Is It Possible to Get Pregnant When You Have Endometriosis?

Given about one in six people around the world are affected by infertility, it's natural for a woman seeking to get pregnant to feel apprehensive. This concern is even greater for those with endometriosis.

Fortunately, while fertility can be more challenging for some women with the condition, about half to two-thirds are still able to become pregnant.

With personalized care and a calm bedside manner, our expert board-certified physicians at Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology provide obstetrical and gynecological care for women throughout their lives.

Whether you have endometriosis or want to get pregnant — or both — we can help you navigate these situations and more at our conveniently located offices in Westport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects about one in ten women and occurs when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places of the body. It can happen in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum, as well as the area behind the uterus and in a layer of the uterine wall. Less often, it can develop in the vagina, bladder, intestines, and rectum and even in the diaphragm or lung.

Symptoms

Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms, while others suffer from pelvic pain that can range from mild to intense. It is often worse right before and during menstruation.

Other signs include significantly painful menstrual cramps and heaving bleeding during periods. Light bleeding between periods may also occur.

Pain in the abdomen or back, during sex, or when peeing or having a bowel movement can be additional signs. The amount of discomfort or number of symptoms doesn't typically correlate to how many areas of endometriosis a woman has.

Digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and bloating can happen as well. Some women may also have problems getting pregnant.

Endometriosis and fertility

Endometriosis can affect fertility, and in fact, some women only find out they have it when they have problems getting pregnant.

Often, this issue is due to tissue growing on or around the ovaries or fallopian tubes, which can cause scarring and make it more difficult for the sperm and egg to connect or the embryo to implant. Endometriosis can also affect the immune system, hormonal environment, and egg quality.

Statistics

Approximately 30 to 50% of women with endometriosis struggle with infertility. They have a 1 to 10% chance of getting pregnant each month versus the 10 to 20% odds for people without endometriosis.

We can help

Treatments are available for women to help manage their symptoms and to aid in improving their odds of getting pregnant. Whether you're suffering from pain or other signs of endometriosis or are trying unsuccessfully to conceive, we can help.

Click to book an appointment or call the Westport office at 203-227-5125, the Fairfield office at 203-335-9633, or the Norwalk office at 203-840-1507 today.