Pathogenesis and treatment of genital candidiasis.

BACKGROUND

Genital candidiasis is the most common gynaecological infection and has the potential to produce considerable long-term sequelae especially with regard to sexual health.

OBJECTIVE

The implications of the relatively higher levels of oestrogen found in women with genital candidiasis will be explored with particular regard to management of the infection.

DISCUSSION

Genital candidiasis occurs commonly in otherwise healthy women with no identifiable predisposing factors other than oestrogen levels above those found in the proliferative phase of the ovarian cycle. Coming to an understanding of the pathophysiology of this clinical infection has important therapeutic implications.