In short
Many people with endometriosis get pregnant without help, but endometriosis is more common in people having trouble conceiving. If you have endometriosis and want children, talk to a doctor early, especially if you’re over 35 or have been trying for six months or more.
On this page
Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes. Many people with endometriosis conceive naturally. But endometriosis is found more often in people who have difficulty getting pregnant, and it can make conception harder for some.
How endometriosis can affect fertility
- Inflammation in the pelvis can affect eggs, sperm and early embryos
- Scar tissue can distort or block the fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Endometriomas (ovarian cysts) can affect ovarian reserve, and so can surgery to remove them
- Pain with sex can make regular intercourse difficult
- Adenomyosis, which often occurs alongside endometriosis, can also affect fertility
Pain that stops you living your life isn’t normal.
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
When to seek help
- If you’re under 35 and have been trying for 12 months without success
- If you’re 35 or over and have been trying for 6 months
- Earlier if you have known endometriosis, especially moderate or severe, or ovarian cysts
- Before any planned surgery on the ovaries, so fertility is considered first
Fertility options
- Trying naturally, with good timing, especially for minimal or mild disease
- Surgery, which may improve the chance of natural conception in some people with minimal or mild endometriosis
- Fertility treatment, including IVF, particularly for more extensive disease, older age, tubal damage or male factor infertility
- Egg freezing, which some people consider before surgery on the ovaries
An Australian data linkage study found that women whose endometriosis was diagnosed later had poorer outcomes from IVF, which is another reason early diagnosis matters.
Does pregnancy cure endometriosis?
No. This is a common myth. Some people have fewer symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding because periods stop, but endometriosis usually remains, and symptoms often return afterwards.
Endometriosis during pregnancy
Most pregnancies in people with endometriosis go well. Some studies have found slightly higher rates of certain complications, so let your maternity team know about your diagnosis.
How a GP can help
A GP can review your symptoms and plans, arrange tests such as a specialised ultrasound and hormone tests, and refer you to a gynaecologist or fertility specialist at the right time.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Missmer SA. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(13):1244-1256.
- Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al. ESHRE guideline: endometriosis. Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(2):hoac009.
- Moss KM, Doust J, Homer H, et al. Delayed diagnosis of endometriosis disadvantages women in ART: a retrospective population linked data study. Hum Reprod. 2021;36(12):3074-3082.
- RANZCOG. Endometriosis Clinical Practice Guideline.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.