I’ve also been under the impression that an OTC cream like Monistat or a prescription antifungal like fluconazole is the only acceptable treatment for yeast infections. But recently, I was listening to a podcast on which several women were talking about successfully using boric acid—yes, that white powder that’s often used as a pest killer and home cleaner—to not only treat yeast infections when other methods had failed but to do so quickly and gently. My initial reaction: Whaaat?! “Boric acid suppositories are fantastic; they have both antiviral and antifungal activity, especially for nontraditional yeast, the Candida glabrata species,” says Wendie Trubow, M.D., a functional medicine gynecologist and mbg Collective member. “They’re gentle, nontoxic, and, except for experiencing discharge after insertion, have almost no side effects.” In case you’re wondering, a boric acid suppository is a capsule containing boric acid powder (typically 600 mg, the amount used in studies) that is inserted into the vagina, where it then works its magic. And it works pretty quickly. “We typically prescribe 10 days of treatment (one suppository per day), but it can begin working in as little as 36 hours,” says Dr. Trubow. There’s research to back up boric acid’s itch-easing properties, too. In one research review2 of 14 studies examining boric acid’s effect on yeast infections, cure rates spanned between 40 and 100 percent, and it was even effective for women with treatment-resistant yeast infections. And some research3 suggests boric acid suppositories may be a beneficial treatment for bacterial vaginosis as well. While a yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria that flourish when the vagina’s pH becomes elevated. Boric acid can help bring the vagina’s pH back down to a normal level. While you should always talk to your doctor before starting boric acid suppositories, they are often a great option, especially for women with recurrent yeast infections. And the trend is catching on. In fact, Lo Bosworth’s personal care company Love Wellness sells a boric acid suppository called The Killer, which is now a best-seller. There are simple long-term strategies to avoid yeast infections, too, such as removing sugar and processed carbs, managing stress (which can disrupt digestion, allowing yeast to multiply), getting enough sleep, and removing irritating foods. And, “individuals with recurrent yeast infections should be checked for gluten sensitivity and increased heavy metals,” advises Dr. Trubow.
