Let’s keep it real: for vagina owners, caring for ourselves is a full-time job. We have to think about every little detail, from contraception to hygienic upkeep to hormonal balance. There are constant environmental factors that threaten to throw us off our game, which is why we enlist tools like suppositories and vaginal probiotics for some very necessary help.
Why Caring For Your pH Balance Is Important
Maintaining a balanced pH level is crucial not just for your vagina, but for your overall health and sense of wellbeing. Your vagina naturally maintains a slightly acidic pH, ranging from 3.8 to 4.5, which helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. When your pH balance is disrupted, issues like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and discomfort during intercourse can make things pretty unsexy.
Warning signs of a disrupted pH balance include:
- Redness, a rash, swelling, or itching around the vagina or labia
- Burning with urination or during sexual intercourse
- Strong, unpleasant odor or fishy smell
- Green, gray, or yellow discharge
- Chunky discharge
Factors that can contribute to a disrupted pH balance include:
- Prolonged antibiotics
- Semen
- Douching
- Menstrual blood
Home remedies like wearing cotton underwear, eating probiotic-rich foods, and drinking diluted apple cider vinegar can all contribute to balancing your pH, alongside the gift from vaginal heavens known as boric acid suppositories.
What Are Boric Acid Suppositories?
Detecting a funky odor? Feeling a little itchy, like something’s not quite right? Boric acid suppositories to the rescue! These cleansing ovules are a vaginal treatment that keeps unwanted microbes at bay, used to restore and maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina. A naturally-occurring compound in seawater, boric acid is a super gentle acid with antiseptic and antifungal properties, making it effective against many types of vaginal infections.
These suppositories are typically inserted into the vagina and left to dissolve overnight. They work by acidifying the vaginal environment, creating an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria and yeast while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
The best times to use boric acid include:
- After unprotected sex
- If your odor or pH seems off
- If your discharge seems unusual
- To reset after your period
Should I Take Boric Acid or Probiotics?
Both boric acid suppositories and oral probiotics play a pivotal role in maintaining your vaginal health and preventing recurrent infections. When it comes to deciding between the two, the choice ultimately depends on you. It’s important to not only factor in your individual preference but also your medical history and the guidance of a healthcare provider.
When To Use Boric Acid Suppositories
Boric acid suppositories are often recommended for those who experience stubborn and recurring yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis that have not responded to other treatments. They can also be used as a preventive measure for women who are prone to these types of infections.
When To Use Oral Probiotics
Oral probiotics, on the other hand, are supplements containing beneficial bacteria that are taken orally to promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body, including the vaginal microbiota. They’re commonly used to support overall gut health and may indirectly benefit vaginal health by promoting a balanced microbiome throughout the body. Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotics taken orally can help prevent recurrent vaginal infections by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast.
If you’re asking yourself what is the best probiotic to prevent BV, your best bet is to aim for vagina-specific probiotics. Many probiotic strains are grouped to specifically target acne or digestion, so strains like Lactobacillus, known to aid the vagina in maintaining its acidic pH, can be especially helpful as a preventative measure.
Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories Pros:
- Effective against certain types of vaginal infections
- Restores vaginal pH balance
- Can be used as a preventive measure
Boric Acid Suppositories Cons:
- May cause irritation if used incorrectly
- Not recommended for use during pregnancy
- Cannot be used before sex (must wait 24 hours)
Oral Probiotics Pros:
- Promotes overall gut health
- Promotes overall vaginal health
- Can be used as a long-term preventive measure
Oral Probiotics Cons:
- Effectiveness may vary depending on probiotic strain and dosage
- May take time to see results
Can I Use Boric Acid and Probiotics Together?
Many wonder if there’s such thing as microbiome overkill, and while it’s a valid concern, it’s absolutely safe to use boric acid and probiotics together, especially if you’re already fighting off an imbalance. The effect of boric acid is transient unless used with a vaginal-specific probiotic; if not used together, the infection can sometimes return.
Whichever route you decide to take, whether it’s integrating boric acid suppositories, oral probiotics, or both into your routine, know that taking any step towards a life of pH balance is a means for celebration in itself—and a big time win for your vagina.
