Can You Get Pregnant While You Have a Yeast Infection?

Updated July 11, 2019
Woman holding a pregnancy test

A yeast infection occurs when there is an imbalance of vaginal yeast and bacteria which causes symptoms such as irritation, itching and discharge. Three out of four women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some time in their life. Yeast infections in women are particularly common, and for couples trying to conceive, there are often concerns surrounding whether or not you are able to get pregnant while you have a yeast infection.

Getting Pregnant When You Have a Yeast Infection

Can you get pregnant if you have a yeast infection? There is no evidence to suggest that vaginal yeast infections will cause any issues when trying to conceive. Therefore, you should be able to get pregnant while you have a yeast infection. Many women continue attempts to conceive while they have a yeast infection. This is perfectly fine to do, but there may be a few reasons why it is best to refrain until the infection has cleared up.

Soreness During Intercourse

Vaginal yeast infections can be incredibly painful, and the soreness may make couples abstain from sexual intercourse altogether. If you are trying to conceive, this may make it more difficult as you may need to hold off until the infection is gone and intercourse will be less painful. This may actually prevent you from having sex at the appropriate time to conceive.

Treatments May Hinder Nature

It has been suggested that the natural pH of the vagina can be affected by the overgrowth of yeast and that creams used to combat the problem can also prevent the transportation of vital sperm along the vaginal canal. Effects are not catastrophic, but attempts to conceive may be hindered by this.

Risk of Passing a Yeast Infection to Your Partner

If you have a yeast infection at the time you are trying to conceive, there is a chance of passing the infection to your partner. The risk is relatively low and about 15 percent of men will experience an itchy rash on his penis. He will need to see a doctor for an official diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Simply to Avoid the Stress

Many couples stress out about the implications of trying to conceive when vaginal yeast infections are present. The sheer stress that some individuals go through at times just isn't worth it; if you have been attempting to get pregnant, consider waiting until the infection has fully cleared.

Before You Try to Conceive

If you are trying to conceive, get your body into optimum shape. Pre-conception health is pivotal to success. Individuals often worry a great deal about optimizing diet and exercise; however, less talked about issues such as sexually transmitted infections, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections often get left out of the equation. Get a routine examination to get these less obvious problems identified and treated, if necessary.

Can a Yeast Infection Be a Sign of Pregnancy?

Some women may question if a yeast infection is a sign of conception. It is actually very common to get a yeast infection when you are pregnant, however, a yeast infection is not typically a sign of that you have conceived.

Why Is a Yeast Infection Common During Pregnancy?

A yeast infection may occur during pregnancy because there are changes to your immune system and there's a rise in estrogen levels. This hormone imbalance ultimately affects the balance of the pH in the vagina which causes an overgrowth of yeast (Candida).

No Risk to the Unborn Baby

Women who are wondering if you can you get pregnant if you have a yeast infection will be relieved to learn that there is nothing to suggest that conceiving while you have a yeast infection will cause birth defects or any other harm to the unborn infant.

No Cause to Worry

Maximize your well-being and the potential to conceive and don't worry about minor problems such as a yeast infection, unless they are causing you physical discomfort. If you are at all worried about issues relating to yeast infections and attempts to conceive, consult your physician, particularly if you have been trying to conceive for a lengthy period of time.

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Can You Get Pregnant While You Have a Yeast Infection?