Is It True That Yeast Infections Can Cause Infertility?

Can a Yeast Infection Impact Your Ability to Get Pregnant?

On its own, a vaginal yeast infection does not prevent you from getting pregnant. However, it may reduce your overall chances of conception. 

Here’s why: 

• A yeast infection makes it more difficult for sperm to survive and travel throughout the reproductive tract. 

• Having sex with a yeast infection is not recommended and can be painful, leading to missed opportunities for intercourse. 

• A recurring yeast infection can be a sign of an underlying health concern, which may also contribute to reduced fertility. 

Most yeast infections can be resolved with medication within one to two weeks. If you are TTC and notice any signs of a yeast infection, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you’ll be able to move forward with the TTC process. 

Read on to learn about what exactly a yeast infection is, the common causes of yeast infections, and how to look after your vaginal health while TTC.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection (sometimes referred to as ‘thrush’ or ‘candidiasis’) is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida. Candida is a specific type of yeast that naturally lives on the skin and inside the body. 

Everyone has Candida. When Candida levels are in balance with the healthy bacteria in your body, you would never know it was there. But if it grows out of control, the body’s natural ‘ecosystem’ of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms becomes out of balance. This imbalance is what leads to an infection. 

Candida thrives in warm and humid environments. This is why yeast infections are most commonly found in the following places:

• Genital area

• Mouth

• Throat

• Armpits

• Inner thighs

• Under the breasts

• In skin folds

A Closer Look at Vaginal Yeast Infections

When there is too much Candida in the vagina, this can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections are common, with the Office on Women’s Health estimating that 3 in 4 women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. 

One of the most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection is discharge that is thick, white, and/or clumpy. 

Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Itching, burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and vulva

• Painful urination

• Discomfort and pain during sex

• Very light bleeding or spotting

Vaginal yeast infections are not considered to be sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, they can still be passed along from one partner to another. 

It’s worth noting that vaginal yeast infection symptoms do overlap with common STI symptoms. Whether you’re sexually active or not, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience:

• Vaginal pain

• Swelling

• Abnormal discharge 

If left untreated, both yeast infections and STIs can lead to serious long-term health complications, so it’s important to seek help.

Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infections: Why Do They Happen?

Anything that disrupts the natural pH and balance of microorganisms in the vagina can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. The following table shows a few examples. 

Vaginal Yeast Infections and Fertility 

Can I get pregnant with a yeast infection?

On their own, vaginal yeast infections do not directly cause infertility. However, they can create obstacles to getting pregnant. 

Here are a few obstacles to be aware of: 

• A yeast infection causes cervical mucus to thicken, making it harder for sperm to travel through the vagina to the uterine tubes.

• Changes in vaginal pH due to a yeast infection can make it more difficult for sperm to survive in the reproductive tract.

• A yeast infection may cause sex to be more painful and less appealing, leading to missed opportunities for conception during ovulation. 

Even though it’s still technically possible to conceive, your overall chances of conception may be reduced when you have a yeast infection. 

I’ve had multiple yeast infections, can I still conceive? 

A long-term disruption in vaginal pH due to a recurring yeast infection can make it more difficult to conceive. 

A recurring yeast infection (i.e. more than four yeast infections in a year) may also be a sign of an underlying health concern, such as: 

• Hormone imbalance

• Diabetes

• Weakened immune system

If you have a recurring yeast infection and want to plan a pregnancy, speak with your doctor and let them know about your pregnancy goals. They can run further assessments to better understand what’s going on inside your body. 

There are also tests you can do at home. For example, if you’re concerned about an underlying hormone imbalance, an at-home hormone test (like Mira’s Panorama Fertility Lab Test) can provide insight into your overall hormone balance, thyroid functioning, and fertility health. 

It’s also a good idea to check the health of your partner’s sperm. Low sperm quality can further reduce your chances of conception in general. This can be done with a male fertility test (like the YO Male Kit 3.0) which provides insight into sperm concentration and motility. 

The more information you have about your fertility as a couple, the better prepared you’ll be to plan a pregnancy. 

Managing a Yeast Infection While Trying to Conceive

Medical Treatments

A yeast infection is typically treated with some type of antifungal medication. Common medications include:

• Tablets - such as fluconazole

• Suppositories - such as miconazole and terconazole

• Topical Creams - such as clotrimazole and tioconazole

Many yeast infection medications are available without a prescription. Prescription treatments may be needed when over-the-counter yeast infection medications do not work. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best yeast infection treatment based on your symptoms. 

Topical treatments can sometimes alter vaginal pH, which may temporarily interfere with sperm mobility. If you’re TTC and concerned about a particular treatment interfering with conception, speak with your doctor. They can address any specific concerns you have about your medication and fertility. 

Reproductive Wellness and Cycle Tracking

As a rule of thumb, you should avoid sex when you have a yeast infection. Sex can cause irritation and even prolong the healing process. Once the yeast infection is gone, you can start having regular sex again. 

This is also a good opportunity to refocus and prioritize your overall reproductive wellness by:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Getting plenty of sleep

• Keeping stress levels low

These lifestyle factors are beneficial to both your fertility and immune system. Taking a prenatal vitamin (such as Mira’s own Prenatal Multivitamin) can also help boost fertility and strengthen your immune system. 

To further maximize your chances of conception, it’s also a good idea to start tracking your cycle. This can be done in a diary or in a fertility tracking app (like the Mira App). Closely tracking your cycle will allow you to plan sex on the days when you’re most likely to conceive. 

In addition to tracking key cycle dates, monitoring your unique hormonal shifts and fertility patterns with Mira’s Hormone Monitor and Wands will enable you to predict your fertile window with lab-grade precision. 

Preventing a Yeast Infection for Better Reproductive Health

Yeast infections cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce your risk with these practical tips: 

• Practice good vaginal hygiene habits by using mild, unscented soap. Never use a douche. This can disrupt the pH and natural balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina. 

• Wear breathable fabrics such as cotton underwear. This can prevent moisture buildup in and around your vagina. 

• Follow a low-sugar diet to prevent an overgrowth of yeast (which thrives on sugar). 

• Take a probiotic to support a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. 

• Pee after intercourse to help flush out bacteria and reduce the risk of getting a yeast infection after sex. 

When to See a Doctor About a Recurring Yeast Infection

You should make an appointment with your doctor if: 

• You get a yeast infection more than four times within 12 months

• Over-the-counter medications do not work

• Your yeast infection symptoms return following treatment

• You suspect an underlying condition like diabetes or a weakened immune system

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried About a Yeast Infection and Fertility?

A yeast infection is not necessarily something to be worried about if you are TTC. There are many different treatment options available, and you can still get pregnant even if you have recurring yeast infections.

However, it’s important to be aware that your chances of conception may be lower when you have a yeast infection. This is because a yeast infection creates an environment where sperm may struggle to survive or reach an egg to fertilize. That’s why you should always seek treatment from a doctor as soon as possible if you start to notice the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. 

If you are concerned about how a yeast infection may interfere with your fertility, you can also seek specialist support in our Hormone Health Clinic. Our fertility specialists can answer any questions you have and help you navigate a potential underlying hormone imbalance. They can also provide practical guidance for maximizing your chances of conception — even if you have a recurring yeast infection. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sperm cause a yeast infection?

No. Sperm does not cause a yeast infection. However, if your partner has a yeast infection, they can pass it to you during intercourse. 

Can a yeast infection cause pregnancy?

No. A yeast infection does not cause pregnancy. 

How do you get a yeast infection?

Many different factors can lead to an overgrowth of Candida in the vagina, including: 

• Hormone shifts

• Certain medications

• Weak immune system

• Warm, humid environments

• Tight clothing

• Perfumed soaps and antibacterial hygiene products

Why do I keep getting a yeast infection?

Recurring yeast infections may be a sign of an underlying health concern, such as:

• Hormone imbalance

• Diabetes

• Weakened immune system

Does a yeast infection go away on its own?

Very mild yeast infections may go away on their own. However, most yeast infections will require anti-fungal treatment. 

How long does a yeast infection last?

A mild yeast infection can last up to a week. Moderate to severe yeast infections can last up to two weeks. 

Can you have sex with a yeast infection?

No. It is not advised to have sex with a yeast infection. Sex can cause irritation and delay the treatment process. 

Can a yeast infection cause bleeding?

Yes. Yeast infections may cause light bleeding and spotting. 

Can BV cause infertility?

Yes. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been linked to an increased risk of infertility and a longer time to get pregnant. 

What should I do if I get a candida infection during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, yeast infections are common due to fluctuating hormone levels. Your doctor can advise you on the best prescription and OTC yeast infection treatment during your pregnancy. 

Can you get pregnant with a yeast infection?

Yes. You can still get pregnant even if you have a yeast infection. However, your chances of conception may be lower than when you do not have a yeast infection. This is because a yeast infection creates an environment where sperm may struggle to survive.