Boric acid vaginal suppositories are an alternative treatment for women who have had yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis that don’t respond to standard treatment. They’re also recommended as a preventative method to reduce the chance of recurring infections, says Kecia Gaither, MD, an ob-gyn in New York City.

Do suppositories work for BV?

Boric acid has been used as an intravaginal home remedy for vaginal conditions for more than 100 years. It is available over-the-counter in a gelatin capsule or as a suppository that’s inserted into the vagina.

It is effective in the treatment of bv suppositories when it is used in conjunction with antibiotic therapy [9,22]. In one study, participants who received 600 mg of inserted boric acid along with antibiotics had an 88 percent cure rate at seven weeks and a 92 percent cure rate at 12 weeks.

Side effects from short-term use include burning in the vagina, watery vaginal discharge, and vaginal redness. It is also toxic when ingested orally, and it should not be taken if you’re pregnant or nursing, or are planning to become pregnant.

In women with recurrent BV, it is also helpful to use a probiotic supplement. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that help your body fight off infections. They can be found in pill or liquid form, as well as in yogurt.

In addition, tea tree oil has been found to be an effective treatment for BV. A small study found that it killed the BV bacteria in the lab. It should be diluted before use.