Candida albicans, a yeast fungus often called simply candida, grows in the rectum and vagina. It grows best in a mildly acidic environment. The pH in the vagina is normally more than mildly acidic.

However, when we menstruate, take birth control pills or some antibiotics, are pregnant, or have diabetes, the pH becomes more alkaline. In a healthy vagina, the presence of some yeast may not be a problem. When our system is out of balance, yeast-like organisms can grow profusely and cause a thick white … More