For many women, vaginal yeast infections are a frequent, unwelcome part of life. Fortunately, there are treatment options that can provide lasting relief from stubborn, recurring infections.
What Are Vaginal Yeast Infections?
Vaginal yeast infections (also called candidiasis) are very common and affect 3 out of 4 women in their lifetimes, often more than once. These infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, a naturally occurring yeast found in the vagina.
Under normal, healthy conditions, the growth of Candida is held in check by bacteria in the vagina. However, disruptions to this healthy balance cause yeast cells to multiply, leading to infection.
Causes
Possible causes of imbalance include antibiotic use, stress, pregnancy, hormonal changes, oral contraceptive use, a weakened immune system, uncontrolled diabetes, or poor eating habits.
Symptoms
Symptoms of yeast infections can range in severity and include itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva; burning sensations during urination and intercourse; thick, white, discharge with a cottage cheese appearance; and redness and swelling of the vulva.
Some other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections can have some similar symptoms, so it is important to be examined by a qualified medical provider to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Can You Use Boric Acid for Yeast Infections?
Boric acid is considered a safe and effective alternative treatment for recurrent vaginal yeast infections that don't respond to traditional antifungal medications. It works by inhibiting yeast growth and restoring optimal vaginal pH.
Medical-grade boric acid in the form of vaginal suppositories can provide relief from persistent symptoms, but it's crucial to use only pharmaceutical-grade products designed specifically for this use. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
What is Boric Acid?
Boric acid is a natural chemical that can be used as a topical anti-fungal or antimicrobial agent to treat certain conditions, such as athlete’s foot or wounds. It has been used for decades, along with antibiotics, to treat bacterial vaginosis, a common bacterial infection in the vagina.
It has also been found to be a safe, effective treatment for recurrent vaginal yeast infections or infections that do not respond to first line anti-fungal treatments (CDC, 2015; Iovazzo et al, 2011). Boric acid acts to inhibit the growth of yeast in the vagina and restores optimal vaginal pH.
Recent research has found that using boric acid suppositories to treat recurrent yeast infections is well-tolerated and has a high satisfaction rate for resolution of symptoms, even when used for a year or more (Powell et al., 2019). It offers a safe, accessible, and affordable treatment option for persistent infections.
What Do I Need to Know About Using Boric Acid Suppositories?
It is extremely important that only pharmaceutical grade, pre-made boric acid vaginal suppositories are used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It can be dangerous, or even fatal, to attempt to make them yourself.
Boric acid suppositories may cause some side effects such as vaginal discomfort, a burning sensation after inserting the capsule, or a watery discharge. However, these effects tend to be mild and are uncommon.
Boric acid suppositories should not be used if you are experiencing fever, nausea, vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstruation, any sexually transmitted disease, pelvic disease, heart disease, blood vessel disorders, or open sores in the vagina. While undergoing treatment, you should also refrain from sexual intercourse or douching. They can be safely used with an IUD.
Intimate Rose Boric Balance vaginal suppositories can help you get your vaginal health back on track. These 100% vegan capsules are pharmaceutical grade, made in the U.S.A. in an FDA-certified facility, and come with seven plastic applicators to allow for easy, mess-free insertion and proper placement of the capsule.
With the use of Intimate Rose Boric Acid Suppositories for BV, you can safely restore chemical balance to your vaginal area, eliminate recurrent yeast infections and their unpleasant symptoms, and get back to enjoying life.
Related Articles
- Boric Acid Frequently Asked Questions
- Suppositories for Feminine Health
- Restoring Vaginal pH Balance
- 5 Common Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
- Boric Acid for Yeast Infections
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/candidiasis.htm
Iavazzo, C., Gkegkes, I. D., Zarkada, I. M., & Falagas, M. E. (2011). Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence. Journal of Women's Health, 20(8), 1245–1255.
Powell, A., Ghanem, K. G., Rogers, L., Zinalabedini, A., Brotman, R. M., Zenilman, J., & Tuddenham, S. (2019). Clinicians' use of intravaginal boric acid maintenance therapy for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 46(12), 810–812.