Table of Contents
Overview
Boric acid for UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is being used traditionally when the infection is bacterial and fungal.
Boric acid (H3BO3) is a classic antibiotic. It’s being used for years to preserve urine for different examinations. Boric acid is toxic to many dangerous pathogens in urine.
Boric acid has both bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal activity against multiple pathogens in urine.
Multiple studies support the role of boric acid against urinary pathogens.
What is Boric Acid?
Boric acid is chemically called orthoboric acid. It’s a compound that is made of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen.
Boric acid is a weekly acidic hydrate of boric oxide. It’s an antiseptic, and antifungal and it has also mild antiviral activity. The mechanism of boric acid is still unknown.
Clinicians are using it traditionally as an antifungal agent. Boric acid is FDA approved present that is used for multiple infections but more specifically in urine infections.
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What is UTI?
Uta is a common infection that occurs in the urinary tract, so it’s the short form of urinary tract infection. It occurs mostly when injurious agents spread from the skin of the rectum or urethra enter into the urinary tract and cause infections.
Urinary bladder infections and kidney infections are also a type of UTIs.
UTI occurs mostly in females because their urethral length is shorter than in males and the anal opening is closer.
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Symptoms of UTI
There are some common symptoms of UTI that may include;
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urination
- Incomplete emptying
- Blood with urine
- Pain in the loin or lower abdomen
If the infection is longstanding then some other symptoms can be added such as;
- Fever
- Chills
- Lower back pain along with the side
- Often nausea and vomiting
Risk Factors of UTI
Urinary tract infection frequently occurs in females more than males. Because they have shorter urethra and which is in close proximity to the anal opening.
The other risk factors of UTI may include;
- Multiple sexual partners
- Sexual partner with STDs
- Any previous history of UTI
- Vaginal infections
- Pregnancy
- Old age
- Structural abnormality of the urinary tract
- Poor hygiene
- Poor lifestyle
There are some other risk factors for urinary tract infections such as;
- Not drinking enough water
- Drinking carbonated beverages frequently
- Drinking contaminated water etc
Boric Acid For UTI
UTI is treated by antibiotics. Often the culprit organism is determined by culture and sensitivity tests and the pathogen-specific antibiotic agent is used.
Boric acid is classically used for UTIs. Nowadays there are several higher-generation antibiotics are available that’s why boric acid is rarely used or almost has no use.
Boric acid has both bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic activity which means it can kill bacteria as well as it can stop the growth and multiplication of bacteria.
Boric acid is now used to preserve urine from bacterial contamination as a sample.
Other Uses of Boric Acid
Boric acid suppositories are often used to treat vaginal infections. It can be taken in a home without any medical assistance.
However, nowadays many oral antibiotics are available that works very well on vaginal infections. That’s why Boric acid is also rarely used for vaginal infections nowadays.
Boric Acid Side Effects
There are some common side effects of boric acid may include;
- Burning sensation in the Suppository insertion site
- Water discharge from the vagina
- Redness in the vaginal area
Boric acid should be avoided under the following conditions;
- Vaginal bleeding
- High fever
- Any sexually transmitted disease
- Any heart condition
- Blood vessel disorders
When to Seek a Doctor?
If you experience any of the symptoms of urinary tract infections you should consult a doctor. Urinary tract infections can worsen over time. So you should get treated as soon as possible.
When the UTI is severe enough and cannot be treated with medicines it may require surgical intervention.
Prevention of UTI
By following some of the prevention methods you may prevent the occurrence of UTI in most cases.
- Drink enough water
- Take showers instead of the bath
- Urinate before and after any sexual activity
- Keep your private parts clean
- Don’t use external sprays, powders, or cosmetic substances on your genitalia
- Wipe both front and back after completing the toilet
Takeaway
Boric acid is a traditional antibiotic that is used for UTIs. Nowadays there are many alternatives available that work better. That’s why boric acid is rarely used now.
Still boric acid is used in vaginal infections and can be taken in a Suppository form. There are some side effects of boric acid that should be monitored by the patient.
Also, there are some conditions when the Boric acid should not be used. However boric acid is now mostly used in preserving the urine sample in the laboratory.
Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by Learn From Doctor Team
