TikTokers are using boric acid suppositories to improve vaginal taste and smell but doctors say that's a horrible idea
- Boric acid suppositories (BAS) are a TikTok trend for improving vaginal taste among other claims.
- However, BAS should only be used to treat certain conditions and misuse could be dangerous.
Boric acid suppositories have been around for hundreds of years to help treat various vaginal conditions like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Lately, however, TikTok influencers have been buzzing about this product, claiming it "works like magic" and can do everything from cure vaginal dryness to "rebalance" your vaginal pH post-intercourse.
It goes without saying, but you should not believe everything you see on TikTok, especially in this case because it could seriously damage your health.
If used repeatedly, boric acid can strip away the vagina's "good" bacteria, which is important for maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome.
Keep reading to learn when boric acid suppositories are safe to use, how to use them correctly, and who should avoid them at all costs.
What boric acid suppositories treat
Boric acid suppositories contain boric acid, aka hydrogen borate or boracic acid, which can help kill off many viral, bacterial, and fungal infections including:
Doctors may recommend using boric acid suppositories in some situations. If you have a BV or yeast infection, it's not usually the first line of treatment.
"It's usually used as a second line of treatment after standard treatments haven't resolved the infection. You don't need a prescription to buy them, but it's a good idea to consult with your doctor first," says Dr. Donald Grant, a senior clinician at The Independent Pharmacy.
What boric acid suppositories will NOT treat
Ignore TikTokers and avoid boric acid suppositories for things like:
- Treating a vaginal yeast infection when pregnant (boric acid is highly toxic to a developing fetus)
- Improving vaginal taste
- Improving vaginal odor
- Treating acute BV
- "Refreshing" or "rebalancing" vaginal pH after intercourse
- "Cleansing" the vagina following your menstrual cycle
- Controlling vaginal odor post-workout
How to get boric acid suppositories
You can buy boric acid suppositories online or over-the-counter at your local pharmacy for anywhere from $15–$30.
Even so, it's still a good idea to talk to your doctor before using boric acid suppositories on your own.
"The vagina is an organ which can be adversely affected by unnecessary or ineffective treatments," says urogynecologist Dr. Alexis May Kimble, medical director of the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery.
"While self-treating with over-the-counter remedies may offer immediate relief, it could disrupt a healthy vaginal microenvironment," Kimble says. "As such, patients may be left at a higher risk of developing other unwanted vaginal conditions."
These include BV, vaginal irritation, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
How to use boric acid suppositories
If you and your doctor decide that boric acid suppositories are the best course of action, be sure to read the directions before you use them as there could be discrepancies between brands.
In general, here's typically what's considered good practice when inserting a boric acid suppository correctly:
1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Remove the capsule from its packaging.
3. If you have an applicator, carefully place the capsule in the applicator. Be sure not to drop the capsule onto the floor or counter beforehand. If this happens, open a new capsule.
4. Lie on your back with your knees bent (you can also stand with your knees bent if that's more comfortable for you).
5. Take a deep breath and relax your pelvic muscles.
6. Using the applicator or your fingers, gently insert the suppository as far as it will comfortably go into your vagina. Press on the plunger at the end of the applicator to push the suppository in, then remove the applicator.
7. Dispose of the applicator (if you used one).
8. Wash your hands thoroughly.
If you miss a dose, the Cleveland Clinic recommends using it as soon as you can. Do not use double or extra doses.
Side effects
According to Dr. Jodie Horton, Chief Wellness Advisor for Love Wellness, the most common side effect of using boric acid suppositories is watery or thick white discharge throughout the duration of your treatment.
Other potential side effects include:
- Vaginal irritation, tenderness, or burning
- Allergic reaction (hives or itching)
If you develop severe symptoms, experience discomfort, or notice that your infection is getting worse, contact your doctor before taking another dose.
Are boric acid suppositories safe?
While boric acid is traditionally used as roach poison, boric acid suppositories are safe to use vaginally.
That said, boric acid is toxic:
- If exposed in small doses (5–20 g for adults), you may experience skin irritation or nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and diarrhea, if swallowed.
- If you ingest a large amount (about 30 g or 50 suppositories-worth), in a short period of time, it can damage your intestines, stomach, liver, kidney, brain, and lead to death, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of boric acid poisoning include:
- Blue-green vomit
- Diarrhea
- Rash or blisters
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Headache
- Lethargy (loss of energy)
- Twitching (facial muscles, arms, hands, and legs)
- Low blood pressure
- Coma
- Seizures
Note: If you or someone in your home accidentally swallows a boric acid suppository, call 911 or the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222).
Some suppositories may look similar to oral medication. For this reason, it's imperative to keep your capsules in a safe place far away from children or pets.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends storing boric acid suppositories in a cool, dry place between 59 °F and 86 °F. The suppositories will melt if they get too warm.
You should also avoid having vaginal or oral sex until you've completed your treatment. Deciding not to wait may cause irritation or a burning sensation for both you and your partner.
Additionally, receiving oral sex too soon may put your partner at risk of ingesting any undissolved boric acid.
Who shouldn't use boric acid suppositories?
People who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant shouldn't use boric acid suppositories as it can harm the developing fetus.
"You also shouldn't use boric acid suppositories when you are pregnant, bleeding, suffering from pelvic inflammatory diseases, or any sexually transmitted disease," warns Grant.
You should avoid taking boric acid suppositories if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or are currently taking blood-thinning medications.
Insider's takeaway
Boric acid suppositories have been used for years to treat recurrent vaginal infections like BV and yeast infections.
Doctors generally recommend using boric acid suppositories as a second-line treatment when standard treatment options are not working.
Using boric acid suppositories intravaginally is considered safe, however, ingesting boric acid may lead to death. Because of this, it's important to store boric acid suppositories in a safe place away from children and pets.
People who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to be pregnant shouldn't use boric acid suppositories.
If you're interested in using boric acid suppositories, reach out to your OB-GYN first as there may be a better alternative treatment option depending on your symptoms.