Using the Bathroom While Treating Yeast Infections with Boric Acid
Vaginal yeast infections can cause intense itching, burning, and discomfort. Boric acid suppositories are a popular home remedy used to treat yeast infections. But can you pee while using boric acid suppositories? Understanding how to properly use boric acid while going to the bathroom can help ensure treatment success.
What are Boric Acid Suppositories?
Boric acid suppositories are small capsules filled with boric acid that you insert vaginally. Boric acid has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can kill the Candida fungi responsible for vaginal yeast infections. The boric acid dissolves and gets absorbed into the vaginal tissues, lowering vaginal pH and preventing yeast overgrowth.
How to Use Boric Acid Suppositories
The typical dosage is one 600mg boric acid suppository, inserted vaginally before bedtime, for 7-14 days. The capsules should be placed deeply into the vagina next to the cervix. Wearing a menstrual pad can catch any discharge. Avoid taking boric acid orally, as ingestion can be toxic.
Can You Pee with Boric Acid Inside You?
Yes, you can pee while using boric acid vaginal suppositories. The boric acid mainly gets absorbed by the vaginal tissue rather than sitting in the urine passageway. So when you pee, most of the boric acid will remain in place within the vaginal canal instead of being washed out.
Using Proper Bathroom Habits with Boric Acid
There are some bathroom habits that can optimize boric acid effectiveness and prevent potential issues.
Consider Timing of Boric Acid Insertion
It’s best to insert boric acid capsules right before bed to maximize the hours of direct contact. If you insert boric acid and then immediately pee, you may lose more of the medication. Try waiting at least 30-60 minutes after inserting a suppository before peeing to improve absorption.
Wait to Take Evening Baths or Showers
Bathing or showering too soon after using boric acid could also accidentally wash some out. Hold off on bathing until the morning after inserting the suppository at night. This allows the full dose of boric acid to properly absorb overnight.
Wipe Front to Back After Peeing
Wiping from front to back after urinating can help prevent accidentally spreading yeast or boric acid residue from the vulva towards the anus. Proper hygiene can aid recovery and prevent reinfection or irritation.
Avoid Douching
Douching can disrupt the vaginal environment and wash away both good and bad microbes—including the boric acid. Don't douche while treating a yeast infection with boric acid.
Change Pads and Underwear Regularly
Yeast infections can lead to increased vaginal discharge. Changing pads and underwear regularly helps keep the area dry and hygienic. Wet environments promote yeast growth.
Practice Good Vulvar Care
Gently wash the vulva with warm water only. Soap and shower gels can be irritating. Make sure to fully dry the area after bathing. Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothes can also help reduce irritation and infection risk.
Is Discharge Normal When Using Boric Acid?
Increased vaginal discharge is common when using boric acid suppositories. The boric acid stimulates cervical mucus production and discharge of dead candida cells and debris.
Characteristics of Normal Discharge
Normal discharge caused by boric acid may appear:
- White, watery, or mucoid
- Mild smelling or odorless
- Mild to moderate amount
This discharge is a sign the boric acid is working to balance vaginal flora. The discharge should decrease over the course of treatment as the infection clears.
When to Seek Help for Discharge
See your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Change in discharge color to grey or yellow
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Discharge becomes thicker and curd-like
- No improvement in symptoms after 7 days
This could indicate treatment failure or an underlying condition. Your doctor can run tests to determine if a repeat infection or other issue needs additional treatment.
Precautions When Using Boric Acid and Peeing
When used properly, boric acid is generally safe. But take these precautions when going to the bathroom with boric acid inserted:
Avoid Boric Acid Orally
Do not swallow boric acid capsules. Seek emergency care if boric acid is accidentally ingested. Oral consumption can be toxic.
Watch for Irritation
Boric acid can cause mild irritation like redness and swelling in some cases. Discontinue use if irritation is severe. Seek medical help for hives, blisters, or trouble peeing.
Don’t Exceed Recommended Dosage
Using more than the standard 600mg dosage may increase side effect risks without added benefit. Follow dosage guidelines and duration of treatment as directed.
Avoid Use in Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Check with your obstetrician before using boric acid while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Don’t Use with Diaphragms or Condoms
The acidity can degrade latex. Use alternate contraception methods until treatment is completed.
Seeking Medical Help for Recurring Yeast Infections
Boric acid can be effective for acute yeast infections. However, recurrent infections may require further evaluation and specialized treatment.
Causes of Recurrent Yeast Infections
Frequent yeast infections could be from:
- Hormonal changes
- Impaired immune function
- Antibiotics
- Birth control pills
- Pregnancy
- Medical conditions like diabetes
- Other genital infections
Partner Treatment
If you have recurrent yeast infections, your male partner may also need evaluation and antifungal treatment. Yeast can be passed back and forth during intercourse.
Prescription Medications
For difficult yeast cases, long courses of prescription oral antifungals may be needed. Fluconazole, itraconazole, or ketoconazole are commonly prescribed for stubborn yeast.
Long-term Suppressive Therapy
Your doctor may recommend a long-term yeast suppression regimen. This could involve weekly boric acid or fluconazole to prevent overgrowth of yeast.
Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if over-the-counter treatments are ineffective. Getting to the root cause of chronic yeast infections is key to stopping the cycle once and for all.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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