Cause
This infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans in the vagina. Candida is yeast, which is a type of fungus.
Yeast are always present in the vagina in small numbers, and symptoms only appear with overgrowth. Health experts estimate that approximately 75 percent of women will have at least one yeast infection with symptoms during their lifetimes; 40 to 45 percent will experience two or more episodes.