The Impact of Serum Estradiol Levels on Vaginal pH and Candida Infections During Infertility Treatment

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the potential impact of serum estradiol levels on vaginal pH, flora, and susceptibility to Candida infections in patients undergoing infertility treatment. Methods: Clinical data and biochemical parameters were evaluated from 60 infertility patients aged 20–49. Blood serum estradiol levels were measured on the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle along with assessments of vaginal pH and mycological cultures. These procedures were repeated post-ovulation induction at peak estradiol levels. A comparative analysis of pre- and post-treatment samples from the same patients was conducted to determine the effect of increased estradiol on vaginal pH and Candida growth. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Post-treatment measurements indicated a significant increase in serum estradiol and vaginal pH compared to pre-treatment levels. Despite this, no significant correlation was found between estradiol levels and changes in vaginal pH, vulvovaginal symptoms, or culture growth. Similarly, vaginal pH levels did not significantly affect vulvovaginal symptoms or Candida culture growth. However, a significant relationship was identified between pre-treatment cultures and vulvovaginal symptoms, a correlation absent in post-treatment samples. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the substantial increase in serum estradiol levels during infertility treatment does not predispose patients to vaginal Candida infections via alterations in vaginal pH. There appears to be no additional risk of candidal infections associated with elevated estradiol during infertility treatments.