Fertility
What should I ask about endometriosis-related infertility?
The short answer
Ask for a plan that specifically evaluates endometriosis or adenomyosis, including imaging, whether your tubes are open, and ovarian reserve. Ask how treatments affect your timeline, when an excision-focused surgical evaluation makes sense, and how pain care can support your fertility goals.
If you suspect endometriosis is affecting fertility, ask for a plan that specifically evaluates endometriosis or adenomyosis rather than labeling the problem as unexplained. It’s reasonable to ask whether your imaging approach is optimized for these conditions and what has been done to assess tubal patency, ovarian reserve, and other factors that pelvic disease can affect.
You can also ask how different paths might affect your timeline (such as medical suppression versus moving directly to fertility treatment) and when an excision-focused surgical evaluation makes sense. If pelvic pain is part of your picture, ask how we can address it in a way that supports, rather than sidelines, your fertility goals. If you’d like an endometriosis-informed, coordinated plan, our team can help you map out next steps. Reach out to schedule a consultation.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 1 · Understand
Understand the condition
Step 2 · Compare
Symptoms it can relate to
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Struggling with Endometriosis & Fertility?
Our specialists understand how endometriosis impacts fertility and can tailor evaluations to your needs. Discover treatment paths that respect your timeline and health goals.
Questions people ask next
All fertility questionsWhat should a fertility workup include with endometriosis?
A fertility workup with endometriosis typically looks at egg supply and pelvic anatomy, with ovarian reserve tests, pelvic ultrasound and commonly a partner's semen analysis. Depending on your history and imaging, it may include tests to see if the fallopian tubes are open, and sometimes MRI.
How is infertility from endometriosis treated?
Treatment depends on how endometriosis is affecting your fertility. Excision surgery can remove disease and restore anatomy when fertility is physically blocked. Fertility treatment is sometimes the next step after surgery and sometimes the first step.
Can endometriosis surgery affect fertility?
Yes, endometriosis surgery can affect fertility in both positive and negative ways, depending on where the disease is and what surgery involves. Removing disease can improve the chances of conception, but surgery on the ovaries can reduce ovarian reserve.
When is IVF recommended for endometriosis?
IVF is often recommended for endometriosis when older age or reduced ovarian reserve makes time a key factor, or when fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged. It may also be the next step after unsuccessful less invasive fertility treatment or when male-factor infertility is present.
Further reading
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.
Surgery and IVF: When Are They Right for Endometriosis?
Explore when surgery or IVF is best for endometriosis. Understand the decision-making process and what to consider for fertility and health.
Trying to Conceive With Endometriosis Without Making Symptoms Explode
Discover how to navigate pregnancy with endometriosis while managing symptoms. Explore safe options and recent research on fertility and treatment.
