How to Use Boric Acid Suppositories: Ultimate Guide

Updated April 24,2024

For many women, vaginal odor is an ongoing reality - they’ve seen professionals seeking medical advice for their vaginal health, tried at-home remedies, and bought numerous vaginal creams, meant to assist in controlling odor but only ended up masking it or making the odor worse. While odor showing with other symptoms can be a red flag for a possible vaginal infection needing treatment pointing you to your gynecologist’s office, many women experience unpleasant odor that isn’t at all dangerous, but can negatively impact their confidence and comfort. We believe women should be empowered to make what they feel is the best decision for their own care, and providing women with options is key to achieving this.

That’s why pH-D created the first Vaginal Boric Acid Suppositories available to women in 2014. pH-D Feminine Health’s Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories are a holistic, accessible, affordable, doctor recommended solution for vaginal odor that’s available in mass retailers nationwide such as Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. Odor is one of the most common feminine care concerns women bring to their healthcare providers, and our goal is to normalize the conversation so it isn’t something women think they should feel embarrassed or ashamed about.

What are Boric Acid Suppositories?

Boric acid is a natural compound found in seawater that has been used by healthcare professionals for hundreds of years as a holistic solution for vaginal odor. In its purest form, boric acid is a white powder that is both colorless and odorless. Boric acid is a common and safe ingredient used in a variety of cosmetic products as well as feminine care products to help control vaginal odor.

pH-D Boric Acid Suppositories come in a small capsule that look like a pill, but are NOT FOR ORAL CONSUMPTION. The capsules are clear and the boric acid powder contained inside the capsule is white. Although boric acid can be harmful if swallowed, it can be safely used by many women as a solution for vaginal odor. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, you should not use boric acid. Discontinue use immediately if you become pregnant. Keep in mind that you should never use a boric acid vaginal capsule or other similar suppositories if you have sores, open wounds, or if you have a sensitivity or allergy.

Using Boric Acid Suppositories: The Basics

Your first time using a Boric Acid Suppository can be a bit daunting, and you likely have a few questions. But by the time you’ve successfully used them once, you’ll be plenty comfortable. Here are some basics on how to use the suppositories, how often to use them, and the kinds of activities you should and shouldn’t do while using them:

• How long does it take for a suppository to dissolve: The suppository should be inserted into the vagina and will dissolve inside the vagina within 4-12 hours.
• We recommend inserting one suppository at night. For extreme odor you can insert one boric acid capsule every 12 hours. We recommend wearing a panty liner, especially when using during the day as there may be watery leakage.
• Use the suppositories until you are odor free. If you are prone to vaginal odor, we recommend using 2-4 suppositories per week to assist with odor control. It is safe to use pH-D Boric Acid Suppositories on a regular basis.
• Each pH-D Boric Acid Suppository contains 600 mg of boric acid which is the amount recommended by doctors.
• Some women may experience mild burning or irritation. This may occur if the suppository was not inserted far enough into the vagina or if you have any irritated or open skin within the vagina.
• A small percentage of women experience spotting when using boric acid suppositories. It is safe to continue use if you are comfortable doing so. However, if it worsens or you begin to experience burning or irritation, we recommend you discontinue use.
• You can have sexual intercourse (including oral sex) after using boric acid suppositories. However, it is important to make sure the suppository has completely dissolved before doing so to avoid mild skin irritation. It can take anywhere from 4-12 hours to dissolve, but each woman is individual, and times may be longer or shorter.
• The boric acid may in fact break down a condom, so we recommend making sure the suppository has completely dissolved before having sex to maintain sexual health. This can take anywhere from 4-12 hours, but each woman is individual, and times may be longer or shorter.
• We are not aware of the potential impact boric acid may have on your hormonal vaginal ring and its effectiveness. Please consult your healthcare provider or the manufacturer of your hormonal vaginal ring.
• pH-D boric acid suppositories are safe to use with an IUD.
• It is safe to use boric acid suppositories while on your period, but if you are not comfortable, you can wait until your period is over to use them again.

You can insert Boric Acid Suppositories with or without an applicator, whichever feels more comfortable for you. Below are some step-by-step instructions on how to use either method.

How To Insert Boric Acid Suppositories without an applicator?

• Wash your hands thoroughly to ensure they are clean
• Take one vaginal suppository and insert it into the vagina like you would a tampon.
• You can insert the suppository standing up with your feet spread apart or by lying on your back with your knees bent. Using your fingers, insert the suppository into the vagina and push it up until you can’t feel it anymore.

How Do I Insert Boric Acid Suppositories with an applicator?

• To insert a pH-D Boric Acid Vaginal Suppository using an applicator, take an applicator and remove the outer wrapping.
• Take one vaginal suppository and insert it into the open end of the applicator.
• While either standing with your feet spread apart or lying on your back with your knees bent, hold the applicator by the opposite end from where the suppository is.
• Gently insert the suppository applicator into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Push on the plunger to insert the suppository and remove the applicator.
• To clean the reusable applicators, you can put them in the dishwasher, wash with mild soap and warm water or boil in water for a few minutes. pH-D applicators can be pulled apart into two pieces if you pull hard enough! Once the applicator is clean and dry you can put the two pieces back together as they easily pop back into each other.

Why Should I Use Boric Acid Suppositories?

Vaginal odor can be a concern to some, but it is actually common among women of all ages. Vaginal odor can be caused by a multitude of activities, including, but not limited to the following:

• Feminine odor after exercising and sitting in sweaty clothes
• Wearing a wet swimsuit for an extended period of time
• Wearing tight pants and clothing that is not breathable
• Using scented detergents on underwear
• Strains on mental health like stress and anxiety
• Changes in diet or sugary foods

Many women will try to mask or get rid of vaginal odor by using heavily fragranced soaps over the vulva or even spraying perfume on their underwear, which could cause an allergic reaction or other symptoms of infection. Some women are embarrassed to discuss their concerns with their gynecologist or simply may not have access to healthcare. Boric acid vaginal suppositories are an effective, affordable, and holistic solution for vaginal odor. They are easy to insert and an accessible over the counter solution to assist in controlling odor, especially for vaginal dryness. pH-D Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories and vitamin E suppositories are available on shelf and online at retailers such as Target, Walmart, CVS,and Walgreens.

Quick Tips from our pH-D Feminine Health Advisors

• “Vaginal irritation is one of the most common issues I see with my patients and boric acid is a nice safe alternative to combat these issues.” -Dr. Tamika Cross
• “I love recommending boric acid for patients with recurrent vaginal odor.” -Dr. Tamika Cross

pH-D Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories are the #1 Doctor recommended brand of boric acid vaginal suppositories with over 10,000 clinics recommending pH-D Boric Acid Suppositories to their patients. Take on each day feeling your most confident and comfortable!