Boric Acid: The Truth About Taste, Tightness, Wetness & Odor

You may have come across videos hyping up boric acid lately. It genuinely does have some notable effects on the vagina, but used carelessly, it can also cause real harm.

Boric acid, also called orthoboric acid, is an acidic compound formed from boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. Credited to Wilhelm Homberg's discovery, boric acid and related compounds have been put to use for centuries, from preserving food to household cleaning.

What does boric acid do?

Boric acid carries antifungal and antibacterial properties, meaning it destroys germs capable of causing infections [1]. That versatility explains its many uses.

What is boric acid used for?

You'll still find boric acid used for cleaning and other household purposes, such as:

• As a pesticide
• Fireproofing wood
• Treating wounds
• Killing weeds

It also shows up in the manufacturing of everyday products, from cleaning supplies to lotion.

For more than a hundred years, boric acid has also served as a treatment for these vaginal conditions:

• Yeast infections – Its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, along with antiseptic and astringent qualities, make it effective against yeast [2].
• Bacterial vaginosis – Research here is thinner, but boric acid may help treat BV in some cases when paired with other medications [3].
• Trichomoniasis – Boric acid can also help treat trichomoniasis [4]

Are boric acid suppositories safe?

Doctors typically recommend boric acid suppositories for patients whose infections have persisted despite standard antibacterial treatment.

You don't need a prescription to buy boric acid, but it's still smart to check with your doctor before trying it. They can confirm whether your infection would actually benefit from boric acid, or recommend a first-line option like antibiotics that carries fewer risks.

Are there boric acid side effects?

Possible side effects include vaginal burning and redness, and your male partner may experience effects too [5].

Since boric acid wipes out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, it can leave you more susceptible to other infections.

Some users also report cramping after inserting boric acid suppositories.

Is boric acid dangerous?

A 1951 case study found boric acid poisonous enough to trigger severe symptoms, including the death of an infant, at quantities normally assumed to be harmless [6].

Acute poisoning generally requires ingesting or being exposed to far larger amounts than what's used in a single vaginal suppository. Chronic poisoning results from repeated exposure over time.

Plenty of boric acid products are sold commercially, but boric acid vaginal suppositories aren't FDA-approved, which means there's no guarantee the capsules actually contain the advertised dose — or boric acid at all.

Pregnant women face a particular risk with boric acid suppositories: potential fetal harm or death.

If you experience any adverse reaction, stop using the suppositories immediately and get medical help right away. Bring the packaging along if possible.

Have social media users (TikTok, Instagram, etc.) promoted boric acid in a way that's not fully responsible?

Boric acid has become something of a social media trend, TikTok especially. Videos touting suppositories and their supposed benefits are everywhere. Much of that content is misleading, though.

For starters, plenty of these videos look sponsored — the same brand keeps popping up repeatedly.

They also tend to recommend boric acid for unproven purposes, like improving your taste or smell, or causing vaginal swelling or extra wetness.

And crucially, they rarely mention the real risks involved, especially when safety guidelines aren't followed.

Learn: 10 causes of vaginal odor & 7 ways to get rid of it.

With that covered, let's continue.

Can you make your own boric acid suppositories?

We'd recommend consulting a healthcare provider so you're only using suppositories that are properly regulated and approved.

How to insert boric acid suppositories

Boric acid vaginal suppositories come packaged like pills, but you never swallow them — instead, you insert the whole capsule vaginally. The shell is designed to dissolve on contact with moisture, and your vagina provides plenty of that.

Most capsules use gelatin, though vegan versions exist too.

The CDC only recommends boric acid for recurring non-albicans vulvovaginal candidiasis that hasn't responded to a nonfluconazole azole regimen [7].

Discover other yeast infection treatments.

Can you pee after inserting a boric acid suppository?

Yes. The capsule goes into your vagina, while urine exits through your urethra — a completely separate opening.

How long does it take boric acid to dissolve?

Generally, boric acid suppositories dissolve within four to twelve hours.

How long does it take boric acid suppositories to work?

Don't disregard your doctor's guidance just because results aren't instant. Most people see symptoms improve after one to two weeks of consistent use.

Can you have sex after using boric acid?

Hold off on sex for at least 24 hours after inserting a capsule. Your partner should also probably skip going down on you during that window, since they could ingest trace boric acid.

Yeast infections can pass between partners, so it's safest to wait until yours has fully cleared before resuming sex.

Related: Can You Have Sex with a Yeast Infection?

Boric acid can also weaken condoms, another reason to hold off on sex after use.

Once you're back in action, check out these 15 tips for pleasing and satisfying your man, or if your partner is a woman, try these 25 tips for giving her powerful orgasms.

Can you use boric acid suppositories on your period?

Generally, yes, boric acid suppositories are fine to use during your period. Just avoid tampons for 48 hours afterward.

Can you use boric acid during pregnancy?

Never use boric acid suppositories while pregnant. It can hurt fertility and may be toxic to a developing fetus [2].

If you're battling a chronic yeast infection, talk through your options with a doctor instead.

Why does boric acid cause watery discharge?

Watery discharge is a known effect of boric acid suppositories, caused by irritation to sensitive vaginal tissue. So there's no need to panic if you notice thin, white discharge after use.

Because of that discharge, some people prefer inserting the suppository at bedtime and wearing a pantyliner to avoid dealing with it during the day.

Does boric acid make you taste better?

Whatever TikTok claims, boric acid does not improve your taste — unless it's clearing up an active yeast infection. And even then, oral sex probably isn't a great idea while you're still infected.

We've also put together a full list of tips to help you taste and smell better.

Does it make you wetter for sex?

The watery discharge boric acid produces can be mistaken for genuine arousal-driven wetness, but they're not the same thing.

Read: How to get wet for sex, quickly.

Does boric acid make you tighter?

No — there's no evidence boric acid tightens the vagina.

Side note – Products marketed as tightening agents often work by irritating and drying out your vagina's natural moisture. We don't recommend anything that does that.

In-depth guide: How to make your vagina tighter.

Are there alternatives to boric acid?

It depends on your goal. For a yeast, bacterial, or sexually transmitted infection, talk to your doctor about antibiotics — honestly, that's worth trying before boric acid, which can be fairly harsh on your vagina and body overall.

If your real goal is tasting better, reconsider inserting anything into your vagina at all, including douches, which are generally a bad idea regardless.

If odor is your concern, ask your OBGYN — chances are your natural scent and taste fall well within normal range. A natural musk isn't just typical, it's a sign of health. You're not meant to be entirely odorless or tasteless.

We even asked 48 people to describe what a vagina tastes like, and nearly everyone reported a distinct flavor.

Now you know boric acid's legitimate uses, including treating yeast infections — but it won't improve your taste, and used carelessly, it can actually raise your infection risk and cause harm. Unless you're dealing with a chronic infection, it's probably best to skip it.

March 24, 2023