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 Cindy Lou (Portland, Or) on 10/21/2012
I have to say thanks to all of the ladies out there who are brave enough to type out all of their woes. I have laughed, cried and felt a ton of empathy as I read your stories. I have been suffering from BV off and on since I was in middle school. I am now in my mid 30's. I didn't even know what BV was till last year when I was actually diagnosed. I thought it was just me. I was so ashamed, I didn't know what to do. How embarassing when my boyfriend turned away from me one night and exclaimed, "It smells like old seafood. " Oh you know I about died. I have never tried any of these home remedies. Tried the prescription stuff, but yes it returns eventually. One thing to keep in mind is the reality that boyfriends cheat. Eventhough BV isn't a sexually transmitted disease, when they sleep with other women and bring their stuff back to your body it changes the ph in our vaginas. True story. I had to figure it out the hard way. :(
I'm going to try the boric acid and see if it works... Kind of scary but I'll try it. I do notice a common theme here that there could be links to other imbalances. I have also struggled with acne ever since I was about 14. So maybe I should try the alkaline water... Thanks for all of the great ideas. I am ready to BV free!
Boric Acid
Posted by Shannon (Tucson, Az) on 10/09/2012
After 3 uncomfortable and confusing months I was diagnosed with BV. My doctor prescribed me with an oral antibiotic which made me physically ill, and although my symptoms decreased while on the antibiotics, once I ran out the symptoms came back worse than ever. The symptoms became so uncomfortable that I didn't want to exercise or have sex because of itching, the horrible smell, and the pain. First I tried eating garlic and taking folic acid, then I added acidophilus. When those remedies didn't work I tried douching, first with hydrogen peroxide, then with yogurt, then with colloidal silver. I even changed my diet and started vegetable juicing twice a day. Some of those remedies made a difference, but the BV always came back.
Finally, thank God, a friend of mine told me she used boric acid. I was very skeptical and I really didn't want to put some chemical I could buy at a hardware store inside of me. It just seemed dangerous. However, after 2 years of struggling with BV, I was SO desperate!! I went to a local compound pharmacy and bought medical grade boric acid. Then I bought empty gel caps. I made a paper funnel and filled them myself by hand carefully as I was super paranoid about accidentally consuming the boric acid. Then I inserted one capsule each night for ten nights. It worked SO well! I didn't have any symptoms at all for a month and a half, until after my next menstrual cycle when experienced very mild symptoms. I did another round of 5 capsules and it has been 7 months since I had any symptoms!! My life is finally back to normal. Please, BV sufferers, don't be scared of boric acid! It will change your life!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Pedro (Sao Paulo, Brazil) on 07/26/2012
Be careful with doctors in the US because they are very ignorant about foreskin-intact men (most of the guys in the rest of the world are intact with no issues). In my experience they have their own agenda on the topic because of propaganda and also push for male multilation even when there is no religious reasons. Insane!
The truth is that I doubt your bf would be unaware of a bacterial or fungal infection down there since they produce discharge and creates irritation.
That being said it would be very easy to treat it. All he has do do is clean the area a few times a day with 3% hydrogen peroxide (if there is an infection it will foam). I was diagnosed with male candida years ago, and prescription creams worked but it would sometimes come back. One day I discovered that 3% HP clears the problems in no time, with no discomfort. Saturated borax water also works like a charm. Good luck!
Boric Acid
Posted by Wanthealth (Austin, Tx, Us) on 03/04/2012
First of all, thank you for posting! I've been waiting to see if anyone would and I could definitely use help! (I posted on 2/15/12 directly below if you want to see my "story"). I went back and found the post you mentioned from 6/29/2010 and since your story is similar, I have a question for you. I got a prescription for 2 weeks worth of 600mg boric acid suppositories from People's Pharmacy. It has definitely helped. I'm still having slight burning intermittently, which is a little concerning, but things are much improved. I have 2 suppositories left and I'm starting to get nervous that things will wear off (scared to get too excited after a year of this... ). Do you think I should go ahead and make my own capsules to keep on hand "just in case"? Do you know if homemade capsules are stronger than the compound prescription I got? Thank you so much, I appreciate any help you are able to give!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Marina (Grants Pass, Oregon) on 03/04/2012
Hi, my story is under YEA - Multiple Methods. For me, boric acid made a marked difference after weeks of being very diligent with H2O2, diet, probiotics, multivitamin, folic acid....... & 5 months of hellish paranoia. I am not a doctor but educated medically which involves science but, nonetheless, I could be totally wrong about what I am about to write but it is my understanding that boric acid is the chemical compound of (3) Hydrogen, (1) Boron, (3) Oxygen or H3BO3 or B(OH)3. BA is a weak acid of boron often used as an antiseptic, insecticide & flame retardant, which is a good element when your crotch is on fire!!! I think boric acid is what it is and it cannot be altered or patented. Just make sure it is not cut with anything funky and is 100%. When I see people say get medical grade and don't get the roach killer again, I'm not positive but I do not think there is a difference if it is 100% boric acid. I was in Portland and went to a compounding pharmacy and just asked for the powder it was $8 for 12 oz. I also bought a bag of 00 veggie caps. They are not allowed to fill the capsules for you without a prescription but again not positive but I imagine they use the same bottle/brand when they do fill a scrip. Fill only the larger side of a 00 capsule and cap with the little side. This is suppose to be 600 mg. I was later told I could get boric acid powder at any pharmacy. They just don't keep it on the floor I guess???? Again, and maybe ask the pharmacist, I don't think you can get a stronger dose unless you insert more and there is not necessarily a 'better than' because BA is what it is, H3BO3. The humco brand that people talk about is what the cool pharmacy sold me.
Boric Acid
Posted by Lucy (San Antonio, Texas) on 09/18/2011
I had been suffering with BV on and off for 8 years. I have tried every antibiotic prescribed and nothing had worked. It got so bad that I stopped having sex with my husband all together. It had been 4 months of no sex that propelled me into finding a way to rid myself of the BV for good. I tried:
yogurt tampons every night for two weeks... didnt work.
bv treatment (7 day suppositories)... didnt work.
antibiotics prescribed... didnt work.
Finally I bought some boric acid for $3 and 00 size veggie capsules for $7.99 and made 14. I inserted one every night for two weeks. I noticed that the smell and discharge was gone after the 3rd day but kept on doing it until the last capsule was inserted. Its been about 2 months/plenty of sex and two periods later and still no BV. I insert a capsule the morning after sex and after my period just to be on the safe side. I am finally able to have "spur of the moment" sex again and its amazing...
Oh and I also started inserting frozen coconut oil (100% organic) suppositories before sex to help lube and the coconut oil kills off yeast infections!!! I FEEL AMAZING!!!! Good luck ladies and I want to thank you all for letting me know I wasnt alone..
Boric Acid
Posted by Tbv (Nww Jersey) on 09/11/2018
Chlorophyll in pilloried liquid form will get rid of the smell but won't cure it.
Boric Acid
Posted by Doesntmatter (Texas) on 01/01/2018
Ordered the boric acid capsules 600mg. It works amazing! Only thing is my boyfriend complains it causes him to tingle, I know he's right cause sometimes after I shave and I put one up there and when it leaks it causes irritation on the outside vagina. Anyone know any other options?! A vegan Boric acid or what? This is the only thing that helps with that horrid smell!
Boric Acid
Posted by Niki (Sc) on 09/27/2017
I have been dealing with BV for 4 years now and it will not go away. I have tried pills, gel, douche, and etc. Boric acid was the only thing that I have used that has help the smell. You said " homemade" how did you make it? Please Please Help.
Boric Acid
Posted by Nena (Los Angeles, Ca ) on 04/24/2018
Hi, how many days do have to wait to have sex???
Boric Acid
Posted by Gary (Az) on 08/17/2018
Maria from NJ:
No, men do get it and they have no symptoms. They have to take metronidazole by mouth to get rid of it. And, they can pass it back-and-forth with the woman. Look it up.
Boric Acid
Posted by Sharell (Nc) on 01/18/2017
U should use it twice a day for 7 days
Boric Acid
Posted by Ula (Ny) on 08/27/2016
★★★☆☆
WORKED TEMPORARILY
I definately have BV (was diagnosed by gynecologist) I tried oral and vaginal antibiotics and two times previously they worked. This time around its very resistant. I just tried 23-25 days of once a day boric acid ( I used both made by myself and e-bay bought). They work great but unfortunately once I stop it comes back in 2 nights.
I am not sure what else to do. I am doing probiotic, folic acid, bit D and iron (I am deficient in this).
Its very frustrating.
It does work great while u use it. Hope it will balances itself out. I am trying to eat bolgarina type probiotic yogurt on top of my other probiotics. Tied vaginal e bay probiotics. Three times they made things worse.
Any sugestions are appreciated.
My fear is that it keeps coming back. treatment with 2x a day vaginal antibiotic did not work either but I did it for one month and then switched to boric acid. I felt that it stabilizes ph vs kills all of the bacteria.
Boric Acid
Posted by Dianne (Grand Rapids, Mi, Usa) on 11/21/2016
This sounds like you might have lichen sclerosus. Google it and see if it sounds like the symptoms. I have it and was just reading your post and thought I should suggest this. Doc can do a biopsy to test for it. If you do have it join a support group online. It will give you tremendous support and help. If you don't have it, great for you and good luck on your journey to health.
Boric Acid
Posted by Shannon (New York, New York) on 08/12/2016
Did you do the boric acid 2x a day for 2 weeks?
Boric Acid
Posted by Lu (Co) on 09/21/2016
Never take boric acid orally... Be careful!
Boric Acid
Posted by Ladylaw (Chicago) on 10/14/2016
I have had BV for 5 years now. My ex husband was very insensitive when it had an odor. We have tried everything and currently I am on a weekly long term dose of metronidazole .75. It work to get rid of the smell but the flora is still there. I have to check the amount of flora internally before deciding if I can be comfortable having sex. Probiotics didn't work, nor did all the antibiotics. Dr. told me today that boric acid was the end of the line and at this point that is all she can suggest. It saddened me because if it doesn't work then I am stuck with this for life. I have taken placquenil and lamictal for 25 years so I am sure its not those meds. Yet, we can;t figure it out. I will research the astringent diet, before the boric acid. Wish me luck :( This has been so exhausting and embarrassing.
Boric Acid
Posted by Jennifer B (Gainesville, Ga) on 12/15/2017
NEVER EVER EVER "wash" ANY part of your body with boric acid! Sorry, but vaginal insertion is your best bet.
Boric Acid
Posted by Geniene (Columbus, Ga) on 01/13/2018
I go through the same... THE ACCUSATIONS!!! 😥
Boric Acid
Posted by Lis (United States) on 02/12/2018
Your comment about recurring BV infections after being intimate is absolutely positively true but it's not a matter of one Partners pH not matching with another, sperm lowers the acidity level in the vagina and once the vagina gets too acidic vaginitis occurs it doesn't matter what partner you were with if you have intercourse frequently and a condom is not used to prevent sperm then you are likely going to get BV. There is simply no way around it and the more often you have sex the more often the problem will recur. My GYN told me that if I limited intercourse to know more than twice a week I wouldn't have the problem and when I follow that advice I didn't, she was absolutely right. I am 50 years old and have had more than one partner in my life and one thing I know is that regular intimacy always gives me a BV infection so the real solution is less frequent sex or use a condom to keep the sperm from coming in contact with the vagina. Neither is a wonderful option but it's a lot better than the nasty smelling itching and burning infection caused by the pH in balance
Boric Acid
Posted by Nia Nicholson (Detroit, Michigan) on 06/22/2016
Just wanted to say Hi Robin and ask if you've seen Dr. Sob** in Detroit. Thus far he is the best BV Specialist in the Metro area located in the Medical Center/Downtown Detroit.
Boric Acid
Posted by Renee (Golden, Colorado ) on 07/06/2017
I have been dealing with this for approx. 9 months now and about to lose my mind. Its extremely embarrassing for a relationship and now I'm just want it gone. Couple questions: 1. can you have sex while taking the boric acid? 2. Do you have to make your own capsules or can you buy the boric acid already to insert? if not, geezzz what is the process? 3. If you are taking the boric acid every day of your period can you still wear a tampon?
Boric Acid
Posted by Maria (Chicago) on 12/22/2017
★★★★★
I've been using the capsules for almost 30 days now, I've had a problem with bv for years, I used 2 capsules a day..1 in the morning & 1 before bed for 7 days & now I just use them 2 times a week...I also use 2 (not both at the same time) right after my period & 1 after sexual intercourse
Boric Acid
Posted by Anna (Sacramento, Ca) on 08/26/2015
★★★★★
Homemade Boric Acid Capsules for 4 days and nights inserted into the vagina cured my Bacterial Vaginosis after suffering for 3 weeks. It won't come down in the daytime, but it causes a watery discharge which also contains the bacteria, so wear a liner. A whole garlic clove or a tampon dipped in diluted tee tree oil can also bring relief and or cure, however there are many strains of bacteria so you have to see which one works.
Note: Neither the typical treatment for yeast infection nor bladder infection will work on this type of bacteria.
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 Tee (Brooklyn, Ny) on 09/29/2016
I have been having the same issue. There is no smell, only the discharge from the BA, but the itching is so intense at times that I want scream! I've even had my boyfriend get a flashlight and go looking to see if something else was going on down there.
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 Marie (New York) on 11/29/2016
Rose Canada - I have the same problem once in a while when I use the Boric Acid. I get my period full blown even when I am not due. I am on birth control to and am usually regular. I was using 300mg before and switched to 600mg I wonder if it is too strong for me. Anyone else have this problem? The Boric Acid is the only thing that has helped me with chronic BV and yeast.
Thanks!!
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 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 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 Tiffany (Ct) on 01/14/2015
How do you figure out how much powder to fill in the "00" capsules?
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 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 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 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 Carrie (Alabama) on 11/19/2016
Hey Kristen - I started having BV when I got my IUD placed, and eventually had it taken out after 8 months, and switched to NuvaRing. I then got BV once on the nuvaring, but it was less severe than when I had the IUD. My doctor finally prescribed boric acid. I'm supposed to do it for 21 days, and I'm on day 1.
Side note: is anyone else super uncomfortable after using the boric acid capsules? will this discomfort pass? painful urination is my #1 symptom when I have BV and this doesn't seem to be helping the problem.
Boric Acid
Posted by Jasmine S (Bloomfield, Mi ) on 04/03/2018
Hey, I never inserted a capsule inside of my vagina. I inserted the Borox acid capsule last night! I'm hoping I didn't push it too far up. Will I have to squeeze the capsule out or does that melt. I'm scared to have the remaining capsules stuck inside of me!!!! (Not sure if this is a dumb question!
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??
Boric Acid
Posted by We (South Carolina) on 03/21/2016
I did have a super stressful event which caused this I believe. Plus I had the flu and a staph infection so everything in my body was shot 3 months ago. I am at the end of my rope. The dr has me taking flagyl twice a day for 7 days. I have 3 more days. And for the next 6 weeks he said for me to take the boric acid 300 mg twice a week at bedtime. On the days I don't do the boric acid I am once a week to do the gel stuff. I have literally tried it all and to read that I'm not alone has saved me. I promised if I ever found a cure for me I would share. I have hope that Boric Acid will be that savior. I will write again as I know for sure. Thanks for all who have shared
Boric Acid
Posted by Sr (Charleston, Sc) on 12/04/2014
★★★★★
I want to thank everyone here for sharing their stories and successes with battling BV. I've suffered from intermittent episodes for over 12 years. For the past year, I've used boric acid capsules and I have never felt more confident and FRESH! I ordered the H*** brand off Amazon and picked up the capsules from Earth Fare (although these can be bought online too). I fill the '00' capsules myself and insert them immediately after sex, which is when my vaginal acidity is most off, and at least once a week. I will also insert a capsule during and after my menses.
When I first started, I used one capsule every day for one week, and then dropped to one a week or post sex and menses.
This is truly a big YEA for me, but you should also supplement with acidophilus pills and/or supplements to help your body stabilize pH!
Good luck and again, Thank You ladies for sharing on this site!
Boric Acid
Posted by Jessica (Scottsdale, US) on 12/03/2014
★★★★☆
It does work to get rid of smell and just overall dirty feeling of B.V but it needs to be done on routine. I used it for a few days before my vacation in Mexico and I found that by day 3 or 4, my bv was back.
Boric acid doesnt " cure" it but it changes the bacteria from bad to good ... once it wears off, the bv is still there and the bad is still there. I'd say you need to use it every 3 days or so to maintain freshness.
I personally struggled with it for a long time too and boric acid is the only thing that works.
