Can lupus disease affect fertility or pregnancy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lupus and fertility are closely linked, and the condition can make it harder for some women to conceive while also raising certain risks during pregnancy. While many women with lupus have healthy pregnancies, factors like disease activity, medications, and complications such as antiphospholipid syndrome can influence outcomes. Understanding how lupus impacts your reproductive health is the first step toward planning ahead. If you're experiencing symptoms or unsure whether lupus could be affecting you, taking a free, instant online symptom check can help you clarify what's going on and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

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Explanation

Lupus can indeed have an impact on both fertility and pregnancy. Women with lupus may face challenges when trying to conceive. According to the studies, lupus can sometimes affect the ovaries, which might make it harder for some women to get pregnant.

During pregnancy, lupus can increase the risk of complications. For example, women with lupus may have a higher chance of developing conditions like preeclampsia or having a baby with a lower birth weight. If you're experiencing symptoms and want to better understand what might be affecting your health, you can take a free symptom checker assessment to help guide your conversation with healthcare providers when planning a pregnancy to manage these risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

In summary, while lupus can present challenges, with proper medical care and planning, many women with lupus can have successful pregnancies.

(References)

Stamm B, Barbhaiya M, Siegel C, Lieber S, Lockshin M, & Sammaritano L. (2022). Infertility in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus science & medicine, 36600642.
Moyer A, & Edens C. (2024). Impact of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Conception. Seminars in reproductive medicine, 39667369.
Oktem O, Guzel Y, Aksoy S, Aydin E, & Urman B. (2015). Ovarian function and reproductive outcomes of female .... Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 25769434.

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