Let’s face it: managing unpleasant vaginal odour and abnormal discharge is frustrating and uncomfortable. If you’ve dealt with a yeast infection or a persistent imbalance in your vaginal flora before, you’ll know that finding the right treatment can make all the difference. For some, boric acid pessaries offer a natural and effective solution, especially when other treatments fail to provide relief.
If you’re unfamiliar, boric acid pessaries are a lesser-known but powerful option for treating yeast infections, particularly when conventional treatments, like over-the-counter antifungal creams or medications, don’t quite get the job done. As a compounding pharmacy, we have the flexibility to tailor these pessaries into forms that suit individual needs, offering a personalised touch that mass-produced medications can't always provide. When boric acid pessaries are the right treatment, we’ve found them to be very effective for our patients.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they are always the right solution. We hope to shed some light on how boric acid pessaries work, how they compare to other treatment options, and what you need to know about their safety and usage. We’ll also make sure to point out when they are most useful, and when other options, particularly probiotic pessaries, might be a better fit.
What Are Boric Acid Pessaries or Suppositories?
Boric acid might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of treating vaginal infections, but it's been used worldwide for years to help combat particularly stubborn infections. It's a colourless crystal or white powder with a slightly oily feel and weak acidity, making it surprisingly effective at tackling yeast infections, especially when conventional treatments fall short.
In pessary form, boric acid is inserted directly into the vagina, allowing it to work where it’s needed most. It’s commonly prescribed for patients dealing with resistant yeast infections, specifically when the infection involves species like Candida glabrata that don’t respond well to standard antifungal treatments.
Since boric acid pessaries aren’t available over-the-counter in Australia, compounding pharmacies like ours step in to create these treatments. Whether it’s in pessary or capsule form, we tailor them to meet your specific needs, ensuring the right dose and form are ready for you. The typical dosage is 600 mg at night for 14 consecutive nights, though we sometimes extend the treatment depending on how stubborn the infection is.
Can Boric Acid Help with Yeast Infections?
Boric acid is a real game-changer when it comes to stubborn yeast infections, especially if you've already tried the usual over-the-counter creams or pills without much success. What makes boric acid so effective is its ability to target strains of yeast that are often resistant to standard treatments, like Candida glabrata. These resistant strains are more common than you might think and can leave you feeling like nothing works. That’s where boric acid steps in.
Research has shown that boric acid works by breaking down the yeast’s cell walls and preventing it from forming biofilms, aka. those tricky protective layers that allow yeast to hide from treatment. In cases of recurring or chronic infections, boric acid is often used as a second-line defence, meaning it's only prescribed when first-line treatments like fluconazole or clotrimazole have failed.
While boric acid pessaries are typically reserved for more resistant cases, we’ve seen many patients experience relief after a course of this treatment. It’s important to remember, though, that it’s not the first option for most yeast infections. We do, however, consider it to be a highly effective solution when the first-line treatments are simply not doing the job.
Can Boric Acid Help with Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a different story. Unlike yeast infections, BV is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina. Boric acid isn’t as effective for BV on its own, since it primarily targets fungi, not bacteria. However, in some cases, it can be used alongside other antimicrobial treatments to help restore balance.
For example, if you've been battling recurrent BV, boric acid might be prescribed in combination with treatments like metronidazole to prevent relapses. While it's not the go-to treatment for BV, it can help in persistent cases when used strategically, but always under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Risks and Side Effects of Using Boric Acid Vaginally
As with any treatment, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects before starting a course of boric acid. The good news is that boric acid pessaries are generally well-tolerated by most women, though mild irritation or a burning sensation isn’t uncommon. You might also notice a watery discharge during treatment, but this usually subsides once the course is finished.
One major caution: boric acid is highly toxic if ingested. It should only be used intravaginally and kept out of reach of children and pets. It’s also important to avoid using boric acid during pregnancy, as there may be risks to the developing foetus. If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, boric acid is not recommended.
We always make sure our patients are aware of these precautions and help them use the treatment safely, with detailed guidance and support throughout the process. We’re also happy to answer any questions regarding risks and side effects of boric acid via our online contact form.
What Are Vaginal Probiotic Pessaries?
While boric acid is a powerful option for treating yeast infections, it’s not the only tool in the box when it comes to vaginal health. Vaginal probiotic pessaries are designed to help restore and maintain the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, which is critical in preventing both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Probiotic pessaries contain beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus strains, that are essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps keep the vaginal pH at an optimal level, creating an environment where harmful organisms like yeast and bad bacteria are less likely to thrive.
Unlike oral probiotics, which may lose effectiveness as they travel through the digestive system, vaginal probiotic pessaries deliver these good bacteria directly where they’re needed. This targeted approach ensures that the beneficial bacteria get straight to work, replenishing the vaginal microbiome and helping to prevent future infections.
When to Use Boric Acid vs. Vaginal Probiotics
So, how do you know whether to reach for boric acid or probiotics? The answer really depends on what you’re dealing with.
- Use Boric Acid: If you’re struggling with a yeast infection, especially one that hasn’t responded to conventional antifungal treatments, boric acid might be your best bet. It’s particularly effective against stubborn non-albicans species like Candida glabrata. However, it’s not something you should use casually or for mild infections—boric acid is generally reserved for more resistant cases.
- Use Probiotics: If your goal is to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and prevent future infections, probiotic pessaries are the way to go. They’re especially helpful after a course of antibiotics or antifungal treatments, as they can help rebuild the natural defences that keep your vaginal microbiome in balance.
In some cases, both treatments might be useful, but never at the same time. For example, after completing a course of boric acid pessaries to treat a yeast infection, probiotics can help maintain balance and prevent a recurrence. However, you should always follow the advice of your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your specific situation.
Boric Acid Pessaries: Availability and Usage in Australia
Now, if you’re wondering where to get boric acid pessaries, the answer is that they’re not available over-the-counter in Australia. Boric acid in the concentrations needed to treat yeast infections or BV is classified as a prescription-only medication due to its potential toxicity if misused.
That’s where compounding pharmacies like ours come in. We custom-make boric acid pessaries based on your specific needs, ensuring that you get the correct dosage (typically 600 mg) in a safe and effective form. Whether it’s a capsule or pessary form, we compound the treatment according to your prescription and guide you through its proper use.
The standard course for treating a yeast infection with boric acid is 600 mg inserted intravaginally each night for 14 nights. However, in cases of recurrent or particularly stubborn infections, we might recommend a longer course or maintenance therapy, always under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, dealing with odour and discharge issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they just keep coming back. Fortunately, options like boric acid pessaries exist for when standard treatments fall short. As a second-line treatment, boric acid offers targeted relief, particularly in cases of resistant yeast infections caused by non-albicans species like Candida glabrata.
At the same time, maintaining the balance of your vaginal microbiome is crucial for preventing future infections. This is where probiotic pessaries come into play, supporting your body’s natural defences and helping to create an environment that is less hospitable to harmful organisms. It’s important to understand that these pessaries serve different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably. Boric acid targets infections, while probiotics help to restore and maintain balance.
Vaginal health is deeply personal, and finding the right solution often requires a tailored approach. As a compounding pharmacy, we’re in a unique position to offer personalised treatments that address your specific needs. Whether it’s boric acid pessaries for resistant infections or probiotics to restore balance, we believe that a bespoke approach to managing vaginal issues is the most effective way to achieve long-lasting relief and improved comfort. If you are dealing with odour or discharge, get in touch with us today to learn more about what a compounding pharmacy can do for you.