Does Boric Acid Make You Tighter?
What Kegel Balls are: How in 4 Steps and Their Benefits
Kegel balls are small, weighted devices that can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, reduce urinary incontinence, and even enhance sexual satisfaction.
Boric acid is a chemical compound that has been widely used over the decades thanks to its versatility and different applications in various fields, from industrial to domestic to medical. In the medical field, it is used as an antiseptic and astringent.
However, in recent years there has been talk of another alleged use of boric acid, as some claim that it also can tighten the vagina. If this is a topic that interests you and you’re wondering, does boric acid make you tighter or help strengthen the muscles of the vagina, we invite you to continue reading this article. In addition, we will also detail the indications and benefits of this compound.
What is boric acid?
Boric acid is a chemical product consisting of boron, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. As mentioned above, it is used in the medical field as an antifungal and antiseptic. In the specialty of gynecology, it is used to treat vaginal infections caused by some fungi and bacteria, among which we can mention candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection) and bacterial vaginosis, especially when they occur recurrently.
Although it is usually found in the form of white powder or as colorless crystals, when used for the treatment of vaginal infections it is available in the form of suppositories that are inserted intravaginal.
Benefits of boric acid and indications for use
As mentioned above it is used in the treatment of some vaginal infections, this is because it helps to lower the vaginal pH recovering the normal acidity of the area, and in turn balance the vaginal flora.
It should be taken into account that when the pH of the vagina undergoes changes and vaginal acidity is lost, the probability of suffering infections in the area increases since it is exposed to the action of other pathogenic microorganisms, so the idea is that the pH is between 4 and 5 (although it should be taken into account that when a woman stops having ovarian activity and reaches menopause, it is expected that the pH level increases).
Boric acid also helps to alleviate the symptoms that often accompany vaginal infections, such as itching and burning. It also helps to reduce the odor that accompanies these pathologies.
It can also be used to treat infections caused by pathogens resistant to azole antifungals such as miconazole. This resistance to conventionally used antifungals is increasing, making boric acid an ideal treatment option when initial drugs fail.
Now that we have explained its indications and different therapeutic actions, let’s move on to another important point related to vaginal health. Let’s answer the question you want to know so much: Does boric acid make you tighter?
Does boric acid make you tighter? True or false?
The truth is, due to the lack of studies specifically focused on evaluating the ability of boric acid to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, there is no way to say that this is true. So, in the absence of scientific evidence to back it up, the answer is no, boric acid does not make the vagina tighter or strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Keep in mind that several factors can influence the tightening of vaginal muscles, such as aging, medical conditions, pregnancy and childbirth. For example, during pregnancy the weight of the baby is supported by the pelvic floor muscles, so expect that after childbirth these muscles will be looser and elongated, and since these muscles also support the vagina, the vagina will also lose tightness.
If your goal is to get a tighter vagina and increase muscle tone instead of using boric acid -which as we have mentioned is not indicated in these cases-, you can opt for alternatives such as:
Kegel exercises: by voluntarily contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles you will get to strengthen them little by little.
Kegel balls or weights: They produce a vibration that in turn generates the involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, which allows you to increase muscle tone.
Kegel pelvic floor stimulators: These tools, like Elitone, help do the Kegel exercises for you, and are likely stronger than you could on your own.
FAQs
How can I use boric acid to treat vaginal infections?
First of all, keep in mind that it is your treating physician who will indicate the correct dosage and the days of use according to the condition you have and its complexity. Therefore, it is essential that you follow their indications to the letter and that you do not use it more times than indicated.
-Boric acid should only be used in the vagina, that is to say, it should be introduced deeply into the vaginal orifice. Its oral use is contraindicated since it can be toxic.
-Its use is recommended just before going to bed.
-Before and after inserting it, you should wash your hands thoroughly.
-Avoid sexual intercourse while you are under treatment. You should not have sexual intercourse when you are under any treatment (either with boric acid or with any drug) to treat a vaginal infection.
-Keep in mind that if boric acid is used for longer than indicated, it can increase the risk of suffering other vaginal infections, remember that it can alter the pH and vaginal flora.
-Do not use boric acid suppositories if you have any open wound, sore, or ulceration in the vaginal area, as it may cause more irritation.
-It is important to mention that its use is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Can I use boric acid during pregnancy?
No, since there have not been enough scientific studies to support its safety during pregnancy, so it is not known with certainty whether or not it can affect the fetus. You should also consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as it is not known whether this compound can pass into breast milk.
How should I store boric acid suppositories?
It is important to store the suppositories correctly, as this guarantees their proper functioning. Ideally, they should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light and humidity.
It is also essential to keep them out of the reach of children, as accidental ingestion in large quantities can cause health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and, in more serious cases, systemic toxicity.
Are there any side effects?
Although they vary from person to person and may not occur, some women have experienced:
-A slight burning sensation in the vagina.
-Watery discharge.
-Redness of the vaginal area.
Therefore, as mentioned above, it is essential not to exceed the indicated dosage and days of use, as these effects can also be caused by incorrect use and when applied without a doctor’s supervision.
To conclude we can state that, although boric acid has been used for many years to treat some bacterial and fungal vaginal infections effectively (since the mid 70’s approximately), the truth is that its effectiveness in tightening and strengthening the muscles surrounding the vagina is not proven and, therefore, it will not make it tighter, so it should not be used for this purpose.
Remember, if you intend to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor you can opt for other effective options, although, like everything else, they also have their pros and cons.
In the case of Kegel exercises, they can be a little difficult to perform at first, so they require practice to get them right. Although it is a simple contraction, the truth is that you have to know exactly which muscles to contract, and some people contract muscles other than those of the pelvic floor, such as the abdominals or buttocks. Most people do not do them sufficiently for it to have the needed effect of tightening the vagina.
On the other hand, Kegel balls, weights, and cones require the person to be in constant movement so that they can exert their action, or need concentration. Also, their insertion into the vagina often leads to infections!
Fortunately, there is also Elitone, an FDA-cleared device that effectively does the Kegel exercises for you without taking your time, which strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. It tones the pelvic muscles in a stronger way than you could, resulting in a tighter vagina and pelvic floor.
The use of Elitone is convenient and practical because unlike Kegel balls it is worn externally, and you can use it while you go about your daily routine, whether you are on the move or at rest. Its mechanism of action is given by small and discreet GelPads that are placed on the skin and provide stimulation and relaxation to the vaginal and pelvic floor muscles.
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