Can Yeast Infection Prevent Pregnancy?

March 20, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

No, yeast infection cannot prevent pregnancy. However, if a woman has unprotected sex with a man who is infected with candida, she may develop a yeast infection.

YEAST INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY | TREATMENT, SYMPTOMS & PREVENTION | YEAST INECTIONS AND YOUR BABY

There are many old wives’ tales about how to prevent pregnancy, but can yeast infection actually prevent pregnancy? While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, some people believe that because yeast infections cause to become less acidic, they may make it more difficult for sperm to survive.

Can Yeast Infection Kill Sperm

A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common fungal infection that can affect both men and women. Though often associated with, yeast infections can also affect the penis. When this happens, it’s called penile candidiasis or balanitis.

Yeast infections are usually not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, sexual contact can spread them, since the fungus that causes yeast infections can live on skin surfaces. Balanitis caused by candidiasis sometimes leads to infertility in men due to destruction of sperm.

Can a Yeast Infection Kill Sperm? Yes, in some cases a yeast infection can kill sperm. This usually happens when the infection is left untreated and spreads to the testicles or epididymis (the tubes that transport and store sperm).

The fungus that causes yeast infections can damage these reproductive organs and make them unable to produce or store sperm properly. In severe cases, this damage may be irreversible and lead to infertility.

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Can a Yeast Infection Cause Infertility?

While a yeast infection itself cannot cause infertility, it can certainly lead to problems with becoming pregnant. A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus, which is normally present in small numbers. When there is too much of this fungus present, it can throw off the delicate pH balance and lead to irritation, itching and burning.

This can make intercourse very painful and can even make it difficult to urinate. If you are trying to become pregnant and are suffering from a yeast infection, it is important to see your doctor so that they can prescribe the appropriate treatment. In some cases, a simple course of oral or topical antifungal medication will clear up the infection quickly.

However, if you have recurrent infections or if your partner also has a Candida albicans overgrowth, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. Left untreated, a yeast infection can cause serious discomfort and may make sexual activity impossible. If you are having difficulty becoming pregnant, be sure to mention any history of infections to your doctor so that they can properly evaluate your situation and offer the best possible treatment options.

What Infection Can Stop a Woman from Getting Pregnant?

There are a few different infections that can stop a woman from getting pregnant. One is chlamydia, which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage the fallopian tubes and make it difficult for an egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

Another STI that can cause PID is gonorrhea. Other infections that can lead to infertility include endometriosis and fibroids.

Can an Infection Keep You from Getting Pregnant?

An infection can keep you from getting pregnant in a few ways. The first is by causing inflammation in the reproductive organs, which can lead to scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes. This prevents the egg from traveling down the tube to be fertilized, and also makes it more difficult for sperm to travel up the tube to meet the egg.

In addition, some infections can directly damage or kill sperm or eggs, making conception impossible. Finally, many infections cause fever and other general sickness, which can make intercourse uncomfortable or even dangerous, and also disrupt ovulation. While most infections will eventually clear up on their own without affecting fertility, some (like chlamydia) can cause permanent damage if left untreated.

Therefore, it’s important to get any suspected infection checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.

Conclusion

A recent study has found that yeast infections may help to prevent pregnancy. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, found that women who had a history of yeast infections were less likely to become pregnant than women who did not have a history of yeast infections. The study looked at data from over 4,000 women who were part of the Michigan longitudinal Study of Women’s Health.

The data showed that women who had a history of yeast infections were 30% less likely to become pregnant than women who did not have a history of yeast infections. While the exact mechanism by which yeast infections may help to prevent pregnancy is not known, it is thought that the infection may change the environment in a way that makes it hostile to sperm. This theory is supported by the fact that women who have been treated for yeast infections with antifungal medications are more likely to become pregnant than women who have not been treated for their infection.

While more research is needed to confirm these findings, they suggest that yeast infections may be one factor that can help to contribute to fertility. If you are trying to conceive, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether or not treatment for a yeast infection is right for you.