Does Boric Acid Kill Sperm? Here’s What Experts Say

Introduction

Boric acid is a complex compound. It is used for different reasons, from medical to beauty ones¹. It is believed that boric acid can kill sperm. In this article, we will go deep into the facts and myths tied to its use and how it connects to the sperm. We are going to break down what boric acid is made of, where we use it, and how it can affect both men and women. We are going to explore how it could affect fertility, pregnancy, and overall sex health. In the end, we aim to answer common questions to leave no stone unturned.  

What is Boric Acid?

Boric acid is quite a unique substance, with lots of uses and risks¹. In this section, we will uncover its composition and highlight the safety and potential dangers related to boric acid.  

The chemical composition of boric acid

Hydrogen borate or orthoboric acid are the other names for boric acid, a weak type of Lewis acid with chemical formula H3BO3¹. It is made of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms from boron oxide or B2O3. It is a white powder or clear crystals that have mild acidic properties when mixed with water. 

Safety and risks related to boric acid

While it is common in daily products like cleaners and cosmetics, boric acid can be harmful in large amounts. It may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and skin problems^1,2. It is key to follow all product guidelines when using anything with boric acid. Also, keep these products far from children and pets to avoid any accidental swallowing¹. 

General Uses of Boric Acid

In this part, we will go over the many uses of boric acid, including how it is used for several purposes at home, as well as industrial and medicinal uses.  

• Household cleaner: Owing to its germ-killing properties, boric acid is useful in cleaning homes¹. 
• Insecticide: Boric acid helps control ants, cockroaches, or other pests¹. 
• Cosmetics: To extend the life of cosmetics and personal care items, boric acid is used.   
• Medical uses: As an antiseptic, boric acid treats minor cuts and burns^1,2.   
• Industrial uses: It is used as a flame slow downer, flux in making metals, and to protect wood and other items^1,2.

Studies⁸ have found that excessive amounts of boric acid may have adverse effects on male fertility by negatively affecting sperm production. To my knowledge, the best way to ensure precise management is to consult a doctor. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Boric Acid and Its Effect on Male Sexual Health

Time to take an in-depth look at how boric acid is connected to male sexual health. We will explore its effect on the male reproductive system and how sperm might be affected.  

• Impact on the male reproductive system: Some findings hint that large amounts of boric acid can harm the male reproductive system, resulting in less active and viable sperm¹. However, low exposure is generally safe and does not significantly harm sperm or fertility. The harmful effects relate to eating boric acid, not topical use³. To sum up, clear evidence is missing here, so caution is key when thinking about boric acid and male fertility.  
• Boric acid and sperm functionality: As stated before, heavy doses of boric acid can harm sperm by affecting their movement and survival. But current research is limited with no human trials proving these effects¹. It is important to tread carefully around the topic of boric acid exposure and its potential effect on sperm function and overall fertility.  

I recently came across a study⁸ and learned that increased boric acid concentration in the human body may adversely affect male fertility due to decreased sperm motility. In my opinion, one should consult their doctor for a better understanding of the dosage of boric acid and management of its toxicity.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Boric Acid and Its Effect on Female Sexual Health

In this section, we will discuss how boric acid helps promote vaginal health. We will also answer queries about how it relates to female fertility and its use during menstruation.  

1. Boric Acid in Vaginal Health

Boric acid can support vaginal health in the following ways: 

• Avoid yeast infections: Boric acid has fungus-killing properties. It can fight yeast infections as vaginal pills but should be used under expert medical guidance³.  
• Maintain pH balance: Boric acid can help maintain a healthy pH balance in the vagina by creating a mildly acidic environment, thereby stopping harmful bacteria or yeast from growing too much⁴. 

2. Boric Acid and Female Fertility

Boric acid might promote fertility in females, although evidence is limited in this regard. Nonetheless, let’s have a look at the possible mechanisms that support this: 

• Vaginal pH management: A healthy pH balance in the vagina is key for overall vaginal health and fertility⁵. As mentioned, boric acid helps to manage this balance. It controls the growth of harmful bacteria or yeast, potentially reducing the risk of infection and improving fertility⁴. However, to confirm this relation, further studies are needed.  
• Increased vaginal discharge: It is proposed that using boric acid in the vagina can affect the natural bacterial balance. This might result in an increase in watery, vaginal discharge⁴. As greater discharge facilitates the sperm motility in vagina, there may be increased chances of fertilization (if used around ovulation), although research is needed to confirm this. The discharge usually goes away a few days after ending boric acid use. But if it continues, or gets worse, you must get medical help as it can point to a serious condition.  

3. Boric Acid during Menstruation

• During your period, you can use boric acid to ease symptoms of yeast infections and reduce vaginal odour.  
• While it is safe to use boric acid capsules during menstruation, you should avoid tampons for one to two days after use and choose sanitary pads instead. This can lower the chances of irritation caused by simultaneous boric acid and tampon use.  
• However, if you notice any major changes with your period flow, discontinue use and consult your doctor. 

4. Boric Acid and Pregnancy

Now let us talk about how boric acid is connected to pregnancy. We will cover whether it is a good way to prevent pregnancy and if it raises the chance of miscarriage.  

• Is boric acid an effective method of birth control?  

Boric acid is not viewed as a reliable or good way to prevent pregnancy⁴. While it has some sperm-killing properties, it should not be used as birth control due to its small success rate and possible side effects. Meet with a healthcare provider to discuss about approved birth control methods including condoms, birth control pills, or IUDs.  

• Does boric acid increase the risk of miscarriage?  

Boric acid might be harmful to growing babies and has been linked to pregnancy loss and birth defects⁴. To keep your baby safe and healthy, avoid using boric acid during pregnancy⁴. Always speak to a healthcare professional about any risks to your pregnancy.  

Boric Acid and Its Impact on Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Next, let us look at how boric acid relates to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the possible harm to a sexual partner using boric acid.  

Interaction with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Boric acid is not good for preventing STDs or stopping any viruses or bacteria from spreading. It offers no major protection against infection. But some research shows that boric acid might work in treating one type of STD, trichomoniasis, by stopping the Trichomonas parasite from growing⁴. However, your best bet for preventing STDs is safe sex, correct and regular use of condoms, and regular testing⁶. 

Possible harm to a sexual partner when using boric acid

While boric acid is mainly safe to use, some partners have reported itching, burning, and discomfort when it is used in the vagina⁷. These side effects are mostly rare, but it is important to know about them. Also, remember boric acid is not a lubricant – do not use it without proper lubrication during sex to reduce the chances of irritation and other side effects. Always use protection such as condoms to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs when having sex⁶.  

Conclusion

To wrap it up, boric acid is a complex compound with many uses and possible effects on our reproductive health. Although it has shown to have some sperm-killing action and was traditionally used for birth control, it is not a reliable method to prevent pregnancy. Also, using it during pregnancy is not advised, due to potential harm to the developing baby. We advise getting medical advice and using safer and more effective birth control methods. This helps you make smart decisions about your reproductive health.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. PubChem. Boric Acid [Internet]. @pubchem. PubChem; 2020. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Boric-acid 
2. AICIS [Internet]. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). [cited 2021 Oct 9]. Available from: https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/sites/default/files/Boric%20acid_Human%20health%20tier%20II%20assessment.pdf 
3. Boric Acid poisoning: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002485.htm 
4. Mittelstaedt R, Kretz A, Levine M, Handa VL, Ghanem KG, Sobel JD, et al. Data on Safety of Intravaginal Boric Acid Use in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women: A Narrative Review. Sexually Transmitted Diseases [Internet]. 2021 Sep 23 [cited 2025 Apr 27];48(12):e241–7. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/abstract/2021/12000/data_on_safety_of_intravaginal_boric_acid_use_in.29.aspx 
5. Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics [Internet]. 2021 Oct 27;11(11):1996. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/ 
6. CDC. Condom Use: an Overview [Internet]. Condom Use. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/condom-use/index.html 
7. Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories” a Brief Review [Internet]. Nih.gov. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 4]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1784796/pdf/9812253.pdf?utm 
8. Bolt HM, Başaran N, Duydu Y. Effects of boron compounds on human reproduction. Arch Toxicol. 2020;94:717-724. doi:10.1007/s00204-020-02700-x. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-020-02700-x

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