The Boric Acid Powder Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Abstract

This double blind comparison of fourteen daily intravaginal gelatin capsules containing 600 mg of boric acid powder versus identical capsules containing 100,000 units of nystatin diluted to volume with cornstarch found vulvovaginal candidiasis albicans cure rates for boric acid to be 92% seven to ten days after treatment and 72% at thirty days, whereas the nystatin cure rates were 64% at seven to ten days and 53% at thirty days. Speed of alleviation of signs and sumptoms was similar with both drugs. There were no untoward side effects, and cervical cytology was not affected. In vitro studies found boric acid to be fungistatic and its effectiveness to be unrelated to pH. Blood boron analyses indicated little absorption from the vagina and a half life of less than 12 hours. A 30% follow-up of 2,030 nonstudy patients revealed wet mount and symptom cure rates of 93% within two weeks and 88% within four weeks. Patient acceptance was better than with “messy” vaginal creams, and self-made boric acid powder capsules are inexpensive, 31¢ for fourteen, compared with costly, commonly prescribed medication.