Endometriosis and fertility: can you get pregnant with endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It is estimated that around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age lives with this disease, yet many cases remain undiagnosed for years.

For many women, the first time they hear the word endometriosis is when they start trying to conceive and encounter unexpected fertility difficulties.

Understanding how endometriosis can affect fertility is essential in order to find the most appropriate treatment and avoid unnecessary delays when trying to become pregnant.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus.

This tissue may develop in several areas of the pelvis, including:

the ovaries
the fallopian tubes
the pelvic lining
other nearby structures

Like the endometrium inside the uterus, this tissue reacts to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. As a result, it can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue or adhesions.

Over time, these changes may interfere with normal reproductive function and, in some cases, make it more difficult to achieve pregnancy.

Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?

One of the most common questions patients ask is whether pregnancy is still possible after being diagnosed with endometriosis.

The answer is yes, many women with endometriosis can still get pregnant.

However, the condition may make conception more difficult for some patients. Research suggests that between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis experience fertility problems.

The disease may affect fertility in different ways, including:

pelvic adhesions that alter reproductive anatomy
chronic inflammation within the pelvis
ovarian cysts known as endometriomas
potential effects on egg quality
difficulties with embryo implantation

For some women, endometriosis is only diagnosed after months or years of trying to conceive without success.

Why endometriosis is often diagnosed late

One of the biggest challenges surrounding endometriosis is the delay in diagnosis.

Studies suggest that women may wait an average of seven years before receiving a confirmed diagnosis.

During this time, symptoms are often dismissed as normal menstrual pain. As a result, the condition may progress silently while continuing to affect quality of life and fertility potential.

Earlier recognition of symptoms could significantly improve both pain management and reproductive outcomes.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis can present with a wide range of symptoms, although their severity varies between patients.

Common symptoms include:

severe menstrual pain
chronic pelvic pain
pain during sexual intercourse
digestive discomfort
fatigue

However, some women experience only mild symptoms or none at all, which makes the disease more difficult to detect in its early stages.

IVF and endometriosis: fertility treatment options

Although endometriosis can affect fertility, many women with the condition successfully achieve pregnancy with the help of fertility treatments.

Depending on the severity of the disease and each patient’s reproductive profile, treatment options may include:

ovulation induction
intrauterine insemination (IUI)
in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

In moderate or severe cases, IVF is often considered the most effective treatment, as it bypasses some of the anatomical and inflammatory barriers created by endometriosis.

If you would like to understand the condition in more detail. yo can also read our guide on endometriosis and fertility.

IVF and endometriosis success rates in Spain

Success rates depend on several factors, including the patient’s age, ovarian reserve and the stage of the disease. In many cases, personalised fertility treatment can significantly improve the chances of pregnancy.

For this reason, women diagnosed with endometriosis who wish to become mothers may benefit from an early consultation with a fertility specialist.

When should you see a fertility specialist?

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis and are planning to conceive, or if you have been trying to get pregnant without success, seeking specialist advice can help clarify your options.

Early evaluation allows doctors to assess fertility potential and recommend the most appropriate treatment strategy.

At URE Centro Gutenberg, our medical team has extensive experience helping women with endometriosis achieve pregnancy through personalised fertility treatment plans.

If you would like to explore your options, our specialists can guide you through the next steps on your fertility journey. You can leave your details here, and our medical team will contact you.