I Have Endometriosis: Can I Still Get Pregnant?

Endometriosis impacts millions of women worldwide, yet most misunderstand it and its effects, especially when it comes to fertility. 

At Nile Women’s Health Care in Roswell and Johns Creek, Georgia, our team specializes in diagnosing and managing endometriosis, helping women achieve their family planning goals.

If you have endometriosis and want to start a family, you might have concerns about your ability to conceive. Here’s how endometriosis affects conception and pregnancy.

How endometriosis impacts fertility 

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines your uterus grows outside of it, often on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or elsewhere in the pelvis. This misplaced tissue can lead to inflammation, scar tissue, and other complications, which, in turn, can make conception more difficult. 

Here’s how endometriosis might affect your reproductive system:

Ovulation issues

Endometriosis-related inflammation can disrupt the process of egg release from your ovaries. 

Fallopian tube function

Scar tissue may cause blockages in your fallopian tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting. 

Implantation challenges

The altered environment inside your uterus can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant successfully. 

Research suggests that 30-50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility. However, this doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible. 

Options for conception with endometriosis 

The fertility challenges associated with endometriosis vary from woman to woman. Here are some approaches we may recommend:

 1. Lifestyle adjustments and timing 

If you have a mild case of endometriosis, simple changes can make a big difference. Tracking your ovulation cycle, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can improve your chances of conception. 

2. Medications to regulate hormones 

Medications such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can help you manage endometriosis symptoms, although they’re for use when you’re not trying to conceive, not when you are trying. 

Birth control pills are another option for controlling symptoms until you’re ready to start trying. 

3. Minimally invasive surgery 

If you have moderate-to-severe endometriosis, we may recommend minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to remove scar tissue and endometrial growths. Removing these tissues may restore normal function to your reproductive organs and improve fertility. 

4. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) 

If endometriosis continues to make natural conception challenging, you still have options.

For example, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be viable. IVF, in particular, bypasses many of the barriers caused by endometriosis. 

What about pregnancy risks? 

Women with endometriosis may have a higher risk of certain pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, or cesarean delivery. However, with proper care and monitoring, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies. 

If you’re ready to explore your fertility options or need support managing your endometriosis, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an appointment at Nile Women’s Health Care today for expert care and guidance tailored to your unique needs.