bacterial infection, please answer

does boric acid work and does it cure the infection? can u have sexual intercourse while useing boric acid? does the boric powder work just as good, i bought boric acid today and i am not quite sure how to use it or how much to use... can anyone help me with this...i am hoping this will keep me from going to dr so much...and also i heard that douching with hydrogen perixide works too...is that true? thanks hope for replys...i need the help....

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Can you be a little more specific about the infection you mentioned? Are you referring to vaginal infections? I would not recommend using boric acid or hydrogen peroxide douches as treatment for vaginal infection, since these chemicals may alter the normal acidity and bacterial flora inside the vagina, and lead to more problems.  The best thing to do if you suspect that you have a vaginal infection is to have yourself examined by a doctor, rather than self-medicate.  Vaginal infection can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, from viruses (herpes) and fungi, to bacteria (example: syphilis, E. coli) and protozoa (example: trichomonas).  Infections caused by these organisms have different treatments, and the doctor is in a better position to decide which drug should be given.