A lot of people don’t realise how common endometriosis is until it starts to affect their fertility journey. Endometriosis is a condition many women experience, and when you’re trying to fall pregnant, it can raise plenty of questions.
While it can affect fertility in different ways, it’s important to know this diagnosis doesn’t mean having a child is out of reach. Many people with endometriosis go on to build their families, sometimes with a little extra support along the way.
If you’re navigating this, understanding what’s happening in your body can be a really empowering first step. And while this blog does not replace advice from your fertility specialist, it can certainly answer some common questions.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas within the pelvis.
Like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes during your cycle. However, because it sits outside the uterus, it has no way to exit the body. This can lead to inflammation, irritation, and the formation of scar tissue over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain, especially during periods.
- Heavy or irregular bleeding.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty falling pregnant.
It’s also important to note that some people with endometriosis experience little to no symptoms, which can delay diagnosis.
Endometriosis is typically classified into four stages: minimal, mild, moderate, and severe. These stages are based on the extent, depth, and location of the tissue growth, as well as the presence of scar tissue or adhesions.
How common is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is more common than many people realise. By their mid-to-late 40s, around 1 in 7 women will have been diagnosed, and many are diagnosed much earlier, with close to 1 in 11 receiving a diagnosis by their late 20s or early 30s.
When it comes to fertility, research suggests that around 30–50% of people with endometriosis may experience fertility challenges. At the same time, endometriosis is also commonly seen in people facing infertility, with studies showing it may be present in up to half of these cases.
These numbers can feel confronting. But they also highlight how widely studied and understood the condition is, which means there are established treatment pathways available.
How endometriosis can affect fertility
Inflammation
Endometriosis can create a chronic inflammatory environment in the pelvis. This may affect egg quality, fertilisation, and embryo development.
Scar tissue and adhesions
In moderate to severe cases, scar tissue can form around the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can:
- Block the release of eggs.
- Prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Interfere with the movement of the embryo.
Ovarian function
Endometriosis can lead to ovarian cysts (endometriomas), which may reduce ovarian reserve or impact egg quality over time.
Implantation challenges
Changes to the uterine environment may make it more difficult for an embryo to implant successfully.
It’s important to remember that the severity of symptoms doesn’t always reflect the severity of the condition. Someone with mild symptoms may still experience fertility challenges, while others with more advanced endometriosis may conceive naturally.
Can you still get pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes, many people with endometriosis do go on to have successful pregnancies. For those with minimal or mild endometriosis, natural conception is often still possible. However, it may take longer. With moderate to severe endometriosis, fertility challenges are more common, and medical support is often recommended.
Factors that can influence your chances include:
- Your age.
- The stage of endometriosis.
- Ovarian reserve (egg quantity and quality).
- Overall reproductive health.
Read: What you need to know about having a low ovarian reserve.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success (after 6 months if you’re over 35 or already diagnosed), it’s worth speaking with a fertility specialist to explore your options.
Fertility treatment options
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to endometriosis and fertility. Treatment depends on your individual situation, goals, and medical history.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
IVF is one of the most common and effective treatment options for people with endometriosis. It works by collecting eggs from the ovaries, fertilising them outside the body in a lab, and then transferring the embryo into the uterus.
IVF can help bypass some of the physical barriers caused by endometriosis, such as blocked tubes or adhesions.
Donor eggs
In some cases, egg quality or ovarian reserve may be significantly impacted, particularly if endometriosis has affected the ovaries, there have been multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, or age-related factors are also involved. In these situations, using donor eggs can be a very good option.
Because donor eggs come from young, healthy donors, their eggs can help improve embryo quality, increase the chances of successful implantation, and lead to higher pregnancy success rates compared to using compromised eggs. For many people, this option marks a turning point in their journey, opening the door to new possibilities after a difficult path.
If you’re considering using donor eggs, contact us to explore your options with a team that will guide you through the process.
When to speak to a fertility specialist
If you have endometriosis and are thinking about having a child, early support can make a meaningful difference. It may be time to speak with a specialist if:
- You’ve been trying to conceive without success.
- You’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and want to understand your options.
- You’re planning ahead and want to preserve fertility.
Getting guidance early doesn’t mean you need to rush into treatment. It simply gives you options and helps you make informed decisions about your next steps.
The emotional side of the journey
Endometriosis doesn’t just affect the body. It can also take an emotional toll. You might feel frustrated by delays, uncertain about the future, or overwhelmed by the decisions ahead. These feelings are completely valid.
Fertility journeys, especially those involving endometriosis, are rarely linear. Having the right support around you, both medically and emotionally, can make a big difference in how you experience the process.
Read: How to manage emotional challenges if using donor eggs.
While endometriosis can present challenges, it doesn’t mean your chances of becoming a parent are out of reach. With the right support and treatment, many people go on to build their families, whether through natural conception, IVF, or donor egg programs.
Understanding your options is the first step in finding a path that feels right for you. If you’re considering using donor eggs, contact our team at Central Egg Bank to learn more about how this egg donation works.
