. It can be naturally found in the environment in:
- rocks
- soil
- water
- plants
Additionally, boric acid is used in various commercial products, such as:
- pesticides
- plant fertilizers
- household cleaning products
- laundry detergents
- personal care products
In 1873, boric acid was initially employed as an antisepticReliable Source. It has since been used to treat a variety of vaginal infections.
Why boric acid may not be a green choice
Many individuals think that using boric acid to treat vaginal infections is more environmentally friendly because it occurs naturally in the environment. But that’s not totally accurate.
The mining of minerals with a high boron content is one of the primary sources of boron and boric acid. Mining not only uses a lot of resources, but it also has the potential to pollute the environment.
The conclusion
Some types of recurrent vaginal infections can be treated with suppositories containing boric acid. Examples include bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
It is generally safe to use boric acid suppositories as directed. Mild side effects could cause vaginal itchiness and discharge. There have been no reports of fatalities or major negative effects.
However, ingesting boric acid by mouth is dangerous. The symptoms of boric acid poisoning can be severe and even lethal. As a result, to prevent accidental ingestion, always keep boric acid suppositories apart from oral medications.
Some individuals should refrain from using boric acid suppositories. Consult your doctor first if you’re considering taking boric acid suppositories or if you have any questions or concerns.
