Hi Aunt Vadge,
I am leery of using boric acid with my bacterial vaginosis treatments because I am breastfeeding.
Probably the amount of boric acid which would be absorbed into the blood and introduced to the milk would be negligible, but I’d just prefer to avoid boric acid for now if possible.
Would vitamin C be an OK substitute to perform the acidifying effect?
Sincerely,
Postpartum Mama
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Hi Postpartum Mama,
Boric acid isn’t a great vaginal acidifier, despite the name. It is only weakly acidic, with a pH of around 5. It has a bacteriostatic and fungistatic action (works against fungi and bacteria), and is often prescribed for vaginal yeast infections and BV.
Some boric acid may be absorbed into the bloodstream1, so you’re right to be cautious. For this reason, boric acid is not advised during pregnancy2.
Vitamin C acidifies the vagina better, since it is more acidic and has added benefits of its overall antioxidant effect, so yes, it is safe to use as an alternative.
If you choose vitamin C, always use buffered vitamin C designed for vaginal use to avoid burning, and don’t use chewable vitamin C. If the vitamin C burns, rinse it out and reduce the dose.
You might also like to try a lactic acid pessary for the same effect, as there are many lactic acid pessaries available that are designed for vaginas.
- Vitamin C pH = 3
- Boric Acid pH = around 5
- Healthy Vagina = 3.8-4.5
Effectively and safely treating BV during lactation
There are a lot of supportive treatments to clear BV during nursing. When lactating, a hormone called prolactin is high, but prolactin can inhibit estrogen production.
Estrogen provides the fuel for protective lactobacilli species, so breastfeeding can be a high-risk time for vaginal infections.
We recommend two weeks of Fennelope, oral shatavari for 45 days, and the Lactulose and Probiotic Kit, with treatments every three or so days or as needed.
Keep tabs on your vaginal pH using accurate vaginal pH testing strips. If you are symptom-free and have a pH sitting between 3.5 and 4.5 on the strips, you don’t need to treat any more. If that changes, restart the lactulose and probiotic.
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References3,4
- 1.Van Slyke KK, Michel VP, Rein MF. The Boric Acid Powder Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Journal of American College Health Association. Published online December 1981:107-109. doi:10.1080/01644300.1981.10393050
- 2.Mittelstaedt R, Kretz A, Levine M, et al. Data on Safety of Intravaginal Boric Acid Use in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women: A Narrative Review. Sexual Trans Dis. Published online September 23, 2021:e241-e247. doi:10.1097/olq.0000000000001562
- 3.Prutting SM, Cerveny JD. Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories: A Brief Review. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Published online January 1998:191-194. doi:10.1155/s1064744998000386
- 4.Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME. Boric Acid for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: The Clinical Evidence. Journal of Women’s Health. Published online August 2011:1245-1255. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2708
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