Fact Check: Can a Yeast Infection Prevent Pregnancy?

When you're trying to conceive, it's normal to become more conscientious. 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.

Key takeaways

• A yeast infection doesn’t prevent pregnancy. It has no direct effect on fertility, ovulation, or conception, though it can make sex uncomfortable and disrupt timing during your fertile window.
• Boric acid, sometimes used for recurrent yeast infections, has not been shown to cause infertility — but should be avoided when trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
• If your symptoms persist or don't respond to treatment, it's worth testing to rule out other infections that can affect fertility.‍
• Evvy's Vaginal Microbiome Test uses metagenomic sequencing to give you a complete picture of your vaginal microbiome.

Can a 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 2,363 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 vaginal 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 symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can overlap with other vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia. Chlamydia can sometimes cause discharge and irritation that feel 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 if symptoms don’t improve with antifungal treatment.

Researchers are paying more attention to the vaginal microbiome and its potential influence on 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, such as clotrimazole or miconazole. These are applied directly to the vaginal area and effectively clear Candida overgrowth without affecting your hormones, ovulation, or reproductive organs.

There's no evidence that common antifungal medications for yeast infections cause infertility. When used as directed, these medications remain localized and don't interfere with 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 sometimes recommend boric acid vaginal suppositories for women with recurring yeast infections or treatment-resistant strains. Boric acid works by restoring natural vaginal pH and targeting yeast that hasn't responded to standard antifungals. It's not a first-line treatment, and it should be avoided when you're trying to conceive or during pregnancy — if you have questions about whether it's appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare provider.

In short, whether you're treating a mild yeast infection or managing recurring ones, there are safe and effective options that won't compromise 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.

FAQs about yeast infections and fertility

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

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 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 are localized to the vaginal area and do not affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. There’s no evidence that a yeast infection, even if left untreated for a long time, can lead to infertility. Confusion often arises because yeast infection symptoms 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 pelvic inflammatory disease, 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. A vaginal yeast infection doesn't interfere with your ability to conceive. While it can cause discomfort during sex, it doesn't affect your reproductive organs or stop sperm from reaching the egg. However, some infections — especially STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea — can pose a risk to fertility if left untreated, by causing inflammation and damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus over time. If you're actively trying to conceive and suspect an infection, the best step is to see your healthcare provider, get clarity on what you're dealing with, and treat it promptly.

Does a yeast infection kill sperm?

No, there’s no clinical evidence that a yeast infection kills sperm or meaningfully impairs sperm function. While the vaginal environment during a yeast infection can be more inflamed and acidic than usual, studies haven’t confirmed that this has a significant effect on sperm. A yeast infection may make sex uncomfortable enough to avoid it — and that's the main way it can indirectly affect conception timing — but it doesn't create a hostile environment that eliminates sperm.

Can you still get pregnant if you have a yeast infection?

Yes, a yeast infection doesn’t stop you from getting pregnant. The Candida that causes the infection stays in the vaginal area and doesn’t affect fertilization or implantation. So, if you’re in your fertile window and happen to have a yeast infection, getting pregnant is still a possibility. However, since symptoms like itching and burning can make things uncomfortable, it's usually a good idea to treat the infection first. 

What happens if you have a baby while having a yeast infection?

Having a yeast infection at the time of delivery is relatively common and generally not dangerous for either you or your baby. The main concern is that Candida can be passed from the vaginal canal to the newborn during a vaginal birth, which can cause oral thrush (white patches in the baby's mouth) or a diaper rash-type fungal infection. Both are treatable and usually resolve quickly with appropriate antifungal medication. If you're approaching your due date and experiencing symptoms, let your provider know so they can monitor and manage it appropriately.

Can a yeast infection damage the womb?

No, yeast infections typically don’t travel up to the uterus. Unlike some bacterial infections, Candida usually stays in the lower area and doesn’t cause the kind of inflammation that could impact the womb or your fertility. However, if you’re experiencing intense pelvic pain, fever, or symptoms that seem more severe than a usual yeast infection, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider. These signs might point to a different type of infection that requires quick attention. 

At what stage of pregnancy do you get yeast infections?

Yeast infections can happen at any point during pregnancy, but they're most common in the second trimester. This is largely due to rising estrogen levels, which increase glycogen (a sugar) in vaginal cells — creating an environment where Candida thrives more easily. Immune changes during pregnancy can also make it harder for the body to keep yeast in check. If you get a yeast infection during pregnancy, topical antifungal treatments like miconazole or clotrimazole are considered safe and are the standard recommendation, but oral antifungals are typically avoided during pregnancy.