Endometriosis and fertility

Endometriosis is one of the common conditions linked to infertility, with 10% to 30% of people diagnosed with endometriosis experiencing infertility. For people with endometriosis, the experience of infertility can add to the burden of endometriosis by contributing to challenges in your relationships, in social settings, and even financially (due to the cost of fertility treatment). It can also increase feelings of hopelessness and adversely impact your mental health.

If you have endometriosis, it can be more difficult to become pregnant. The reasons why are not fully understood, but may be because of:

• pelvic adhesions and scar tissue that fuse organs and ligaments together and block ovaries and/or fallopian tubes;
• chronic inflammation that impacts embryo implantation or ovulation;
• changes to the shape of the reproductive organ;
• or hormonal imbalances.

For people with endometriosis, it can be difficult to think about family planning. For those that experience chronic pain, you may feel like you need to make the choice between managing pain and family planning. You may also feel pressured to make choices about your family planning before you are ready because you are concerned that you are infertile. It is important to speak to your health care provider about your family planning and long-term goals.