Boric Acid for Vaginal Yeast Infection

Boric acid is a white, crystalline chemical substance that has antifungal and antiviral properties. Boric acid capsules can be inserted into the vagina (vaginal suppositories) as a treatment option for some kinds of vaginal yeast infections. Boric acid may help with infections that haven't been cured by antifungal yeast infection medicines.

If you are pregnant, do not use vaginal boric acid treatment.

You can make your own boric acid suppositories by filling size 0 gelatin capsules with boric acid (about 600 mg). Standard yeast infection treatment is 1 capsule inserted in the vagina at bedtime for 7 days. For treatment of recurring yeast infections, standard yeast infection treatment is done for 2 weeks, and then boric acid can be used twice a week for 6 months to 1 year.

How well does it work?

More research is needed to find out how well boric acid works. Symptoms return in some people. Check with your doctor to see if you need to continue using boric acid over several months to relieve your symptoms.

How safe is it?

When used in capsules as a vaginal suppository, boric acid is only known to sometimes cause skin irritation. But when used by mouth (internally), on open wounds, or by children, boric acid is toxic. Keep boric acid out of the reach of children. Boric acid is not safe to use if you are pregnant.