| VULVODYNIA SUPPORT NETWORK WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND |
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| Boric Acid We want these pages to document the experiences of women with vulvodynia and if you would like to submit some writing to this page, please email us. Please note that the information provided has not been verified by a doctor so always check it out first! Boric acid is perhaps more commonly known for being a rodent poison, but don't let this put you off! Boric acid is a white, odorless powder or crystalline substance with mild antiseptic properties. It is commonly used as a suppository inserted in the vagina to treat yeast infection. Boric acid is available in powder form from a pharmacy without a prescription. It usually comes in a white plain plastic container and is reasonably cheap (@ $7 for a big tub). Women can make their own boric acid capsules by purchasing boric acid powder then putting it loosely into size "0" capsules (available at most pharmacies and health food stores). Insert one capsule as deeply as possible into the vagina. Suppository boric acid capsules should not be used during pregnancy. Boric acid is very toxic when taken internally and should also never be used on open wounds. Boric acid capsules inserted into the vagina have been used with great success as a treatment for yeast vaginitis. In one study of 100 women with chronic yeast vaginitis who had failed to respond to various over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medicines, 98% successfully treated their infections with boric acid capsules, inserted into the vagina twice per day for two to four weeks. (Jovanovic R, Congema E, Nguyen HT. Antifungal agents vs. boric acid for treating chronic mycotic vulvovaginitis. J Reprod Med 1977;36:593–97.) Kate, age 43 I found boric acid eased the soreness and decreased swelling. It can be prescribed by a doctor, brought over the counter as capsules, or you can buy the boric acid and capsules separately and fill the capsules your self, this is a lot cheaper. It seems that a lot of chemists haven’t heard of it been used in this way so you might need to explain what you are going to do with it before they will sell it to you. The capsules come in at least two sizes, I use the smaller size and fill them about !/2 fill, this size fits neatly into the vaginal applicator that comes with anti-thrush creams, then they can be easily inserted into the vagina or putting them up with your finger works too. To buy some of the powder and empty capsules costs about $15 , this will make up into heaps of capsules. Rose, age 32 I've been using boric acid for a few months now, and it's working really well. I got it from the John St chemist (Wellington), and it was a bit embarrassing cos they were concerned that I might be taking the ant poison orally, so I had to say what it was actually for! They also needed to know where it was going so they could decide what size capsules to give me. At first I found it uncomfortable to insert, but now I do it while sitting on the toilet, before I go to bed. I tend to have sex in the morning anyway, so it feels good to be prepared overnight. Basically it has pretty much stopped the burning feeling, and I take it every night. Emma, age 23 This is a really cheap treatment and seems to have worked for quite a few people so I definitely recommend giving it a try! I have used every sort of thrush cream on the market and as well as being very expensive and messy I do not find them very effective. I am also weary of putting so many chemicals etc in there as I am sure they can’t be good for the already tender skin. That was until I discovered BORIC ACID, and I cannot speak highly enough of this stuff. When using a 3 day anti-thrush cream/pessaries, I would still be so itchy and sore. The morning after using boric acid I feel better. It may seem a bit of hassle to get the stuff (filling the capsules etc) but it is really worth it. Now, when I feel that initial tingly feeling that I usually get the day before thrush, I use a boric acid capsule at night and that clears things. If I already have thrush, I use boric acid for 3-4 days, depending how I feel. It sort of generates a watery discharge, so the next day it is a good idea to wear a panty-liner. |
| Our Mission: To assist New Zealand women in accessing resources and information to help them to find the support theyneed to deal with and overcome vulvar pain. |
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