My sister overheard colleagues at work discussing using boric acid after sex to prevent pregnancy. They talked about its ability to maim and kill sperms.
As she shared with me about it, I found the information weird since I’d never heard about it myself. What I know about boric acid, it’s an effective medicine for treating vaginal yeast. Six years ago, I struggled with a yeast infection. It recurred regularly despite medical treatment.
My gynecologist suggested boric acid suppositories, and they worked miracles! Within 3 months I was healed and have never had the infection to date.
But, is the boron compound a good contraceptive? How effective is it for birth control? After listening to my sister, I was left wondering, “Does boric acid kill sperms?”
In this article, I shall be talking about boric acid, its uses, risks and if you can use it for birth control.
Can Boric Acid Kill Sperms?
Boric acid is not a spermicide. It can’t directly kill sperm. Though research on rats found that acute exposure to boric acid or using high amounts – 1000/2000 Mgs could harm spermiation and sperm quality thus affecting fertility in men.
With the vagina normally having moderate acidity, the fluid carrying sperm (semen) is alkaline. Boric acid won’t harm sperm because semen’s alkalinity may neutralize it.
Spermicides are chemically formulated to kill sperm and hinder fertilization. There are two answers to the question, does boric acid kill sperms? First, if used on its own, Boric acid can’t kill sperms as spermicides do. On the other hand, the boron component in boric acid can be mixed with a chemical such as nonoxynol-9 and Menfegol to make spermicides. In this mixed form, yes! Borax can kill sperms. However, there are ongoing studies to determine the effectiveness of boric acid in fertility regulation.
What is Boric Acid?
Boric acid is not your usual drug for treating ailments. What is it and how does it work?
Boric acid is a water-soluble compound from seawater containing oxygen, boron and hydrogen. It’s colorless and has no smell. Also known as hydrogen borate or boracic acid, it has been in use as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment since 1873.
This natural chemical compound comes in the form of a powder or crystals. Boron is a weak acid making it an ideal antiseptic for burns, cuts and acne. It may cause infertility by damaging sperm and vaginal walls. If used by pregnant women, boric may harm the fetus and cause miscarriage.
While there’s not much research on using it as a contraceptive, some Indian old wives’ tales explain its effects on the same. Since boric acid treatment isn’t popular, talk to your doctor before starting any boric acid-related treatment.
Boric Acid Uses in Femicare
So far, there’s scanty research on boric acid. However, it’s becoming a common prescription for women’s issues including vaginal bacterium and yeast infections.
Let’s explore the uses of boric acid in Femi care
1. Treating Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
According to CDC, bacterial vaginosis is the most prevalent condition among women aged between 15 and 44 years. Caused by over activity of various bacteria, BV creates an imbalance between good (flora) and bad bacteria.
Second, from antibiotics, boric acid capsules are the alternative medication for BV.
2. Treating yeast infection
Commonly known as candidiasis, yeast infection results from an overgrowth of vaginal yeast. It’s an irritating condition characterized by painful sex and itchiness of the vagina. Also, it can be stubborn to treat. A recent study found Boric acid suppositories to be effective in managing recurrent candidiasis by inhibiting the growth of yeast cells.
3. Trichomoniasis
This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite – Trichomonas vaginallis. There are first-line antibiotics for treatment, though most women have developed drug resistance over time. While the effectiveness of borax is yet to be confirmed, your doctor may prescribe boric acid suppositories as an alternative drug for trichomoniasis.
4. Managing vaginal discharge and odors
Boric acid inserts (Suppositories) create vaginal balance to curb odors. It’s also great for regulating P.H. Always consult your gynecologist before embarking on any treatment.
Can You Get Pregnant While Using Boric Acid Suppositories?
If you’re asking, “can boric acid affect fertility?” the answer is not conclusively researched yet. While acute exposure to boron compounds has been found to lower sperm quality, suppositories aren’t an effective form of birth control because the effects are temporary. This explains why you can easily get pregnant while using boric acid suppositories.
Additionally, studies have shown that giving children under two years of age medicine containing boron could lead to infertility in adulthood.
While the Museum of Contraception and Abortion confirms boron and boron compounds as known contraceptives, the information about their ability to prevent pregnancy if used before and after intercourse is scanty. I’d advise visiting your gynecologist for advice on the most suitable contraceptive for you.
Can Sperm Survive in Boric Acid?
Sperms can survive and thrive in boric acid, but only when there’s minimal exposure. This natural compound is in the class of weak acids which treat bacterial infections without damaging human cells – including sperm cells.
A study by Science Direct found weak acids like citric and boric as effective in killing biofilm bacteria and not human cells. If you’re still thinking, does boric acid kill sperm cells? The answer is, no!
Boric acid dissolves well in water. In liquid form, it provides a wet environment for sperms to thrive instead of dying. Further, semen is alkaline, with the ability to protect sperms from any acids that could harm it while travelling to the woman’s vagina. However, the use of boric acid suppositories poses a risk to unborn babies.
Do Boric Acid Suppositories Kill Sperm?
Boric Acid Suppositories do not kill sperm.
While boron does a good job of treating vaginal infections and yeasts, Boric acid suppositories don’t kill sperms. While there is little evidence about the effect of boric acid on sperms, I’d consider the suppositories safe on sperms since it’s a modified version of boric acid.
When I heard the word ‘acid ‘, I was also concerned, does boric acid kill sperm when used as a contraceptive? The good news is that it doesn’t harm sperms.
Nowadays, you can get boric acid suppositories at your local chemist or pharmacy. However, it’s safe to consult a health professional first.
Side Effects of Using Boric Acid Suppositories
Whether your doctor prescribes boric acid for vaginal issues, yeast infections or trichomoniasis, it has side effects – like other medication.
What are some of the risks of using boric acid?
- Vaginal discomfort
- Mild to serious burning sensation after inserting the suppositories
- Thick or watery vaginal discharge
The above are normal side effects that will eventually go away. More serious effects that need a doctor’s examination include:
- Excessively high fever
- Vaginal bleeding
- Nausea
- Blood vessel disease
- Redness or swelling around the vagina area
Your doctor is best placed to prescribe the right dosage for treating adverse side effects. Go to the hospital immediately.
Can I Use Boric Acid With Other Spermicides to Kill Sperm?
From our research on the topic, it is true borax doesn’t kill sperms. Spermicides are often confused with boric acid suppositories for birth control.
Suppositories are the most common form of spermicides, but you may also use gels, creams, foams and films before or after sex to kill sperms.
Experts advise against using boric acid together with spermicides as boron may reduce effectiveness and lead to malfunctioning.
This contraceptive prevents pregnancy by barring the sperm from reaching the vagina. Plus, spermicides slow fertilization speed.
Is it Safe to Use Boric Acid With Diaphragms and Condoms to Prevent Pregnancy?
No. You should not use boric acid with diaphragms and condoms. I know it may seem like combining borax with other methods may improve protection, but it’s not true.
On the contrary, boric acid damages the protective barrier created by diaphragms /condoms. It may also interfere with proper functioning leading to an unplanned pregnancy.
Wrapping Up
There are numerous well-known methods of birth control, but sadly, the information on the use of boric acid to prevent pregnancy is little. Some women prefer using contraceptives before and after sex, as compared to long-term family planning methods.
It’s evident how boric acid suppositories treat bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis effectively, but, could it be a good contraceptive? Many people still ask, “Does boric acid kill sperm?”
Boric acid doesn’t kill sperms, it only causes some degree of infertility by reducing sperm motility. On the other hand, spermicides are chemically composed for use before intercourse, to prevent fertilization.
While you can buy Boric acid suppositories over the counter, always talk to your doctor first. Also, it shouldn’t be taken orally as it may cause adverse effects.
If you read about how Magical borax is in killing sperms on TikTok, think twice. Boric acid only interferes with spermiation temporarily. It’s not a method of birth control and therefore can’t prevent pregnancy.
Forget the myths and consult your gynecologist for advice on the best contraceptive for you.
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