Should you use boric acid for thrush?
Vaginal thrush, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is a common condition that affects up to 75% of women at some point in their lives. Most cases are caused by Candida albicans, but we are seeing a growing number linked to other strains like Candida glabrata, which are often more resistant to conventional antifungal treatments.
Thrush is typically diagnosed through a vaginal swab and is usually treated with antifungal creams (like Canesten) or oral fluconazole. These options can be effective short term, but for around 5 to 9% of women, thrush becomes recurrent, returning weeks or months later despite ongoing treatment. In these chronic cases, long term antifungal is typically recommended, however thrush relapses are common, and repeated use can lead to fluconazole resistance. This highlights the importance of a more holistic and sustainable approach that supports both the vaginal microbiome and immune system while addressing underlying triggers.
Factors Contributing to Recurrent Thrush
● Hormonal fluctuations - such as those during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause
● Oral contraceptive pill use - raises oestrogen and vaginal glycogen (food for Candida), alters pH, and may suppress immune defences
● Antibiotics - can reduce Lactobacillus spp. (protective bacteria apart of the vaginal flora)
● Weakened immunity - due to stress, poor sleep, chronic illness, or corticosteroid use
● High sugar or refined carbohydrate diet - which feeds Candida
● Gut dysbiosis - from poor digestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or leaky gut
● Vaginal microbiome disruption - from harsh soaps, douching, IUDs, semen, or tight synthetic clothing
● Sexual activity - introduces new microflora and may shift vaginal pH
● Frequent antifungal use - can lead to drug resistant Candida
● Alkaline vaginal pH - less supportive of natural fungal control
How Boric Acid Can Help
Boric acid is a naturally occurring antifungal compound used in vaginal suppository form to manage recurrent or treatment resistant thrush. Boric acid works by:
● Lowering vaginal pH - creating an acidic environment that discourages Candida overgrowth
● Disrupting fungal cell membranes - particularly in species that are resistant to conventional treatments
● Breaking biofilms - which are protective layers that Candida can form to adhere to surfaces and resist treatment
This makes boric acid particularly effective against both Candida albicans and non-albicans strains like Candida glabrata. After completing a boric acid protocol, it is recommended to follow up with vaginal and/or oral probiotics to help restore Lactobacillus spp. and encourage a healthy vaginal microbiome. It is important to note that boric acid is not suitable during pregnancy and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified naturopathic practitioner.
How a Naturopath Can Support You
Identifying whether thrush is truly the cause of your symptoms is essential, as other vaginal conditions like bacterial vaginosis or aerobic vaginitis can present with similar symptoms. If you're experiencing recurrent thrush, a naturopath can help you get to the root cause of the issue by exploring the broader picture of your health. A naturopath may also recommend vaginal microbiome testing (VMT) to gain deeper insight into your unique microbial balance, vaginal pH, and the specific organisms contributing to your symptoms. VMT is more comprehensive than standard vaginal swab tests typically offered by GPs, providing a more detailed picture of your vaginal ecosystem. This level of testing can be highly beneficial in guiding personalised and targeted treatment strategies.
A naturopathic practitioner can offer further support by assessing and improving your gut and hormonal health, immune function, nervous system, dietary patterns, lifestyle habits, and providing education around sexual hygiene practices. With a personalized, comprehensive, and holistic approach, we can work together to address your underlying triggers and restore vaginal microflora balance to break the never-ending cycle of thrush for lasting relief.