Most women have heard of, if not contracted a vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) during their lifetime. This fungal infection caused by the fungus Candida is a common ailment, but experts now say that climate change in India is behind the increased emergence of fungal infections in India, changing patterns are spiking risks and making them harder to treat.
What are vaginal yeast infections?
Vaginal yeast infections cause itching and irritation around the vaginal area, a burning sensation and lead to changes in the vaginal discharge, often including a cakey discharge. The fungus Candida generally lives in the body, and when there is a balance maintained, it does not cause issues. But if this balance is affected, it can multiply rapidly and too much of it can cause a yeast infection.
Though it is commonly seen in women, men can also get them, say doctors. Women can contract these infections from their male partners through sexual course — however, the infection can also be contracted in the absence of sex.
Doctors note that many women suffer from repeated infections. This can be attributed to a number of reasons including unwarranted antibiotic use, a weak immune system, uncontrolled diabetes or the use of any pills that increase oestrogen levels. Pregnancy can also increase the risk due to hormonal changes.
Primarily however, vaginal yeast infections come back repeatedly due to poor personal hygiene, the use of synthetic underwear, and lack of proper treatment, emphasise doctors.
Climate change links
Over the past decade or so, climate change events have become a reality globally and in India. Rising temperatures: longer stretches of more extreme heat are one of the manifestations of climate change in the country. Doctors now say that the rising temperatures, combined with high levels of humidity in many parts of India are causing a spike in vaginal yeast infections in women.
“Rising temperatures and increasing humidity create an ideal environment for fungal organisms, especially Candida, to thrive. Warm and moist conditions promote rapid fungal growth on the skin and mucosal surfaces, increasing the likelihood of vaginal yeast overgrowth,” Hemant Deshpande, professor and head of obstetrics/gynaecology, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri Pune says. High humidity, he adds, leads to sweating, which keeps the vaginal area damp for a prolonged period, reduces air circulation, and disrupts the natural vaginal microbiome helping yeast infections thrive.
Over 75% of women experience at least one episode of vaginal yeast infection in their life, Dr. Deshpande said. “Studies from tropical and monsoon-prone regions consistently report higher rates of fungal infections during hot, humid months… climate-driven temperature rise, and sustained humidity significantly increase both the incidence and recurrence of vaginal yeast infections,” he points out.
For Meghna (name changed on request), an IT professional in her late 20s, recurrent yeast infections impacted her physically and mentally. “The first and second time, I was badly affected mentally, because I didn’t know what was happening and why. Sexually also it was painful, but my husband was caring and patient about it,” she says. Antibiotic use led to repeated infections She was finally advised by a doctor to wear loose clothing and keep the genital area dry and ventilated to avoid further infections.
Sneha (name change on request), a media consultant in her 30s, believes that the weather at the place where she lives contributed to her infections. “I have lived in Kolkata and Chennai, both very hot and humid places for the past two years and I have been getting yeast infections every few months. Even though I took care of my personal hygiene, it did not stop. Finally, I started taking medicines. There is so much stigma around it that I did not seek medical help sooner,” she says.
Men need treatment too
Parnamita Bhattacharya, gynaecologist, CMRI Hospital, Kolkata, said that when a woman comes in with a vaginal yeast infection, it is also important to treat their partner, otherwise infections keep recurring. “There is a stereotype that this is a woman’s problem, and the men sometimes do not want to take the medicines because they may not have symptoms, but quite often the infection might be latent in them. So even if the woman seeks treatment, there is a high chance she will have a repeated infection after sexual intercourse with her partner,” Dr. Bhattacharya states.
Medical adherence is key, point out doctors. Antibiotics do not work with yeast infections as they are caused by a fungus; in fact antibiotics can kill the ‘good’ bacteria in the vagina, thereby causing an imbalance in fungus levels. Dr. Bhattacharya says that patients and their partners, if any, have to take the antifungal medications prescribed.
What can be done
With climate change-caused rising temperatures and high humidity levels now a reality that many parts of India have to deal with, some steps, doctors say, can be taken to avoid yeast infections.
“Women should not use synthetic underwear on an everyday basis and should not use any scented vaginal cleaning products. Improper menstrual hygiene is also a cause of vaginal yeast infections because sometimes women do not change their sanitary pads frequently, and the blood keeps the area moist for long hours, leading to infections. Proper hygiene is important. Finally, no antibiotics must be taken without a prescription,” Dr. Bhattacharya says, adding that the stigma around accessing care for vaginal infections needs to be broken as access to early treatment is crucial.
Published – December 23, 2025 10:00 am IST
