The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Boric Acid
Posted by Natasha (La) on 08/06/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I did the boric acid 2 nights (filling my own from what the other posts recommend and adding acidophilus) and the symptoms went away for 5 days. I have been washing my underwear on hot and I microwaved them (not recommended- some seemed to have caught fire) but somehow I think I reinfected myself.
I'm trying the boric acid again, I was going to do a 10 day treatment this time, but does anyone have any side effects? I notice my whole body is itchy after using the BA.
Boric Acid
Posted by J (Hnl) on 06/30/2015
Just a wee note regarding the pH comment: BV actually loves an alkline environment, so having a more acidic vaginal pH is preferred for good vaginal health (around 4). The good flora in the vaginal tract create hydrogen peroxide which helps to keep the vaginal pH appropriate--Boric Acid does much the same...
Boric Acid
Posted by Michelle (Usa) on 06/22/2015
★★★★★
I had bacterial vaginosis off and on for several months and finally seem to be rid of it. I think it was caused by my diva cup and once by using tampons, as well as condoms with spermicide. Eventually my boyfriend and I may have been passing an infection back and forth - we're the kind that put condoms on 'later'. He was diagnosed with balantitis - pretty much the male equivalent of BV. He got treated w/ antibiotics and we're both in the clear now.
I tried so many different holistic remedies and antibiotics. Nothing worked until I stopped using condoms which I assume contained spermicide. Spermicide contains nonoxynol-9, which is a "surfactant/detergent" anddangerous to your vaginal membranes. I would rid myself of BV, then 3-4 days after having sex, it would come back. I noticed the pattern and stopped using them. I did a 12 night regimen of boric acid suppositories - 1 per night right before bed. I made them myself by buying the empty capsules and boric acid powder from a pharmacy. I filled each capsule a little more than halfway. You need to get these pills as far up as possible - the infection is in your cervix and sticking them up with your fingers does not reach the infected area. I reused an applicator from a failed attempt with VH Essentials from Rite Aid. YOU HAVE TO SANITIZE THE APPLICATOR EVERY TIME YOU USE IT - BEFORE AND AFTER TO BE SAFE. I used hydrogen peroxide to clean it.
I took probiotics during the 12 night regimen. I have stopped using tampons and definitely no more diva cup. Pads only from here on out. I stay away from wearing hose, tight pants, and only wear cotton underwear. I don't wear panties to bed anymore so my vagina can air out. I limit time in a bathing suit.
Another thing that was not helping was that I had horrible acid reflux and heartburn around that time with BV. An acidic environment is perfect for infections to take hold. If you have BV, the PH balance of your vagina is off. I felt that these went hand in hand and have since remedied both my acidic issues and BV.
I hope this information helps. BV is a terribly difficult infection to rid your body of. I got to some low points. Stick in there and don't give up.
Boric Acid
Posted by Jade (Gulf Coast) on 06/21/2015
I stumbled upon this site while looking up safety of using boric acid around pets and I was very surprised something generally thought of as a toxin could be used in such a delicate area for the treatment of these conditions. I had a problem with yeast and BV when I was younger, but not so much anymore. I think fewer partners, no douching or pantyhose (like we all wore in the 80's) helped. I also make it a habit to go urinate after any sexual activity. I am glad to know some of you have found relief using this treatment. My son told me he thought periods were gross. I asked him how he thought women felt? We try and be all pretty and girly and sometimes there's a freak show going on down there. He laughed. But it is maddening how sensitive that area is for us and how many things can affect our reproductive health. Men have it way to easy.
Boric Acid
Posted by D-nice (Ca) on 06/19/2015
★★★★★
Boric Acid Suppositories worked way beter than Flagyl, way better than MetroGel, Mertonidazole and any other prescription, it even worked bettern than cleocin. I used to suffer from BV years ago 2008 to 2012 but then it went away once I started using the Boric Acide capsules, nothing seemed to work. Then I had a baby in 2013 and I didn't have BV until 2015 and it came back with avengeance and it is driving me crazy because my hubby thinks I don't want be with him intimately, but this freaking BV makes it uncomfortable to urinate let alone have sex.
Boric Acid
Posted by Mary (Council Bluffs Iowa) on 06/17/2015
You can buy 00 capsules and powdered Boric Acid on Amazon and make your own!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Optimistic (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) on 06/01/2015
★★★★★
Hey girls! I'm 23 and I have been suffering from BV for almost a year. I went to the doctor SEVERAL times. Got the antibiotics and they only ever worked for a few days, then it would come right back. I tried the Hydrogen Peroxide tampon soaking and douching. When I did that it usually worked for about a week at a time. Not enough of a cure, just a short term thing. Once I was referred to an actual OB/GYN (as opposed to a general practitioner) she prescribed the boric acid suppositories.
She gave me 14. I did inserted them nightly for 10 days and used one after every sexual encounter. It was GREAT until I ran out. My doc gave me 3 refills thankfully. I realized I wasn't fully cured after the first 14 doses. I refilled them and now I only use them after sex. So far things have been going well. I'm hoping that once I use up all of the refills that I don't have to call her back up for more. Hopefully things are going back to normal. Here's hoping!! :)
Boric Acid
Posted by April (Walnut Creek, Ca) on 05/27/2015
Like so many of you I have suffered through years of BV. I first got it when I was a virgin and I am now 40. It is hell. If a man had to walk around with smelly discharge coming from his penis..there would be a cure... So I am sooo appreciative of all you sharing your stories and cures and what works and doesn't for you. I just started the Boric Acid last night. So far, discharge but no odor. Will keep ya posted. :D
Boric Acid
Posted by Amanda ( New York, US) on 05/21/2015
★★★★★
I've had BV/yeast infection for as long as I can imagine, it started when I was a child. Now that I look back on it it could've been brought on by a swim in a lake but there's no way of knowing. anyway, it has been hell for me these past few years. I tried the other remedies to no avail and then finally decided to try the boric acid and I am COMPLETELY free. It's been almost two months now and I've had no problems whatsoever, no smell or anything!! It didn't cure my YI but I've been using ACV douche for that and it's been working. I don't see the BV ever coming back but if it does I have a lot more boric acid left. If you guys are suffering PLEASE try this, I had a pretty LONG and BAD run with BV and this is the only thing that has worked. Good luck!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Keelie (La) on 04/30/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I make them myself...instead of scooping the powder into the capsule, pack it by taking the capsule and pressing it down on a plate of powder. You'll get more powder in the capsule that way. Start off by inserting 1 capsule at bedtime for the first 3 nights, then use it every other night for a few weeks. I also use it to cleanse the vagina and stay fresh, but I use it every other day. The only side effect I've had was bleeding. I'm not sure exactly what is causing the bleeding...the boric acid itself or the capsules. Does anyone else experience bleeding too? Thanks to everyone for your comments!
Boric Acid
Posted by Bron (Brisbane, Australia) on 04/26/2015
★★★★★
It has now been a year since my first post and I have been BV free this entire time! I wanted to check back in and lay out as clearly as possible what has worked for me.
This is what I recommend to those of you struggling with this hideous condition..
Preparation:
- 1. Order 100% boric acid or medical grade boric acid (it's the same thing but called different things in different places) AND 00 Veg capsules. In Australia, simply order both of these on Ebay. I believe in the US, you can ask your pharmacy to order them for you or try Amazon.
- 2. With clean hands, simply fill the larger side of the capsule with the boric acid and then use the smaller side as the lid. Make up as many as you like - they last for months and months. Store them in a glass jar in your pantry and keep capsules and all ingredients out of reach of the little ones.
- 3. Buy pads - do NOT wear tampons during this treatment.
The Regimen
- Start your treatment on your next period.
- On the first night of your period, (and with clean hands) insert 2 capsules just before you go to bed.
- For the next 5 nights, insert one capsule just before you go to bed.
- Do this treatment for the next 3 periods (4 periods in total).
- You may notice increased wetness as the capsules make their way out - completely normal. You may even find bits of the capsule - also normal.
Ongoing treatment:
- After completing your 4 month treatment, you can cut back to inserting one capsule, usually on the last night of your period. As before, wear a pad that night and during the next day, but tampons on the other days should be fine. I believe wearing tampons overnight is not a good idea, but up to you.
- Supplements and diet are completely up to you - I don't know what exacerbates BV, but it can't hurt to eat healthier.
Tips:
- Always insert the capsule just before you go to bed. You want it to stay in for as long as possible.
- Just before inserting the capsule, I like to hold the capsule under running water for about 20 seconds to soften the 'skin'.
- Insert the capsule as far as you can. I don't think applicators are necessary, it's a personal preference.
Best of luck to you!
Bron
Boric Acid
Posted by Rose (Canada) on 04/26/2015
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I couldn't agree with you more. The boric acid was wonderful for me. I would do the same thing, pretty much use it every day...However, I started bleeding every time I'd use it, like it would cause a full blown period, and my gynecologist couldn't give me answers (he'd say, well, ya know...it's an alternative treatment, I don't know much about it bla bla bla). I didn't feel irritated or anything...I'd just use one suppository at night... I'm going to try coconut oil capsules, I heard they work great, I tried them a while back but they weren't that effective...*sigh* the boric acid suppositories are the best thing for bv hands down!
Boric Acid
Posted by Mzn (Chicago, IL) on 04/19/2015
★★★★☆
I have had BV since 2009 and nothing has worked . Now I'm currently inserting Boric acid capsules and they have worked as far as the smell. I started using one capsule at night and then one in the morning after I shower. I'm going to continue doing this for the next 5 days ( until 4/24/15), which will be 2 weeks. Hopefully, it will get rid of the discharge like it did the smell. Praying for a relief!!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Cassandra (Oxford, Mississippi) on 03/29/2015
★★★★★
I started using my homemade boric acid suppositories with boric acid powder and gelatin capsules. Found the powder on the shelf at my drug store with first-aid supplies. Filled up large side of capsule and put small side on as others have done. Used 1 first 2 nights and didn't seem to help. Used 2 capsules the next 2 nights and felt almost completely better after the first night. So if 1 doesn't work try 2 before you give up. Hope it continues to work. I have tried eating yogurt, acidophilus, tea tree oil, and hydrogen peroxide without it helping at all. So don't give up.
Boric Acid
Posted by Killing Me Softly (Detroit, Mi) on 03/24/2015
★★★★☆
I have tried everything (boric acid, yogurt, all types of creams , oils, flaygl, ) and nothing seems to work. This is very hurtful that I am desperate to get help. My vajj-- is in pain all the time. As bad as I want to tell my boyfriend, I'm afraid he will leave me. Does anyone have any other suggestions - what makes this flare up does anyone know. I seems like soon as I think I'm cured it comes back.
Boric Acid
Posted by Kristen (New York, US) on 02/26/2015
Hi all, I currently have an IUD (Mirena) and its been in for about 4 months, my BV is out of control. I took all types of treatments for it metrogel and tindamax. My next step is going to be boric acid. Do you think I should remove the IUD? I don't know what to do and my GYN isn't being so helpful in the situation!
Boric Acid
Posted by Felicia (Dallas, Texas) on 02/19/2015
Could you please provide instructions and ingredients as to how you made the treatment yourself. I'm so tired off battling BA!
Boric Acid
Posted by Felicia (Dallas, Texas) on 02/19/2015
I have the same problem. I've been reading a lot on how boric acid has helped many people. Could you tell me what brand you ordered, and where you ordered from. Also, I know this is a dumb question, but you inset the capsules inside the vagina? Was there any irritation, and how many times a day did you insert capsule, and for how long?? I know I have alot of questions, but I want to get this problem fixed! Thank you so much!
Boric Acid
Posted by Bbfield (Northern Ca., US) on 02/10/2015
How big are these little cold pressed pieces when you use them?
Boric Acid
Posted by Bridget (Philly, PA) on 02/10/2015
BV is caused by a pH imbalance. "treating" your husband is not going to do anything. It's his semen. Semen ph level is 7.1-8, the vagina's pH has to be about a 3.5-4; anything higher causes problems. Your cycle can cause the same problem. Blood during your cycle is about a 7 which....will cause a problem.
Boric Acid
Posted by T. (Dfw) on 02/06/2015
Hello, I also have been battling BV since I had my son 5 years ago!! I have tried everything and have spend tons of money on doctor visits and lab tests! I'm am over this! I hear nothing but great things about Boric Acid capsules, I asked my PCP to write me a script so I could get them through my pharmacy, but he was not comfortable in prescribing this because he did not know much about it. Ugh!! I feel like I'm at my wits end and I'm full of frustration! I suppose I could make my own capsules and order the stuff from Amazon. Did any of you ladies who tried the boric acid capsules experience extra dryness or a yeast infection from the capsules? How often is too much to use? Any side effects?
Boric Acid
Posted by Hopefullycuredsoon (Prince George, Canada) on 01/29/2015
I just finally saw a gynecologist yesterday after being referred a year ago. I have been dealing with this issue for 14 years!!! All along, treating it like yeast as every doctor has told me it is. It would constantly come back. I've treated my husband, I decided it was an estrogen deficiency, I decided it was vulvodynia. I was desperate. Yesterday, I was told that BV tests are often nonspecific and that it's probably what I have had the entire time. I am supposed to start the boric acid pills as soon as my pharmacy can get them in. I'm excited to start and hope that it will help, but she did tell me I would be using them twice a week for probably the rest of my life. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy in June and she did say that I might notice the symptoms disappear after my period is no longer a problem but we'll see.
Boric Acid
Posted by Marie (Germany) on 01/28/2015
How often do you use them? What is your routine? Thanks!
Boric Acid
Posted by Hopeless (Edmonton, Ab) on 01/24/2015
So I use the Boric Acid capsules and the watery discharge is insane! I am soaking through panty liners and the discharge is not clear. Is this just the 'yuck' leaving my body?? I have to go change my liner or pad every hour and I feel the liquid gush out.
I have an appt for feb 5 but I feel like I am going to go insane before then...
HELP! I am worried I don't have BV after all.
Boric Acid
Posted by Rj (Tennessee, Us) on 01/23/2015
Thanks Rs for your comments! I've been using boric acid since November and have not had sex. My biggest fear was that I would poison my boyfriend if we did oral! Lol So I really appreciate your comments!
Boric Acid
Posted by Rs (Sf) on 01/14/2015
In regards to boric acid capsules killing our good bacteria, I have not found that to be true, but I do eat yogurt daily which I am sure helps a bit.....real yogurt. Knowing that there is no cure for BV and trying everything recommended on this site with short term success made me desperate to try this and I cant tell you how happy I am.
And THANK YOU to the kind woman that told me to use bovine capsules. I will try that for sure. The capsules that I use dont entirely dissolve and little pieces do come out occasionally. Only I can tell, my boyfriend does not notice.
Boric Acid
Posted by Rs (Sf) on 01/14/2015
I use one capsule almost every night except for Friday and Saturday nights if I see my boyfriend. He has never had a reaction to boric acid, mind you the capsule has already melted and pretty much left my body by the time I see my boyfriend and after using a capsule every night for 5 nights I am good to go and have no problems with sex at all, including oral. I did some research and it is not harmful to your partner by the next day since it has melted. It is best to do this at night right before bed.....but I suppose you can try using it during the day if you have to. Definitely use this after sex, EVERY time. If I have a long weekend with my boyfriend, say a 3-day weekend, by day 3 I can smell that smell coming back and I am mortified. He does not smell it, but we ladies can certainly smell it. In these cases I will insert a capsule during the day for sure. You should not have any problems at all. Just find out what schedule works for you and play around with it. It boils down to what works to keep your BV in check.
Boric Acid
Posted by Rs (Sf) on 01/14/2015
Hi,
I make my own boric acid capsules and use "00" vegetable/gelatin capsules. I fill them up with as much powder as I can. They are not all the same size by the time I finish making a batch, but that is ok. The most important thing is to start using them ASAP. What I found is that some days I use a larger capsule if I feel my BV starting to creep back and as the week goes on I start using the smaller capsules. It just worked out that way and is not intentional. Practice making your capsules. You cant mess up and you cant use too much powder...............this pretty much saved my love life, sex life, and general well-being. Good luck!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Heather (New Castle Co) on 01/14/2015
Hi Bron,
I know your post is back from the beginning of 2014 but I stumbled upon it after helplessly looking for something to cure this bv I've been battling for 3 1/2 years. After just recently having a miscarriage with a deeply wanted baby, I am looking for anything to cure it for good so we can start trying again. I saw that you said you were in baby making mode and that after what you've tried, even after having sex the bv didn't come back. I am going to try everything you did as well. So I guess at this point my question is did it last? Are you still bv free? Thank you so much and I hope you were successful in the baby making department :)
Boric Acid
Posted by Tiffany (Ct) on 01/14/2015
How do you figure out how much powder to fill in the "00" capsules?
Boric Acid
Posted by Lindsey (Bi, Hawaii) on 01/11/2015
Aloha, Rs
The boric acid caps sound amazing. BUT, I need to tell you about the veggie caps you're using. Although veggie based - please understand that in the process of making them - there is NO WAY the manufacturer can produce them without using certain lubricants that's carcinogenic. When you get capsules - look for KOSHER BOVINE capsules. They are safer than the veggie type - minus the carcinogenic lubricant. I am not a health practitioner/naturopath - I just do my homework. Wishing you well...Lindsey
Boric Acid
Posted by Michelle (Omaha, Ne) on 01/11/2015
★★★★☆
I have been fighting BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) for over 2 years. I went through a full hysterectomy over 4 years ago so I no longer have monthly cycles and I thought that was the reason. I went to my Family Physician who put me on Flagyl for over 6 months and the test results kept coming back positive for BV. I was then referred to a Gynecologist that put me on Metronidazole gel month after month For 6 months and still the test showed positive for BV. I was then referred to a Urologist. It was then I was introduced to Boric Acid. I explains the frustration of 2 full years of treatments with no cured results. I have been using Boric Acid suppositories now for 3 months and still test positive for BV and I have not been sexually active in over 5 Months. The Urologist states that it may never go away or be cured but I will tell you the Boric Acid Suppositories sure do make life much easier! My Pharmacy makes the compound for me each month for $29.00. I insert each night before bed and it's melts quickly with no smell, no discomfort and no side effects. I use mine 21 straight days then I take the rest of the month off. Begin again on the following 1st of the month. It must be refrigerated at all times But so worth it!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Pam (Indpls, IN) on 01/09/2015
I use boric acid also, and it too has saved my life, I love it! However I belong to a online support group and someone told me that the boric acid also kills the good flora, is this true. I thought it balanced everything out.
Boric Acid
Posted by Rs (San Francisco, CA) on 01/07/2015
I have BV and let me tell you, there is no cure. You will have this until a cure is found. I did everything under the sun....H202, probiotics, ACV, yogurt douche, supplements, you name it I tried it. What has finally worked to keep it at bay is boric acid capsules. Boric acid is cheap, you can make your own capsules at home, and pharmacies will make this if your doctor gives you a prescription.
It is a little known fact that doctors don't want you to know about. I have been using boric acid capsules for years with no side effects. You have to stay on top of the BV 24/7/365. I can't go more than 1-2 days without inserting a capsule vaginally. I usually do it Sun-Thurs, and Fri-Sat I am with my boyfriend and everything is nice and clean and smells great and NO discharge or disgusting smell. I buy boric acid online (Amazon) as well as vegetable based capsules and sit right on my living room floor one night a month and make mass quantities of these things. Insert on capsule vaginally before bedtime (you need to be lying down so it can melt inside you and kill the bacteria) and the next morning wear a panty liner because the melted capsule contents will leak out.
It smells nice and fresh and there is no taste or side effects to your partner (if you know what I mean). Interestingly enough, the capsules keep your vagina nice and lubricated so if you have issues with dryness, this will certainly help you with that too. This has saved my life and my sex life as well. Boric acid is roach killer by the way. I was terrified to try it the first time, but I also was so exhausted of dealing with BV, so the chances of this working were worth my fears. It is the only thing that has worked for me so far and I am prepared to use this for the rest of my life. I am more than glad to answer your questions. I know there are several postings on here regarding boric acid capsules for BV. This is a horrible thing to have and to live with, but if you can stay on top of the bacteria you will be much happier and it does not take much effort. Cutting back on sugar and caffeine helps just a little bit......not much, but some. Good luck everyone!!!!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Tammy (Clarksville, Tn) on 01/06/2015
Get tested for an AEROBIC Bacterial Infection. They have to do a specific One Swab for it. Most doctors don't even think about it.
It is different from BV and it won't respond to the meds for BV. They will have to do the culture to find out what bacteria is the cause.
Usually they will prescribe Clindamycin or Kanamycin Cream and Augmentin or Levaquin Orally.
The symptoms include vulvar burning, redness and irritation that won't go away. A watery thin discharge is also sometimes present.
I wish you the best!
Boric Acid
Posted by Lynnbo (Miami, FL) on 01/01/2015
I just started my boric acid pills on Sunday. One capsule at bedtime for 21 days and that's it. Once the 21days are over, I am supposed to begin 4 month vaginal/topical Flagyl gel insert. I've been having this problem since January and am beyond motivated to get rid of it- I will do whatever doctor says. At this point I'm planning on quitting sex for awhile to see if I'm "allergic" to semen. One question I have: did anyone go through any major stressful events prior to acquiring BV??
