Fact Check: Can a Yeast Infection Prevent Pregnancy?

When you're trying to conceive, it's normal to become more scrupulous. Suddenly, every symptom, twinge, or change in your body feels important. You start paying closer attention to anything that might lower your chances of getting pregnant. So if you’re dealing with a vaginal yeast infection, you might be wondering: “Could this be getting in the way?”

The short answer is: no. A vaginal yeast infection (also called vaginal candidiasis) doesn’t prevent pregnancy. Studies have found no evidence that yeast infections hurt your fertility or ability to have a baby. That said, having a recurring yeast infection could get in the way of conceiving for different reasons. Keep reading to learn more.

Can yeast infection prevent pregnancy?

Although vaginal yeast infections can be uncomfortable, they don’t stop you from getting pregnant. A recent systematic review looked at data from 909 infertile women and 2363 fertile women across eight studies. The analysis found no significant difference in yeast infection rates between infertile and fertile women. According to the research, women with yeast infections were just as likely to be fertile as women without. In other words, the researchers concluded there was “no association between candidiasis and female sterility.”

Moreover, many healthy women naturally carry yeast in their vaginas without any problems. Candida (the yeast that causes most yeast infections) often lives harmlessly in the vagina, and doesn’t affect your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus in any way that would stop conception. 

Vaginal yeast colonization in healthy women is usually also asymptomatic. Just finding yeast present in the vaginal microbiome is normal and usually doesn’t require treatment unless you have symptoms. So if you have too much yeast present but you have no itching, burning, or thick white vaginal discharge, it’s typically not a problem that needs fixing, let alone a threat to fertility. 

But, while a yeast infection won’t harm your fertility, it may get in the way of your sex life. Getting pregnant relies heavily on having (lots of) sex during your fertile window, which happens mid-cycle. It’s very common for yeast infections to show up during or after your period, which may take sex off the table at a time when it’s most crucial. 

Yeast infections cause irritation and inflammation of the vaginal tissues. This means they can make sex less comfortable (or downright painful), and having sex during an active infection can actually worsen your symptoms. Because of this, many women choose to wait until the infection is treated before resuming sexual activity. That said, while avoiding sex can delay conception, it’s not the yeast stopping pregnancy — it’s just discomfort and timing. Biologically, once symptoms clear up, there’s no lasting effect on pregnancy chances.

Even during pregnancy, yeast infections are common but not dangerous. Higher levels of the hormone estrogen can make pregnant women more prone to yeast overgrowth. The good news is that these infections generally won’t hurt you or your baby. A 2023 systematic review found no strong evidence that a yeast infection during pregnancy leads to preterm birth or other major complications. However, because yeast infections can sometimes pass to the newborn (causing thrush) and make pregnancy uncomfortable, health professionals advise treating them. Pregnant women are typically treated with safe topical antifungal creams like miconazole or clotrimazole, while oral antifungals are avoided due to risks in pregnancy.

Can you get pregnant with a yeast infection?

Yes, yeast infections don’t inherently prevent pregnancy at any stage – pre-pregnancy or during pregnancy. The infection stays in the vaginal area and doesn’t spread to where eggs are fertilized or implanted. So if you’re trying to conceive (or hoping to soon), don’t blame a yeast infection for delays. Focus instead on getting treated so you feel better and can comfortably resume intimacy. Once the infection is cleared, your fertility prospects are unchanged.

It’s also worth knowing that yeast infection symptoms can overlap with other vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia. Chlamydia can sometimes cause discharge and irritation that feels similar to a yeast infection. Unlike yeast infections, however, chlamydia can lead to infertility if left untreated, so it’s important to get tested if you’re unsure or symptoms don’t improve with antifungal treatment.

Researchers are paying more attention to the vaginal microbiome and how it might influence reproductive health. Some studies suggest that certain imbalances in the vaginal microbiota — like in the case of bacterial vaginosis (BV) — could be associated with fertility challenges. However, there’s no evidence that a yeast infection (even when symptomatic) plays a role in reducing your chances of getting pregnant.

So if you're concerned about yeast infection during ovulation and fertility, know that while it may cause discomfort, it doesn't block your body's natural ability to conceive. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure, but rest assured that a yeast infection is not a fertility dealbreaker.

Treatment options when you're trying to conceive

The good news is that yeast infection treatment is both safe and effective, and it won’t harm your fertility. Treating the infection can make it easier to have comfortable, stress-free sex during your fertile window, which is key when timing matters.

Most yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications, typically available as over-the-counter creams or suppositories like clotrimazole or miconazole. These are applied directly to the vaginal area and are effective for clearing the overgrowth of Candida without affecting your hormones, ovulation, or reproductive organs, and they certainly don't prevent pregnancy.

There's no evidence that antifungal treatment for yeast infections causes infertility. When used as directed, these medications stay localized and don’t disrupt your body’s ability to conceive. Even prescription treatments like oral fluconazole, which are sometimes used for stubborn infections, have not been shown to impair fertility (though they're usually avoided during pregnancy itself).

Doctors often recommend boric acid vaginal suppositories for women who frequently suffer from recurring yeast infections or who are dealing with treatment-resistant strains. Boric acid works by restoring natural pH levels and effectively targeting yeast that hasn’t responded to standard antifungal treatments.

That said, many people wonder: “Can boric acid cause infertility?” Research doesn't show that boric acid, when used appropriately as a vaginal suppository, causes infertility. However, it's not recommended during pregnancy. It’s also not a first-line treatment, but rather a backup for more resistant yeast infections.

In short, whether you're treating a mild yeast infection or managing recurring ones, there are safe and effective options that won’t get in the way of your fertility. Always check in with your healthcare provider before starting treatment, especially if you're in your ovulation window or suspect you might already be pregnant. That way, you can feel better and stay on track with your pregnancy goals.

FAQ

Can you get pregnant if you have a yeast infection during ovulation? 

The answer is yes, as long as you have sex during your fertile window. A recurring yeast infection might make you feel less inclined to have sex, but if intercourse happens and ovulation lines up, pregnancy is still very possible. A yeast infection during ovulation may be frustrating, but it doesn’t interfere with the process of fertilization itself.

How long does it take for a yeast infection to cause infertility? 

A yeast infection won't lead to infertility, no matter how long it lasts. Vaginal yeast infections (caused by Candida species) are localized to the vaginal area and do not affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. There is no evidence that a yeast infection, even if left untreated for a long time, can lead to infertility. However, confusion often arises because the symptoms of a yeast infection can overlap with those of other infections, particularly STIs like chlamydia. Unlike yeast infections, untreated chlamydia can cause infertility because it can spread to the upper reproductive tract and cause PID, which may damage the fallopian tubes. If symptoms persist or don’t improve with antifungal treatment, it’s wise to get tested to rule out other causes.

Can I get pregnant even when I have an infection?

Yes, you can still get pregnant even when you have an infection, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For example, a vaginal yeast infection doesn’t interfere with your ability to conceive. While it can cause discomfort and make sex less appealing, it doesn’t affect your reproductive organs or stop sperm from reaching the egg. Other mild infections, like urinary tract infections (UTIs), also generally don’t impact fertility directly, though they might make intercourse uncomfortable. However, some infections — especially sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea — can pose a risk to fertility if they go untreated. These infections can cause inflammation and damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus over time, potentially interfering with conception. That’s why it’s important to get properly diagnosed and treated if you’re experiencing unusual or persistent symptoms. If you're actively trying for a baby and suspect an infection, the best approach is to see your healthcare provider, get clarity on the type of infection, and treat it promptly to protect your reproductive health.