Deaths from boric acid suppositories has not yet been reported when used properly. Boric acid is a chemical with mild antiseptic and antifungal properties that’s been used to treat some types of vaginal infections and has been said to help promote the proper acid balance in the vagina. Boric acid is available in different forms, even as suppositories -a medicine in the form of a small plug that you can insert into the vagina.
WHAT IS BORIC ACID POISONING?
Boric acid suppositories contain chemicals that shouldn’t be taken orally, but when someone mistakenly takes the pill orally, the person becomes boric acid poisoned and urgent medical help should be given as the person may suffer symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, dizziness, and headaches.
However, you may have heard that people can die from boric acid suppositories and now you are wondering if they are actually safe. Deaths from boric acid suppositories occurs when one mistakenly take boric acid.
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USES OF BORIC ACID SUPPOSITORIES
In researching on the topic “Deaths from boric acid suppositories” first lets understand that boric acid suppositories can be used either alone or along with other medications to treat some types of recurrent vaginal infections, such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), people should use boric acid as a secondary line of treatment, that is if other antifungal medications are unable to treat a recurring infection. Research has shown that boric acid may help treat infections caused by T. vaginalis (STI), C. albicans, and C. glabrata (yeast infections).
HOW BORIC ACID SUPPOSITORIES WORK
How boric acid suppositories work in treating vaginal infections is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that it works by interfering with the growth of the bacterial or fungal causing the infection, so doing, preventing them from forming biofilms.
Biofilms are group of microorganisms organized within a sticky matrix. When bacterial or fungal organisms form biofilms, treating the infection with certain medications becomes difficult.
DEATH FROM BORIC ACID SUPPOSITORIES
Although boric acid suppositories can be toxic when ingested orally, no death reports have been made over the proper use of boric acid suppositories as vaginal application.
When used in capsules as a vaginal suppository, boric acid is only known to cause skin irritation sometimes and other mild side effects, but nothing serious, especially not death.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF BORIC ACID SUPPOSITORIES
There are minor side effects associated with using boric acid suppositories to treat vaginal infections such as:
(1) Vaginal burning.
(2) Vaginal redness.
When using boric acid suppositories and you notice any major discomfort or it does not seem like your infection is getting better, or it worsens, contact your doctor, so other treatment options can be considered.
OTHER CONCERNS ABOUT DEATHS FROM BORIC ACID SUPPOSITORIES
Aside from the worry about likely deaths from boric acid suppositories, other issues have brought up major concerns about the use of boric acid suppositories.
One of such concerns has to do with the potential effect of boric acid on reproductive health.
Research has been done to know the effect of boric acid on reproductive health and studies have shown that when boric acid was induced orally into animals, it affected fertility in males and affected developing fetuses in females.
Well, the good news is, that these results were not the same for humans. Humans are regularly exposed to boron which is the key element in boric acid.
In the environment, studies show that even the highest level of boron in is not sufficient to reach the human blood and tissue levels, as to be potentially dangerous to the reproductive health. Another aspect of concern on the use of boric acid suppositories is the concern about having sex.
Do you want to know if you can have sex while using boric acid suppositories?
Well, this is not a good idea and it will be best if you avoid having any vaginal intercourse while using boric acid suppositories.
WARNINGS
Boric acid suppositories are marketed as homeopathic products. This means that they are yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as the safety and effectiveness of the use of boric acid suppositories are yet to be reviewed. Because of this, you need to talk to your doctor before using boric acid suppositories. While at that, be sure to let him know of your medical history or any current medical condition you may have.
This is because, under certain medical conditions, you should not use boric acid suppositories.
Such conditions as:
(1) Fever
(2) High blood pressure
(3) Pelvic inflammatory disease
(4) Blood vessel disorder
(5) Heart diseases
(6) Pelvic or lower stomach pain
Although it is not known if it can potentially harm an unborn baby, you should let your doctor know if you are pregnant or intending to be.
You should also let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, even though it is not known if vaginal boric acid can pass into your breast milk and harm your nursing baby. Also, do not use boric acid if you are not up to 12 years old.
CONCLUSION
We give explanation to why deaths from boric acid suppositories may be possible if boric acid is not handle with care. There is no report of death from using boric acid suppositories properly, however, oral use of boric acid suppository endangers your life. You should speak to your doctor before using any medication