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Article: How To Use Boric Acid Suppositories & How Often

Feminine Health

How To Use Boric Acid Suppositories & How Often

Updated July 31, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Boric acid suppositories are a safe and effective way to support vaginal odor control.
  • You can use them regularly, including during your period or with an IUD.
  • They’re easy to insert and work best when fully dissolved before sex or activity.

Vaginal odor is one of the most common concerns women bring to their healthcare providers. For many, it’s an ongoing issue, even after trying prescriptions, over-the-counter creams, or home remedies that often mask odor rather than address it. While certain symptoms may point to infection and require medical care, not all odor signals something serious. Sometimes, it simply affects your comfort or confidence.

At pH-D, we believe women should feel empowered to make the choices that work best for their own care. That’s why we created the first boric acid vaginal suppositories available to women back in 2014. We’re here to support your wellness with safe, effective solutions and to help make vaginal odor a conversation, not a source of shame.

What Are Boric Acid Suppositories?

Boric acid is a natural compound found in seawater that has been used by healthcare professionals for hundreds of years as a holistic solution for vaginal odor. In its purest form, boric acid is a white powder that is both colorless and odorless. This common and safe ingredient is used in a variety of cosmetic and feminine care products to help control vaginal odor.

Using Boric Acid Suppositories: The Basics

Your first time using a boric acid suppository can be a bit daunting, and you likely have a few questions. But by the time you’ve successfully used them once, you’ll be plenty comfortable. 

Here are some basics on how to use the suppositories, how often to use them, and the kinds of activities you should and shouldn’t do while using them:

  • How long does it take for a suppository to dissolve? The suppository should be inserted into the vagina and will dissolve inside the vagina within 4-12 hours.
  • We recommend inserting one suppository at night. For extreme odor you can insert one boric acid capsule every 12 hours. We recommend wearing a panty liner, especially when using during the day as there may be watery leakage.
  • Use the suppositories until you are odor-free. If you are prone to vaginal odor, we recommend using 2-4 suppositories per week to assist with odor control. It is safe to use pH-D Boric Acid Suppositories on a regular basis.
  • Each pH-D Boric Acid Suppository contains 600 mg of boric acid, which is the amount recommended by doctors.
  • Some women may experience mild burning or irritation. This may occur if the suppository was not inserted far enough into the vagina or if you have any irritated or open skin within the vagina.
  • A small percentage of women experience spotting when using boric acid suppositories. It is safe to continue use if you are comfortable doing so. However, if it worsens or you begin to experience burning or irritation, we recommend you discontinue use.
  • You can have sexual intercourse (including oral sex) after using boric acid suppositories. However, it is important to make sure the suppository has completely dissolved before doing so to avoid mild skin irritation. It can take anywhere from 4-12 hours to dissolve, but each woman is individual, and times may be longer or shorter.

You can insert Boric Acid Suppositories with or without an applicator, whichever feels more comfortable for you. Below are some step-by-step instructions on how to use either method.

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How To Insert Boric Acid Suppositories Without an Applicator

  • Wash your hands thoroughly to ensure they are clean.
  • Take one vaginal suppository and insert it into the vagina like you would a tampon.
  • You can insert the suppository standing up with your feet spread apart or by lying on your back with your knees bent. Using your fingers, insert the suppository into the vagina and push it up until you can’t feel it anymore.

Why Should I Use Boric Acid Suppositories?

Vaginal odor can be a concern to some, but it is actually common among women of all ages. Vaginal odor can be caused by:

Many women will try to mask or get rid of vaginal odor by using heavily fragranced soaps over the vulva or even spraying perfume on their underwear, which could cause an allergic reaction or other symptoms of infection. 

Some women are embarrassed to discuss their concerns with their gynecologist or may not have access to healthcare. Boric acid vaginal suppositories are an effective, affordable, and holistic solution for vaginal odor. 

They are easy to insert and an accessible over the counter solution to assist in controlling odor, especially for vaginal dryness. pH-D Feminine Health offers several products to support vaginal health and wellness, from feminine washes to boric acid suppositories, probiotics for women, body sprays, wipes, vulva balm, vaginal moisturizer and on-the-go products.

Boric acid vaginal suppository

Other Ways To Support Vaginal Health (Beyond Boric Acid)

We’ve talked all about boric acid suppositories and how they can help when something feels off. But vaginal wellness isn’t just about reacting when things go sideways. It’s also about building habits that support your body every day, so your microbiome has what it needs to stay balanced, protected, and doing its thing without disruption.

Here are a few science-backed ways to help your vagina stay happy on the regular:

Stay Consistent With Probiotics

Probiotics aren’t just for gut health. They’re key players in vaginal health, too. Research shows that certain strains, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri can help support a healthy vaginal flora by keeping bad bacteria in check. 

Daily probiotics designed for women (like our pH-D Women’s Daily Probiotic) can make a real difference, especially if you’re prone to recurring odor or irritation.

Support Your Body After Sex

Sex can temporarily alter your vaginal pH, especially if there’s semen, saliva, or certain lubes involved. That’s totally normal, but giving your body a little care afterward can help things rebalance faster. 

Think about peeing after sex, rinsing with warm water (no soap needed), and giving your vagina a break before inserting anything else. If you know post-sex odor is common for you, having boric acid suppositories on hand can also help you feel more in control.

Hydration Actually Matters

Drinking water might not seem like a vaginal wellness tip, but staying hydrated helps your mucous membranes (including in your vagina) function properly. If you’re regularly dehydrated, you might notice more dryness or irritation. Aim for water throughout the day, especially during travel, intense workouts, or when it’s hot outside.

Be Mindful of Products That Touch Your Vulva

We already covered why fragrance-heavy soaps and detergents can be an issue, but the same goes for things like bath bombs, scented pads, or wipes made with harsh ingredients. If a product isn’t designed for vulvar use, it probably doesn’t belong there. 

Our Boric Acid Foam Wash is made to be ultra-gentle, pH-balanced, and soothing for everyday use (and yes, it smells lovely without throwing anything off).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to lie down after inserting a suppository, or can I go about my day?

You don’t have to lie down, but many people find it more comfortable to insert a suppository at bedtime to avoid leakage. If you’re using it during the day, just wear a liner and try to stay upright for at least 30 minutes to let it settle.

Will boric acid suppositories mess with my vaginal pH if I don’t actually need them?

Not likely. Boric acid is acidic, which helps restore balance when things are off, but if your pH is already in a healthy range, your body typically won’t overreact. That said, you don’t need to use them daily unless you’re managing recurring odor.

Can I store the suppositories in my bathroom, or do they need to be refrigerated?

No fridge necessary. You can safely store pH-D Boric Acid Suppositories at room temperature in a cool, dry spot — just keep the bottle tightly closed and away from direct moisture or heat (like a steamy shower). 

When You Know What Works, You Stick With It

At pH-D Feminine Health, we’ve spent over a decade making sure vaginal wellness is simple, safe, and stigma-free. From being the first to bring boric acid suppositories to market, to creating a full line of OB-GYN-recommended products that actually support your body (without harsh fragrances or ingredients you can’t pronounce), we’re here to help you feel confident every day, not just when something’s wrong.

Not sure where to start or how often to use what? We’ve got you. Take our quiz for personalized product recommendations, and explore the full pH-D lineup, from boric acid suppositories to probiotics, washes, moisturizers, and on-the-go wipes.

Sources:

Are Probiotics Good for Vaginal Health? | Cleveland Clinic

SMSNA - Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance? | SMSNA

The Importance of Staying Hydrated: General Hydration and Virus Recovery | Canadian Digestive Health Foundation

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