I Have Endometriosis: Can I Still Get Pregnant?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. These growths, known as endometrial lesions, can cause symptoms that include painful periods, pelvic pain, and infertility. The good news is women with endometriosis can get pregnant.

Dr. Gene Krishingner Jr. at OB/GYN Care Orlando in Oviedo, Florida, has years of experience treating endometriosis and helping women achieve their fertility goals. If you’re struggling with endometriosis or infertility, we can help.

Here’s what you need to know about endometriosis and pregnancy.

How does endometriosis affect fertility?

Endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant by causing inflammation, scarring, and adhesions in the pelvic area. These symptoms can interfere with the normal functioning of your reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

In some cases, endometriosis affects the quality of the oocyte, the cell that can develop into an ovum or egg. Another potential issue is scarring that blocks your fallopian tubes. Because the sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube, conception is difficult when such scarring occurs.

However, having endometriosis doesn’t guarantee fertility problems. Many women with mild to moderate endometriosis are able to conceive naturally without intervention.

It's only when the condition is severe or causes significant scarring and damage to the reproductive organs that fertility may be impacted.

Can you get pregnant naturally with endometriosis? 

Yes. Many women with endometriosis are able to conceive without any intervention. 

Lifestyle steps you can take to increase your chances of success include:

• Eating a nutritious diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Taking a prenatal vitamin
• Getting good sleep
• Managing stress
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking

Also, consider tracking your ovulation and timing intercourse accordingly.

However, if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for six months or more without success, it may be time to discuss infertility treatments here at OB/GYN Care Orlando.

How OB/GYN care helps your chance of conceiving

Depending on the severity of your endometriosis and your age, Dr. Krishingner may recommend treatments such as surgery, medication, and assisted reproductive technology. 

Endometriosis treatments

A common treatment for endometriosis-related infertility is surgery to remove the endometrial tissue and any adhesions or scarring. That can restore normal function to the reproductive organs and access to the fallopian tubes. Surgery can be performed laparoscopically.

However, surgery isn’t always necessary and may not be effective for everyone.

Assisted reproductive technology

If conception doesn’t occur after surgery or other treatments, you might consider assisted reproductive technology. This approach refers to procedures where eggs or embryos are handled, namely in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

IVF requires taking medication to stimulate ovulation, followed by harvesting some of your eggs. The egg is fertilized with sperm outside of your uterus in a lab. Once the egg is fertilized, the resulting embryo or embryos are placed back into your uterus. 

This process can be a good option for women with severe endometriosis, especially if scar tissue blocks the fallopian tubes.

Compassionate care for endometriosis-related infertility

Dealing with the emotional toll of infertility and the physical pain of endometriosis is a lot to handle, but know that you’re never alone on this journey. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. 

Ready to schedule your appointment? Give us a call at 321-304-6249 or book your visit online.