Fertility
Can endometriosis cause miscarriage?
The short answer
Endometriosis may be associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, but miscarriage is not inevitable. Many people with endometriosis have healthy pregnancies, though inflammation and hormonal or immune factors may play a role in pregnancy loss.
Yes, endometriosis may be associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, although this does not mean miscarriage is inevitable. Many people with endometriosis conceive and have healthy pregnancies, but research suggests that pregnancy outcomes can be affected in some patients, especially depending on the subtype, severity, and overall inflammatory burden.
We think the connection is likely multifactorial. Endometriosis is associated with chronic inflammation and changes in the pelvic and uterine environment, which may interfere with implantation or early placental development in some cases. Hormonal and immune factors may also play a role. If you’ve experienced a loss (or recurrent losses) and have known or suspected endometriosis, our team can help evaluate the full picture and discuss whether an approach involving surgical diagnosis and excision makes sense as part of a fertility-focused plan.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Worried About Fertility Risks?
Endometriosis can increase miscarriage risk, but many have healthy pregnancies. Our specialists provide tailored care to support your fertility journey and address inflammation and other challenges.
Questions people ask next
All fertility questionsDoes endometriosis treatment reduce miscarriage risk or mainly aid conception?
Endometriosis treatment, especially complete excision, has the strongest evidence for improving the chances of conceiving; whether it lowers miscarriage risk is less clear. When adenomyosis is also present, optimizing the uterus before pregnancy may be more relevant to miscarriage risk.
Does endometriosis increase miscarriage risk?
Yes, endometriosis is associated with a modest increase in miscarriage risk, particularly in the first trimester. Most pregnancies in people with endometriosis are successful, and age, pregnancy history and other uterine factors matter for individual risk.
Does endometriosis make pregnancy high risk?
Most people with endometriosis have healthy pregnancies, but it can be associated with a higher likelihood of certain complications. These include placenta previa, preterm birth, bleeding during pregnancy and cesarean delivery. Risk is not the same for everyone.
Can adenomyosis cause miscarriage?
Adenomyosis may contribute to miscarriage for some patients, but many people with adenomyosis have healthy pregnancies. Changes in the uterine muscle and environment may affect implantation and early placental development, and risk varies from person to person.
Further reading
Endometriosis and Miscarriage: What Research Suggests
Learn how endometriosis may affect miscarriage risk, the roles of inflammation, hormones, and surgery, what current studies show, and ways to manage fertility.
Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, and Pregnancy: What Patients Need to Know
Explore how adenomyosis affects pregnancy and fertility with endometriosis. Get trusted research insights and advice for your care team.
Fertility-Sparing Treatment for Adenomyosis: Pregnancy Chances, Symptom Relief, and Pregnancy Risks
Weigh pregnancy chances, symptom relief, and risks after fertility-sparing adenomyosis treatment. Compare adenomyomectomy vs HIFU, RFA, UAE: when to add hormones
