Is Boric Acid a Safe and Effective Treatment for Vaginal Infections in African Women?
By: Amarachi Maduwuba. B.NSc, RN, RM. Health and Wellness Writer. Medically reviewed by: Azuka Ezeike, MB.BS, FWACS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), FMCOG, MSc. (Public Health).
September 25, 2025
Boric acid suppositories spilling out of a plastic container. Image source: Chatgpt
Highlights
Vaginal infections are very common. Research shows that about 75% of women develop vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush or yeast infection) at least once in their lifetime [1].
The global prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) ranges from 8 to 51% [2], while trichomoniasis (TV) is estimated to affect between 57 and 180 million women worldwide every year [2].
Africa is not left behind. Varying frequencies of these infections have been reported too [2]. In fact, African women may be at greater risk due to factors like poor economic status, lack of clean water in some areas, limited healthcare access.
Vaginal infections can be a result of excessive use of antibiotics, which kill natural bacteria in the vagina or even unknown causes.
Pregnant women and those on hormonal replacement therapy also face a higher risk [1].
These infections can cause itching, discharge, burning sensations and bad odour. When over-the-counter antifungal creams or antibiotics don’t work, many people turn to boric acid for vaginal infection treatment. Boric acid suppositories are often sold as low-cost options.
This article aims to explain how boric acid works and show that it is a safe and effective to use in treating vaginal infections due to yeast, bacterial vaginosis and trichomonasis..
The three most common vaginal infections in African women generally, are:
This is caused by Candida albicans or non-albicans species. It occurs when too much yeast grows in the vagina, leading to inflammation.
The symptoms include thick white “cottage cheese” discharge, intense itching, redness, and burning during urination or sex
This occurs when protective bacteria (Lactobacillus) are outnumbered by others (such as Gardnerella vaginalis). This is usually as a result of antibiotic use, hormonal fluctuations, douching, new or multiple sexual partners, or disruptions of the vaginal pH and microbiome balance.
You may have symptoms like thin grey discharge, a fishy odour in your vagina and irritation; itching is less common
It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single celled parasite. Symptoms include greenish-yellow, frothy discharge (sometimes with a fishy odour), itching, irritation, and pain during intercourse or urination.
Boric acid has multiple domestic and industrial uses and is found in many household products like ant baits, toilet and all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents and some eye drops. It’s an acid that has been used for decades to treat vulvovaginal and ear infections
Studies suggest boric acid is a safe alternative for treating recurrent or chronic symptoms of vaginitis, especially when caused by types of yeast other than the usual non-albicans Candida spp. or yeast that do not respond well to standard antifungal medicines. [4].
It is also effective against bacterial vaginosis and has a proven trichomonacidal effect in vitro
Today, it’s mainly available as intravaginal suppositories (600 mg dose). In patients who fail standard azole therapy, boric acid vaginal suppositories (600 mg daily for 14 days) have been used successfully.
In many countries, it’s available over the counter rather than by prescription. Notwithstanding that you can freely buy it from pharmacies and chemists, it's important that you consult your doctor before use.
The effectiveness of boric is in the fact that it works in multiple ways to cure vaginal infections. It can be fungistatic (stop the growth of fungi) or fungicidal (kill fungi). It also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties [3].
Yes, boric acid is safe if you::
1. Wash your hands thoroughly before use
2. Insert the suppository deep into your vagina at bedtime (use an applicator if available).
3. Wear a panty liner to catch leakage.
4. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment to prevent irritation or condom degradation.
5. Never take boric acid orally, as it is toxic if ingested.
6. Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
7. Do not use it on open sores or ulcerations.
8. Also don’t use if you have boron allergies.
9. Use only after a proper diagnosis because symptoms could be due to sexually transmitted infections needing different treatment.
Most users tolerate it well. However, mild and localised effects may include:
Serious adverse effects are extremely rare when used vaginally.
Vaginal infections are common worldwide, including in Africa. While standard treatments work for many, recurrent or resistant cases can be challenging. Boric acid suppositories have shown effectiveness, particularly against resistant Candida species and bacterial vaginosis, with minimal side effects when used correctly. Also, they are quite affordable. However, there are some limitations for use in African countries, like poor availability and sometimes higher cost.
Always talk with your healthcare provider to know if the use of boric acid is right for you.
A: It can treat many yeast infections and recurrent BV, especially resistant cases, but it’s not a cure-all. Diagnosis is important.
A: Symptom relief often starts within a few days, with full improvement in 7–14 days.
A: For first-time BV, antibiotics are preferred. Boric acid may be combined with antibiotics for recurrent BV.
A: It’s best to pause treatment during your period and resume after.
A: It's not advisable as the side effects have not been fully ascertained.
A: They are available from pharmacies and online. Always read follow the label instructions as you use .
1. Denning DW, Kneale M, Sobel JD, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Global burden of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a systematic review. The Lancet Infectious Diseases [Internet]. 2018 Aug 2;18(11):e339–47. Available from here.
2. Mujuzi H, Siya A, Wambi R. Infectious vaginitis among women seeking reproductive health services at a sexual and reproductive health facility in Kampala, Uganda. BMC Women's Health. 2023 Dec 19;23(1). doi: 10.1186/s12905-023-02835-w. Available from here.
3. De Seta F, Schmidt M, Vu B, Essmann M, Larsen B. Antifungal mechanisms supporting boric acid therapy of Candida vaginitis. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy [Internet]. 2008 Nov 19;63(2):325–36. Available here.
4. Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence. Journal of Women's Health [Internet]. 2011 Jul 20;20(8):1245–55. Available here.
Related: Common Vaginal Infections in Nigerian Women
Published: September 25, 2025
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