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10 Best Boric Acid Suppositories For Bvs
10 Best Boric Acid Suppositories For BvsHealth & householdRecombu Product FeaturesCan You Use Boric Acid For A Yeast Infection?
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Boric acid vaginal suppositories may help treat yeast infections. But some people, including those who may be pregnant, should avoid using them.
If you have recurrent or chronic yeast infections, boric acid may be a treatment worth investigating. Boric acid has been used to treat vaginal infections for over 100 years.
Not only is it antiviral and antifungal, but it also works to treat both Candida albicans and the more resistant Candida glabrata yeast strains.
Boric acid is available over the counter and can be placed inside gelatin capsules that you insert into your vagina.
Keep reading to learn more about this safe and affordable treatment method.
Boric acid is a water-soluble compound containing oxygen, boron, and hydrogen. It's a white substance that comes in powder or crystal form.
Researchers believe boric acid has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Diluted boric acid may be used to treat skin conditions like diaper rash, insect bites, athlete's foot, foot odor, and yeast infections.
In a 2011 research review, researchers evaluated multiple studies revolving around boric acid as a treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
They found 14 studies in total — two randomized clinical trials, nine case series, and four case reports. Cure rates involving the use of boric acid varied between 40% and 100%, and none of the studies reported major differences in yeast infection recurrence rates.
The researchers concluded that with all the available research, boric acid is a safe alternative to other treatments. It's also an affordable alternative to more conventional treatments that may not target the non-albicans or azole-resistant strains of yeast.
Usage recommendations vary among the studies. A 2003 study examined the use of suppositories for 2 weeks versus 3 weeks. The result? There was little to no difference in outcome with the longer treatment duration.
A 2019 study looked at the effectiveness of boric acid for recurrent yeast infections. It found that boric acid suppositories were effective in managing recurrent yeast infections with minimal side effects.
Before you try boric acid suppositories, make an appointment with your healthcare professional to get a diagnosis. They can also offer guidance on how to use boric acid suppositories and other alternative remedies.
You can shop for premade boric acid suppositories at most drugstores or online.
Popular brands include:
You can also make your own capsules. You'll need boric acid powder, which you can buy online, and size 00 gelatin capsules.
Simply scoop or funnel the powder into the capsule. Use a dinner knife to remove any excess powder from the top and close the capsule tightly.
With either approach, the standard dosage is 600 milligrams per day, which you'll insert via suppository daily for anywhere from 7 to 14 days.
To insert the suppository:
Be sure to insert the suppository at the same time each day. You may find that bedtime works best for your schedule.
Here are some other tips:
Although boric acid suppositories are generally safe for adults, minor side effects are possible.
Side effects may include:
If you experience severe discomfort, discontinue use. See your healthcare professional if your symptoms persist even after ending treatment.
Don't use boric acid suppositories if:
Boric acid is toxic when taken orally, so it should only be used via a vaginal suppository.
Boric acid is particularly effective against yeast infections caused by Candida glabrata. There are other options available, like topical flucytosine (Ancobon), that also target this more resistant yeast.
Ancobon can be used alone or in combination with the suppositories. In a 2003 study, women who didn't respond to boric acid therapy applied topical flucytosine nightly for 2 weeks. This treatment worked for 27 out of 30 women, or in 90% of the cases.
Ancobon and other antifungal medications require a prescription. Talk with your healthcare professional about this and other treatment options.
Taking good care of your immune system and practicing proper hygiene habits may help prevent yeast infections. Try these tips to help reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection:
If you've never had a yeast infection, it's best to schedule a visit with your healthcare professional to confirm your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection. Other conditions like bacterial vaginosis and some sexually transmitted infections can cause similar symptoms.
Often, mild yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, if symptoms don't improve within 7 to 10 days after treatment ends or the infection returns, it's best to contact your healthcare professional.
How long does it take for boric acid to treat a yeast infection?Boric acid should clear a yeast infection completely within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. You'll likely notice symptoms improving within a couple of days of starting treatment.
Can boric acid be used as a preventive against yeast infections?Some doctors may recommend using boric acid to prevent recurrent yeast infections. They may recommend inserting a boric acid suppository once or twice weekly for 3 to 4 months to prevent yeast infections.
Who should avoid using boric acid?Avoid using boric acid suppositories if you have any open wounds, sores, or ulcers in your vaginal area. Boric acid can be toxic if ingested or put on open wounds. In addition, avoid using boric acid suppositories if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you've had multiple yeast infections or if your current infection has been lingering, boric acid suppositories may be just the thing to help clear up the infection.
Talk with your healthcare professional about this treatment option and how it might help you.
11 Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infections
A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina, called Candida albicans.
This overgrowth can trigger irritation, inflammation, itching, and painful discharge. Most folks with a vulva and vagina experience a yeast infection at some point during their lifetime.
If this is your first time experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection, a good first step involves visiting a gynecologist or other healthcare professional to confirm you actually have a yeast infection and not another vaginal health condition.
Symptoms of a yeast infectionCommon symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:
How to diagnose a yeast infectionIf you've never had a yeast infection before, it's best to make an appointment with a healthcare professional to get a diagnosis.
Your clinician will ask about your health history and perform a pelvic exam, which involves examining your cervix, the walls of your vagina, and the surrounding area for external signs of infection.
They'll also recommend some treatment options if they diagnose a yeast infection.
If you've previously had a yeast infection and suspect you have another one, you can try several home remedies to get relief. Some of these remedies use ingredients you might already have in your home.
Just keep in mind that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary, and evidence for their success remains mostly anecdotal.
Below, we'll explore 11 home remedies for yeast infections and how they work.
1. Greek yogurtProbiotics can be effective against C. Albicans — and yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria help promote a healthy environment in your vagina, and they can help address an overgrowth caused by an imbalance.
A 2017 study suggests that eating yogurt helps expand your gut microbiome, which can help reduce yeast in your body. If you don't like yogurt, you can take a probiotic supplement or try other probiotic foods.
When it comes to using yogurt for a yeast infection, opt for plain Greek yogurt. Make sure the yogurt doesn't contain any added sugar, flavoring, or fruit. Added sugar can fuel the growth of the Candida fungus.
To reap the benefits, try:
Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic, and some people claim it can help clear up yeast infections resistant to other remedies.
Boric acid vaginal suppositories may be used in combination with medications to treat vaginal infections.
However, boric acid is toxic in large amounts. It can lead to kidney damage, acute circulatory system failure, or death if you absorb too much. Avoid using boric acid on broken skin, and never take it orally.
If you're pregnant, don't use boric acid in any form. You may also want to consider another remedy if you have sensitive skin.
Discontinue use if you notice any discomfort.
3. Essential oil of oreganoOil of oregano isn't the same as common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, which you'll usually find in your grocery store's spice section.
To ease a yeast infection, search for oregano oil made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare.
A 2017 study suggests oregano essential oil may prove effective for altering the growth of C. Albicans.
To use, mix three to five drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil. Then, apply it to your skin by massaging or inhaling it using a diffuser. Don't apply this essential oil near your vagina.
Never ingest essential oils. Essential oils are meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy, or diluted with massage oil to use during massage. They're also not meant to be used internally–external use only!
4. Probiotic suppositories and supplementsProbiotics can help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.
Taking oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria can offer a number of health benefits, including helping bring your digestive tract and vaginal flora back into alignment.
Oral supplements can take several days to a few weeks to reach full effect, so some people use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to get results more quickly.
Evidence suggests probiotic suppositories can also help treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).
5. Coconut oilCoconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties.
Research suggests coconut oil is effective against C. Albicans, making this home remedy one of the few with supportive evidence behind it.
To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected area.
6. Tea tree oilTea tree oil is an essential oil used to help kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In fact, research supports tea tree oil's antifungal properties.
Research from 2016 suggests a combination of probiotics and vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections.
More recent lab findings continue to support the antimicrobial activities of tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful essential oil. So, you'll always want to make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it's going to touch your skin — undiluted tea tree oil should never touch your skin. And just as a reminder, essential oils should never be used internally!
If you can, opt to purchase prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories — this is the safest option.
Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, you'll generally want to avoid using tea tree oil. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort or irritation after using it.
7. Apple cider vinegarOne popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath.
Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more supported by research than others.
But when you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may help eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Douching leaves you more prone to a recurrence of the yeast infection, so avoid douching with apple cider vinegar — or any other substance.
You'll want to dilute vinegar in water before it touches your skin. In addition, you could also try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.
8. GarlicEvidence suggests garlic may also help kill Candida, though some strains may prove more effective than others.
While more studies are needed, research from 2019 examined the effect of using a garlic solution on sores of the mouth and found it could effectively help curb the growth of Candida. That said, garlic was less effective than nystatin (Nystop), an antifungal medication.
If you want to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, it's best to simply add more garlic to your diet.
Some websites recommend inserting garlic into your vagina, but we do not recommend this approach. That's because the active compounds in garlic can cause burns and pain when applied to your skin or mucosa. Mucosa, or mucous membrane, is the type of moist tissue that lines your mouth, and yes, the walls of your vagina.
9. Hydrogen peroxideHydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that can kill bacteria and yeast. Lactobacillus bacteria in your vagina produce hydrogen peroxide as part of natural biological activity.
Some people swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.
Adding it to a bath or diluting in water before applying to your skin may help with yeast growing on the genitals. You can dilute by combining equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide.
Just keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may not work on every species of yeast, and no strong research supports the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections.
Always avoid douching with hydrogen peroxide, never use hydrogen peroxide internally, and avoid using it for an extended period of time.
10. Vitamin CVitamin C is an immune system booster that also has a role in skin health. A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance.
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, has antimicrobial components, so some people add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths.
Try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body's ability to beat the yeast infection. Don't apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.
11. Vitamin ESome doctors recommend vitamin E for certain types of vaginal inflammation. In fact, lab research suggests vitamin E can help reduce inflammation caused by Candida albicans.
Evidence also suggests vitamin E suppositories may help address atrophic vaginitis (aka, vaginal atrophy), which is the thinning of the vaginal walls caused by a lack of estrogen. Atrophic vaginitis causes changes to the vagina's acidic environment, increasing the risk for bacterial and yeast infections.
You can also purchase vitamin E suppositories intended for vaginal use, or apply vitamin E oil to your vulva or vagina. Vitamin E may help soothe itching, burning, and inflammation.
If vitamin E doesn't seem to help, a good next step involves asking a healthcare professional for more guidance.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.
Can yeast infections go away on their own?A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. It's always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it's mild. If yeast infections are not treated properly, they're more likely to return.
What happens if a yeast infection is left untreated?It may go away, but it is likely to return. Your symptoms may also get worse without treatment.
How do I know if it's a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI)?Yeast infections and UTIs occur in the same area, but they have very different symptoms.
With a vaginal yeast infection, you may have unusual, generally odorless, vaginal discharge that has a thick and milky appearance. You may also have pain or itchiness in your genital area.
With a UTI, you may notice pain and burning when urinating and foul-smelling urine, as well as fever, chills, nausea, and pain in your pelvis.
What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?BV and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms, but different causes and treatments. Both cause inflammation of the vagina, or vaginitis.
One of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odor, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odor. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesn't produce such symptoms.
To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:
Yes. Most simple vaginal yeast infections improve with OTC vaginal creams or suppositories. You can find these products in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day treatments.
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