Does Boric Acid Make You Taste Better?

Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound used for various medical purposes for over a century. In the context of vaginal health, it’s commonly used as a treatment for yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV). 

Available in the form of suppositories, boric acid works by restoring vaginal pH, making it a potential solution for recurring infections that don’t respond well to standard treatments.

Despite being around for ages, the scientific evidence on boric acid’s efficacy is pretty lacking. It can be helpful in some situations, but it’s rarely recommended as a first-line treatment for vaginal infections. Due to its antifungal properties, some research shows that boric acid suppositories can be effective in treating yeast infections when other antifungal treatments haven't worked, or when you're dealing with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by specific, less common strains of the Candida fungus. 

The evidence is less convincing when it comes to boric acid for bacterial vaginosis. But that’s not surprising — bacterial vaginosis is notoriously stubborn, and sometimes not even antibiotics do the trick. Research suggests that boric acid might help treat bacterial vaginosis when combined with antibiotics, but it’s not a cure-all.

Even though you don't need a prescription to buy boric acid suppositories, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor first. Boric acid prescribed by a doctor (like the boric acid you can get through clinical care with Evvy) tends to be purer and less likely to cause adverse reactions than boric acid purchased over the counter or online.

Vaginally inserted boric acid suppositories are generally considered safe, but, as with any medical treatment, they may cause mild side effects. Common side effects of boric acid suppositories include:

• Vaginal skin irritation
• Vaginal itching
• A burning sensation in the vagina
• A gritty sensation in the vagina
• Watery discharge.

Does boric acid make you taste better?

The idea that boric acid can alter or “improve” the taste of the vagina is a misconception. Boric acid isn’t designed to change the taste of your vagina. Its main function is to treat infections by balancing the vaginal environment, which may indirectly affect the way you smell — and by association, taste. 

A variety of factors, including diet, hormonal changes, overall health, and your unique vaginal microbiome influence the way your vagina tastes. Not to mention that the way you taste or smell can change from day to day

A healthy vagina naturally has a mild, slightly tangy taste due to its acidic pH. This natural balance is essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall vaginal health, but everyone is different. Just like no two vulvas look the same, no two vulvas or vaginas will smell or taste the same, either.

It’s also worth pointing out that boric acid and oral sex don’t mix. Boric acid is generally safe to use vaginally (as long as you’re doing so under the guidance of a healthcare provider), but it’s highly toxic when ingested. You should wait a few days after using a boric acid suppository before receiving oral sex. And, of course, it’s always best to use a barrier method like a dental dam to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or bacterial vaginosis. 

Does the way you taste even matter?

Spoiler alert: no, it doesn’t. People with vaginas have been conditioned to feel self-conscious of the way their genitals look, smell, and taste. But the bottom line is that vulvas and vaginas are body parts, so it’s perfectly OK for them to smell and taste as such. And anyone who says otherwise (especially sexual partners), probably doesn’t deserve to be that close to your vagina, anyways.

While it’s natural to want to feel confident about every aspect of your body, including your vaginal taste, it’s crucial to prioritize health over aesthetic concerns. A strong or foul vaginal odor can be one of many infection symptoms, but even the healthiest of vaginas isn't completely odorless (or tasteless). There's no reason to change the way your vagina naturally smells or tastes unless you have an infection.

The vagina is self-cleaning and designed to maintain its balance without the need for external interventions to alter its taste or smell. It's one of those organs that thrives when it's left alone and can be negatively affected by unnecessary or ineffective treatments.

Overusing products, douching, or inserting substances like boric acid without medical necessity can do more harm than good. There are plenty of OBGYN-approved products that can elevate your sex life, but using boric acid suppositories in the hopes of making your vagina taste more palatable shouldn’t be one of them! 

If you’re concerned about your vaginal health, including issues related to odor or taste, the best course of action is to consult a healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying issues and provide appropriate treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms like unusual discharge, itching, or a strange odor, an Evvy Vaginal Health Test can also help you get to the bottom of it. 

The TLDR

Boric acid suppositories can be a helpful remedy for certain vaginal health issues in a few specific contexts, but they won’t make your vagina “taste” better. This claim is a myth with no scientific backing. The most important thing you can do for your vaginal health is to maintain good hygiene, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and seek medical advice when necessary.

Remember, your vagina’s natural taste and smell are normal, and trying to change them isn’t necessary. Embrace your body as it is, and focus on keeping it healthy rather than trying to conform to unrealistic or unfounded beauty standards. 

FAQ

Does boric acid help with wetness?

No, there’s no evidence that boric acid suppositories help with vaginal lubrication. While boric acid suppositories can sometimes cause an increase in vaginal discharge, it's important to remember that their purpose isn't to increase vaginal moisture. The extra discharge is simply a sign that the suppositories are working to fight an infection. Vaginal lubrication is mainly composed of arousal fluid, a clear liquid produced by glands near the vaginal opening in response to sexual stimulation. Some people get “wet” very easily, while others produce less arousal fluid. Dryness during sex can happen for a variety of reasons, including not enough foreplay, hormonal changes, or arousal disorders. If you’re struggling to get “wet” during sex, remember that lube is your friend! Everyone — and we mean everyone — can benefit from using lube, especially during penetrative sex. But if you’re concerned about vaginal dryness, the best thing to do is reach out to your healthcare provider or a sexual health specialist. 

How to make your vagina taste good?

The best way to make your vagina “taste” good is to look after your vaginal health. Practice safe sex, don’t douche, get annual STI tests, and look after your vaginal microbiome. Vaginas aren’t designed to smell and taste like a candy shop, and a healthy vagina might taste tangy, earthy, or even slightly metallic.