Vulvitis and vaginitis is defined as a spectrum of conditions that cause vulval and/or vaginal symptoms. Candida is the most common cause of vulvovaginal complaints for which women seek medical advice, especially during pregnancy.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an opportunistic mucosal mycosis, and one of the most common causes of vulvovaginal itching and discharge caused by Candida species (C. albicans, C. glabrata. C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis).

Candida albicans causes 80–90 per cent of vaginal fungal infection.

Ten to twenty per cent of reproductive-age women who harbour Candida species are asymptomatic and do not require therapy.

Vaginal candidiasis, commonly called ‘yeast infection, or moniliasis’, is relatively common during pregnancy (especially during the second trimester). with an estimated prevalence of 10–75 per cent.

Approximately 75 per cent of all pregnant women experience at least one episode of VVC during their lifetime, and 50 per cent of them suffer recurrent events.