​Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal candidiasis or yeast infection occurs when the vagina gets infected by yeast (a type of fungus). When the invading yeast is Candida, it is known as Candidiasis or Moniliasis. Candida normally lives in the vagina, as well as in the mouth and digestive tract of both men and women. The acidic environment in the vagina keeps the yeast in check. If this balance is disrupted due to any reason, this fungus overgrows its natural colony and produces symptoms. This disease is predominantly seen if you happen to have the following predisposing factors:

  • You are dealing with a long term ailment which lowers your body’s defence mechanisms. Diabetes which is not well controlled, HIV, frequent steroid usage, organ transplantation are few examples

  • You have recently consumed strong antibiotics

  • Your oestrogen (one of the female hormones) levels in blood are high; such as in pregnancy or during use of birth control pills

  • Vaginal douching (flushing the vagina with fluids)

Vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, it can spread from mouth to genital contact.

If you believe you may be suffering from vaginal candidiasis you may notice the following symptoms:

  • A whitish discharge, commonly having a  “cottage cheese” appearance and an odour

  • Intense itching in the vaginal area

  • Swelling or redness at the opening of vagina

  • Burning sensation in the vaginal area

  • Painful passage of urine

  • Pain during intercourse

At times a yeast infection can become complicated with severe itching and swelling, to the point of producing cracks or tears of the genital region. You may also have recurrent symptoms throughout the year.​

Any of the symptoms listed above are not considered normal. To discuss your concerns you can consult a family doctor working with the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital

You can also seek immediate medical advice from the medical team working with the Wom​en's Health Care Service Line if you are experiencing abnormal discharge, itching or burning in the genital area.​ ​
Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here​ a​re some tips to help get you started.​​
After the routine of asking some pertinent questions and performing a physical examination and Pap smear test your health care provider may take a sample of your vaginal discharge for culture (termed high vaginal swab).

​Disclaimer: Kindly consult your physician before getting the above-mentioned tests.​
After the initial diagnose, your treatment option may include anti-fungal medications that will be used to fight yeast. These may be prescribed to you in the form of oral pills, suppositories (soft tablets inserted directly into the rectum or vagina) and creams.​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​
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​​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider. ​