Vulvovaginal candidiasis usually is caused by Candida albicans but occasionally is caused by other Candida sp. or yeasts. Seventy-five percent of women will have one yeast infection in their lifetime, and 5% have recurrent infections.

Patients will often present with complaints of itching, burning, and a clumping discharge. Alternatively, there may be little vaginal discharge but instead erythema with or without scale on the vulva. While most infections are uncomplicated and limited, some women experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (4 or more episodes in 1 given year) without an obvious explanation.

Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk for candidiasis, including those with diabetes (see diabetic vulvitis), HIV, autoimmune conditions, and obesity, as well as individuals being treated with chemotherapy. Other more common potential inciting events include pregnancy, use of systemic antibiotics or steroids, frequent intercourse, use of immunosuppressive medication, sex with a new partner, certain vaginal lubricants or washes, oral contraceptive pills, and estrogen therapy.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted disease.