Yes, you can get pregnant even if you have endometriosis. Having endometriosis is not synonymous with infertility, although it may make conception more difficult for various reasons.
In some cases, it may reduce the number or quality of oocytes, while in others it may alter pelvic anatomy, affecting tubal function and making pregnancy more difficult to achieve. Hormonal imbalances or changes in the endometrium may also occur, potentially interfering with embryo implantation.
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, and many women with this diagnosis are able to build a family.
It is important to bear in mind that early diagnosis can make a significant difference.
When to consult a fertility clinic if you have endometriosis
If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis and wish to become pregnant, the first step is usually to seek advice from a specialist in endometriosis. In cases where there is minimal impact on the reproductive organs, general population guidelines are typically followed, and natural conception is recommended.
If pregnancy does not occur after a certain period—six months in women over 35 years of age or one year in women under 35—it is advisable to consult a specialist to assess the situation.
In cases of deep endometriosis or when there is evident tubal involvement (such as hydrosalpinx), it is recommended that the case be evaluated jointly by a reproductive medicine specialist and an endometriosis specialist in order to plan appropriate, individualized, and shared decision-making with the patient.
When pregnancy cannot be achieved naturally, assisted reproductive treatments may help. Depending on the case, options include intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), with IVF being more commonly indicated in more advanced stages of endometriosis or when there is greater impact on reproductive function.
What can I do if I have been diagnosed with endometriosis but do not wish to become a mother yet?
In young women who do not yet wish to have children, oocyte vitrification may be a recommended option to preserve fertility before the disease further affects the reproductive system.
If you have endometriosis and are considering pregnancy, an initial consultation at an assisted reproduction clinic such as Eugin can help you resolve any questions and understand your current reproductive situation. A specialist will assess your case individually, evaluate your ovarian reserve, and recommend the most appropriate options to increase your chances of achieving pregnancy.
In summary: Early diagnosis and proper planning in collaboration with the patient are essential for shared decision-making throughout the reproductive years. At the time of diagnosis, it is advisable to establish a “reproductive journey” plan covering the short, medium, and long term (which can, of course, be adjusted over time).
In endometriosis, each patient is unique. It is essential to consider the extent of the disease alongside age, as well as personal, social, and professional life plans.
Reviewed by Dr. Silvia Agramunt