Can You Still Get Pregnant if You Have Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age, around 190 million women worldwide. In recognition of Women’s Health Month, Norman Regional Health System is exploring the signs, symptoms, and causes of endometriosis, as well as its potential impact on fertility.

What is Endometriosis?

“Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition caused by endometrial glands or stroma attaching to the outside of the uterine cavity,” explained said Eunice Lee, APRN, DNP, a Women’s Health nurse practitioner at Care for Women – Norman.

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus. It can begin when a girl has her first period and, in some cases, will continue until menopause.

Some women with endometriosis may not have any symptoms, but others experience significant symptoms.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies common symptoms:

• Very painful or disabling menstrual cramps
• Pain in the lower belly or intestines
• Painful bowel movements
• Spotting before your period or bleeding between periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant

“Some risk factors associated with endometriosis are family history of endometriosis, early onset of menstruation, short monthly cycles, and heavy menstrual periods,” said Lee.

What Causes Endometriosis?

Doctors and researchers believe endometriosis can happen for several reasons:

• Retrograde menstruation: When menstrual blood flows backward into the belly instead of out of the body.
• Cellular growth: Uterine cells in the backward-flowing blood stick and grow outside the uterus.
• Cellular metaplasia: Normal cells in the body change into cells like those that line the uterus.
• Stem cells: Special cells that can turn into many kinds of cells may spread through blood or lymph and cause endometriosis in other areas.

Where there are many causes for endometriosis, it’s important to understand that if you notice any signs or symptoms, to seek the care of a medical expert immediately.

How Endometriosis Affects Fertility

“Women with endometriosis can run into challenges when trying to get pregnant and seeking help from a specialist can provide valuable insight,” said Lee.

Endometriosis can make it harder for some women to get pregnant. This depends on where the endometrial tissue grows.

If it grows near the ovaries or fallopian tubes, it can cause inflammation and scar tissue, which may block or damage these organs. It can also cause hormone imbalances that affect a woman’s eggs.

“The scar tissues can change the anatomy of the reproductive organs that can make it difficult for ovulation to occur or block the egg from traveling through the fallopian tubes,” Lee said. “Hormonal changes can also create an environment that is not favorable to supporting a pregnancy.”

Here are some key facts about fertility and endometriosis:

• Between thirty and fifty percent of women diagnosed with endometriosis experience infertility. 
• Women with endometriosis have about a 10% lower chance of getting pregnant compared to those without the condition.

Many women with endometriosis are still able to get pregnant. If you're trying to conceive, there are several treatment options available.

A women’s health provider or fertility specialist can help create a personalized plan to manage the condition and improve your chances of pregnancy.

How is Endometriosis Treated?

Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. However, there are many treatment options available to manage severity of symptoms.

“Surgical options to remove endometrial growths can improve fertility and help restore pelvic anatomy, explained Lee. “Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer additional pathways for conception.”

Lee also suggests some less invasive or complimentary treatments for endometriosis, such as lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management may help reduce symptoms and support reproductive health.

When Should You Consider Seeing a Specialist?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis or seeking preventative care, you should schedule an appointment with a gynecologist, OB/GYN or fertility specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you are able to treat endometriosis, the higher the chances of a successful pregnancy.

“Patients with moderate to severe pelvic pain or who have a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis are encouraged to speak with a specialist,” said Lee. “Early evaluation can help you understand your options and improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.”

These providers can help diagnose and treat endometriosis and manage its symptoms. Early detection of endometriosis is extremely important to maximizing treatment options and increasing fertility.

“Seeing a fertility specialist is a great way to get answers to any questions or concerns you might have,” said Lee.

Here are additional tips for women who may have endometriosis and are looking to conceive:

• Seek early evaluation by a specialist to better understand how endometriosis may affect your fertility and to develop a tailored plan.
• Track your menstrual cycle to identify ovulation patterns, which can help optimize timing for conception.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall reproductive health and improve your chances of getting pregnant.
• Be proactive and advocate for yourself, as endometriosis is often underdiagnosed. Explore all available options to find the best approach for your health and fertility goals.

At Norman Regional, our diverse team of women’s health providers are here to offer you quality and compassionate care. If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, have been previously diagnosed and are trying to conceive or are seeking treatment options, please call 405-515-5000 to schedule an appointment with any of our skilled gynecologists, OB/GYNs, or fertility specialists.