Fertility
Does endometriosis always cause infertility?
The short answer
No, endometriosis does not always cause infertility, and many people with endometriosis conceive without assistance. It can make it harder to get pregnant for some patients, especially when inflammation or scarring affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic anatomy.
No, endometriosis does not always cause infertility, and many people with endometriosis conceive without assistance. That said, endometriosis can make it harder for some patients to get pregnant, especially when inflammation or scarring affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic anatomy.
The effect on fertility varies widely and doesn’t always match pain severity, so individualized evaluation matters. Our team can help you understand how your symptoms, imaging, and reproductive goals fit together, and discuss options that may include optimizing fertility timing or considering surgical treatment to address endometriosis when appropriate. If you’re trying to conceive (now or in the future), reach out to schedule a consultation so we can develop a plan tailored to you.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
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Symptoms it can relate to
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Worried About Fertility?
Endometriosis doesn't always cause infertility, but it can affect your chances of conceiving. Our specialists will evaluate your unique situation and help you explore the best options for your fertility journey.
Questions people ask next
All fertility questionsHow does endometriosis affect fertility, and when to seek help?
Endometriosis can affect fertility through inflammation and scarring, but many people do conceive. In general, evaluation is recommended after 12 months of trying without success, or 6 months if you’re 35 or older; earlier evaluation is reasonable with severe pain or other risk factors.
Can endometriosis cause infertility without pain?
Yes, endometriosis can present with little or no pain, and infertility may be the first or only sign. It can affect fertility through ongoing inflammation, scar tissue that changes pelvic anatomy, and effects on the ovaries and egg quality.
Can you get pregnant with endometriosis without surgery?
Yes, many people with endometriosis get pregnant without surgery, either naturally or with fertility treatment. Whether this is a good plan for you depends on your age, ovarian reserve, how long you’ve been trying, other fertility factors, and whether you have endometriomas or deep disease.
Do endometriosis and adenomyosis affect fertility?
Endometriosis and adenomyosis can both make it harder to conceive, though the reasons can differ from person to person. They may affect fertility through inflammation, scarring, ovarian involvement, or uterine changes that can interfere with implantation and pregnancy.
Further reading
How Endometriosis Contributes to Infertility
How endometriosis leads to infertility: pathogenesis; effects on gametes, tubes, and endometrium; and treatments (expectant care, surgery, and ART).
Feeling Overwhelmed: Endometriosis and Fertility Fears Explained
Explore the emotional impact of endometriosis on fertility fears. Understand your worries with recent research and practical steps for your journey.
Making a Fertility Plan: Working with Your Endometriosis Care Team
Learn how to create a patient-centered fertility plan with your endometriosis care team, addressing symptoms, treatment, and desired timelines.
