Managing Vaginal Discharge and Odor with Boric Acid

One of the ways the vagina stays healthy is by discharging bacteria and tissue cells that come from your uterus and cervix as well as from the vagina itself. Normal discharge is typically clear or off-white, and changes in hormones – such as throughout your menstrual cycle – can change discharge texture and consistency. 

Your vaginal discharge may have a mild odor to it, too, but that odor should not be strong or fishy smelling. Changes in odor like these can mean the pH balance in your vagina is off or can mean you have an infection or need some extra care down there. 

Why People Use Boric Acid Suppositories to Manage Discharge & Odor

There are many everyday things that can change your vagina’s odor, such as having sex, eating certain foods (like garlic, asparagus, curry), taking certain medications or staying in sweaty clothes after your workouts. Plus, as mentioned, vaginal odor can vary due to changes in hormones during your menstrual cycle. 

Some women turn to Boric Acid vaginal suppositories to help promote vaginal odor control because they:

• help neutralize odors instead of masking them
• are easy to use and non-irritating for most people

While Maintain™ From the Makers of Monistat Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories consist only of 600 mg of boric acid and the vegetable-based capsule around it, other boric acid suppositories may have added ingredients. Some added ingredients can be a potential cause of irritation, so it’s best to read labels before you buy.

Discharge when using boric acid suppositories

When using a boric acid suppository, do not be surprised if you notice new watery or white discharge. Some of that discharge may simply be part of the suppository’s contents that were not absorbed by your body. This is perfectly normal and is temporary, typically subsiding once you stop using the suppositories. 

Boric acid can also draw water from the vaginal walls or stimulate vaginal glands. Both actions can result in a greater amount of clear, watery discharge than you are used to. This is also normal. 

An increase in watery discharge can also be the result of a sensitivity to boric acid. How will you know? Look for redness, a rash or other irritation around the opening of your vagina, and discontinue use if these symptoms are present.

Note, there should not be a new strong or foul-smelling odor with discharge related to vaginal boric acid suppository use. If this happens or you have any other abnormal symptoms, stop using the suppositories and talk to your doctor because you may need a different type of care.

Using Boric Acid for Everyday Care

For everyday cleanliness, you can opt for cleansing washes and wipes with boric acid. These products typically contain a much smaller amount of boric acid that is safe to use every day or over longer periods of time

You still want to be cautious of any additional irritating ingredients and look for washes or wipes that have no alcohol, fragrance, dyes, or preservatives, such as Maintain^TM from the Makers of Monistat Boric Acid Feminine Cleanser and Feminine Cleansing Wipes. These wipes and washes are gynecologist tested and contain a unique, pH-balanced boric acid complex that helps gently cleanse away odor and discharge. 

When to Call Your Doctor About Vaginal Discharge and Odor

For optimal vaginal care and wellness, it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not for you, personally. Talk to your gynecologist about discharge and odor you notice, so that you can understand how to best take care of your vaginal health and what symptoms indicate something is wrong.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor:

• Vaginal pain
• Burning sensation during sex or when peeing
• Strong foul or fishy odor
• Redness, irritation or itchiness around your vagina and vulva
• Changes in texture of discharge, like it’s suddenly lumpy or foamy
• Changes in color of discharge, such as greenish, gray, dark yellow, brown or red