A pregnant patient diagnosed with vaginal candida is most commonly affected due to which factor?

The factor that most commonly affects a pregnant patient diagnosed with vaginal candida is the increased glycogen in the vaginal cavity. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly increased estrogen levels, lead to greater glycogen storage in the vaginal epithelium. This heightened glycogen availability creates a favorable environment for the growth of Candida species, which thrive on sugar.

The body’s natural mechanism during pregnancy also allows for changes in the vaginal flora, making it less competitive against yeast infections. As the yeast is naturally present in the vaginal area, the combination of increased glycogen and the changes in the environment promotes the proliferation of Candida, leading to infection.

Recognizing the role of hormonal changes in the development of yeast infections is essential for understanding why pregnant women are more susceptible to such conditions.