Surreal illustration representing endometriosis and fertility.

Endometriosis and Fertility: What Women Need to Know

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unpacking the realities of conception, pregnancy, and care for women with endometriosis."

Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting a significant percentage of women, is often linked to concerns about fertility. While it's true that endometriosis can impact a woman's ability to conceive, the extent of this impact and the overall picture of fertility management are more nuanced than often portrayed.

This article dives into the findings of a population-based survey conducted in Australia, seeking to clarify the fertility experiences of women with and without endometriosis. By examining factors like contraceptive use, attempts to conceive, and pregnancy outcomes, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of the realities women face.

We'll unpack common misconceptions, highlight the importance of personalized healthcare, and empower women with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their fertility journey.

Challenging Misconceptions: Endometriosis and Your Chances of Conception

Surreal illustration representing endometriosis and fertility.

One of the most persistent myths surrounding endometriosis is that it significantly reduces a woman's chances of conceiving. While endometriosis can contribute to fertility challenges, the survey results paint a more optimistic picture. The study found that women with endometriosis were not statistically less likely to have ever been pregnant, have an unintended pregnancy, have had an abortion, or have a live birth compared to women without the condition.

This is a crucial point: endometriosis doesn't automatically equate to infertility. Many women with endometriosis successfully conceive and carry pregnancies to term. However, the study did reveal some key differences in the experiences of women with endometriosis:

Increased Risk of Infertility Diagnosis: Women with endometriosis were approximately three times more likely to report receiving an infertility diagnosis. It's important to note that a significant portion of these diagnoses were categorized as 'unexplained,' highlighting the complexity of fertility challenges.
Longer Time to Conception: Women with endometriosis were significantly more likely to report taking longer than 12 months to conceive their first pregnancy. This suggests that while conception is still possible, it may require more time and potentially medical assistance.
Increased Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): The study indicated that women with endometriosis were more likely to have used ART to achieve their first pregnancy. This reflects the need for some women with endometriosis to seek medical intervention to support conception.

It's essential to interpret these findings with a balanced perspective. While women with endometriosis may face increased challenges, successful conception and pregnancy are definitely achievable. The key lies in understanding the individual circumstances, seeking appropriate medical guidance, and addressing any underlying fertility issues.

Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Tailored Care

The findings of this study underscore the importance of providing women with endometriosis with comprehensive and accurate information about their fertility. Overstating the risks of infertility can lead to unnecessary anxiety and potentially influence decisions about family planning.

Healthcare providers play a vital role in offering personalized care that addresses each woman's unique circumstances and fertility goals. This includes open discussions about contraception, conception strategies, and available treatment options. It's also crucial to dispel common misconceptions and provide evidence-based information.

Ultimately, empowering women with knowledge and access to tailored care enables them to make informed decisions about their fertility journey and achieve optimal childbearing outcomes.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/13625187.2018.1539163, Alternate LINK

Title: Fertility Experiences In Women Reporting Endometriosis: Findings From The Understanding Fertility Management In Contemporary Australia Survey

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Kate Young, Maggie Kirkman, Sara Holton, Heather Rowe, Jane Fisher

Published: 2018-11-02

Everything You Need To Know

Does having endometriosis automatically mean I won't be able to get pregnant?

Endometriosis doesn't automatically mean a woman cannot conceive. The research indicates that women with endometriosis were not statistically less likely to have ever been pregnant, have an unintended pregnancy, have had an abortion, or have a live birth. It's crucial to understand that many women with endometriosis can and do have successful pregnancies. However, the study shows there are differences.

How does endometriosis impact the likelihood of needing fertility treatments or receiving an infertility diagnosis?

The research indicated that women with endometriosis were approximately three times more likely to receive an infertility diagnosis, although many were categorized as 'unexplained.' They also reported taking longer than 12 months to conceive their first pregnancy and were more likely to use Assisted Reproductive Technologies, like IVF, to achieve their first pregnancy. While it highlights potential hurdles, it also shows the various routes available to overcome these.

What are the key takeaways regarding managing fertility when you have endometriosis?

The study emphasizes providing women with endometriosis with accurate information about their fertility. Exaggerating infertility risks can cause unnecessary stress and affect family planning decisions. Tailored healthcare that addresses individual circumstances is essential. If other factors contribute to infertility, those can be managed. The study did not address specific treatments for Endometriosis impacting fertility, such as surgical options to remove endometrial implants.

What aspects of the relationship between endometriosis and fertility were not fully explored in this study?

The research did not fully address the underlying mechanisms through which endometriosis might affect fertility. For example, it doesn't delve into how endometrial implants and inflammation may impact egg quality, fallopian tube function, or the uterine environment. While the study highlights increased ART use, it doesn't detail which specific ART methods are most effective for women with endometriosis or the reasons for their success. These are important areas for future research to better understand and address the fertility challenges associated with endometriosis.

What does this information suggest about the kind of care women with endometriosis should seek when planning for a family?

This study underscores the need for personalized healthcare for women with endometriosis. This means a healthcare approach that considers individual circumstances, addresses underlying fertility issues, and provides comprehensive information about all available options. Women should proactively seek medical guidance and consider early fertility assessments to make informed decisions about family planning, including the potential use of ART or other interventions if needed. The healthcare plan should be adapted to the individual's situation.