Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection that is typically treated with antibiotics. For those who are sensitive to antibiotic treatment, experience uncomfortable side effects, or prefer the natural route, boric acid suppositories have also been proven to successfully treat trichomoniasis.
What Is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis, also referred to as ‘trich’, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects men and women, but is known to be more common in women. Caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas Vaginalis, it is passed from one person to another during unprotected sex. Although common, only 30% of people with trichomoniasis know that they have it or experience any symptoms.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
It is not yet understood why trichomoniasis is asymptomatic for some, while others experience mildly irritating or severely uncomfortable symptoms. Some studies suggest it may come down to the individual’s age and overall health.
In women, trichomoniasis typically affects the cervix, vagina, vulva, and urethra, with common symptoms including, but not limited to, the following:
- Genital itching & redness
- An unusual vaginal discharge (colored white, yellow, or green) that has a fishy odor
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Pain during sex
For women with male partners, the following symptoms could indicate a trich infection that could be passed on during unprotected sex:
- Itchy penis
- Swelling or soreness around the foreskin or tip of the penis
- A burning sensation during or after peeing
- Burning sensation in the penis after ejaculation
- An unusual (thin & white) discharge from the penis
What Happens if Trichomoniasis is Left Untreated?
When trichomoniasis is left untreated, it can increase an individual’s chances of contracting and spreading further STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, and syphilis. In women, untreated trichomoniasis can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Antibiotics for Trichomoniasis
Metronidazole and tinidazole are two of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for treating trichomoniasis, but they are not tolerated by everyone. Constipation, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and a metallic taste in the mouth are all known side effects.
Because antibiotics can eradicate good bacteria along with harmful bacteria, taking antibiotics can also result in a yeast infection for many women.
Unfortunately, trichomoniasis is also known to reoccur in 1 out of 5 patients within 3 months after treatment, meaning another course of antibiotics is often required shortly after the first.
To avoid the side effects of antibiotics and prevent yeast infections, boric acid has been proven to be a safe and successful natural alternative to antibiotic treatment for trichomoniasis.
What Is Boric Acid?
Stemming from the element boron, boric acid is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is naturally found in fruits like apples and bananas, as well as beer, wine, almonds, and peanuts. Boric acid is also a common ingredient in some household cleaning products and is used (in pure form) as a pesticide or stain remover.
In the realm of natural medicine, boric acid has been used for centuries to treat various infections, including those associated with the female reproductive system. More recently, studies have shown that boric acid is particularly effective in re-balancing a healthy microbiome after vaginal infections.
How Boric Acid Treats Trichomoniasis
Although boric acid used as a vaginal suppository has been widely used for its vaginal health benefits in the past, and numerous rounds of lab testing suggested it could successfully treat trichomoniasis, in-vitro studies were lacking to prove its efficacy. For this reason, healthcare providers often recommended the use of antibiotics in conjunction with boric acid suppositories for treating vaginal infections like trich.
However, studies within the last few years have suggested that boric acid suppositories can successfully treat trichomoniasis, as well as bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections.
In addition to destroying Trichomonas Vaginalis, which is the parasite that causes trichomoniasis, boric acid in vaginal suppository form also creates a more acidic environment where it becomes impossible for the parasite to survive. The acidic environment created by boric acid in the vagina also helps to restore a healthy vaginal microbiome to keep further infections at bay.
How to Use Boric Balance Suppositories
Boric Balance Suppositories from Intimate Rose are 100% naturally made with vegan ingredients in an FDA-registered facility in the USA. They are easily inserted with provided applicators and give relief from vaginal itching & burning within 24 hours.
After washing the hands, a suppository is placed in the applicator, and laying down on the back with the knees wide allows for easy insertion into the vagina. Other than the caution that patients might want to wear a panty liner afterward to catch any vaginal discharge, no further action is required until the next suppository is inserted.
Although studies centered around certain patients concluded that administering boric acid twice daily for 60 days can cure trichomoniasis, each patient should be guided by the advice from their healthcare professional. How often suppositories should be inserted could vary according to each patient’s condition.
Are Boric Acid Suppositories Safe for Everyone?
Boric acid suppositories are considered perfectly safe for treating trichomoniasis as long as they are NOT taken orally, and patients are not pregnant, or actively trying to become pregnant.
Conclusion
Although trichomoniasis is traditionally treated with antibiotics, boric acid suppositories are natural alternatives that have proven just as successful without any of the side effects. Easily inserted with applicators, Boric Balance Suppositories from Intimate Rose dissolve quickly and provide relief within 24 hours. Unlike antibiotics, Boric Balance Suppositories also prevent recurring trich infections and the onset of yeast infections that can often occur with antibiotic use.
References
Centers for Disease & Control Prevention – Trichomoniasis - https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
Web MD - Tinidazole - Uses, Side Effects, and More - https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-91258/tinidazole-oral/details
Web MD - Metronidazole - Uses, Side Effects, and More - https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6426/metronidazole-oral/details
National Library of Medicine - The antimicrobial effect of boric acid on Trichomonas vaginalis - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25581807/
Journal of The American Sexually Transmitted Disease Association - https://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/fulltext/2017/02000/trichomonas_vaginalis_treated_with_boric_acid_in_a.12.aspx
National Library of Medicine - Successful Treatment of Persistent 5-Nitroimidazole–Resistant Trichomoniasis With an Extended Course of Oral Secnidazole Plus Intravaginal Boric Acid - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10010696/