Bv suppositories are small, clear gelatin capsules that are inserted intravaginally, typically with plastic applicators. They are used to treat bacterial vaginitis and other yeast infections.

Bacterial vaginosis can lead to sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. It also can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility, so it’s important to get it treated.

Boric acid suppositories can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis and other yeast infections safely without a prescription from your doctor. They’re available over-the-counter in 600-milligram doses and should be inserted once a day or twice a week, according to Dr. Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, author of The Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guidebook.

BV Suppositories: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment and Prevention

Yeast infections can be difficult to treat with antibiotics, so some women find that adding boric acid helps prevent them from developing recurrent yeast infections. It may help restore your body’s natural pH and eliminate bacterial mucus that antibiotics have trouble breaking down.

A 2011 review of 14 studies found that using boric acid in combination with standard treatment helped cure vulvovaginal candidiasis in 40 to 100 percent of patients. However, researchers noted that the quality of evidence for the use of boric acid to treat BV is moderate.

If you have recurrent yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe to use boric acid suppositories to treat your symptoms. Your doctor can run tests to determine what type of infection you have and prescribe the right treatment.