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.

When to seek expert advise

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

You can also seek immediate medical advice from the medical team working with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology if you are experiencing abnormal discharge, itching or burning in the genital area.​ ​