Fertility
Can you get pregnant with endometriosis without surgery?
The short answer
Yes, many people with endometriosis get pregnant without surgery, either naturally or with fertility treatment. Whether this is a good plan for you depends on your age, ovarian reserve, how long you’ve been trying, other fertility factors, and whether you have endometriomas or deep disease.
Yes, many people with endometriosis do get pregnant without surgery, either naturally or with fertility treatment. Whether that’s a good plan for you depends on your age, ovarian reserve, how long you’ve been trying, whether there are other fertility factors (partner sperm, tubal issues), and whether you have endometriomas or deep disease.
The tricky part is that medications that often control endometriosis symptoms typically suppress ovulation, so stopping them to try to conceive can bring pain and bleeding back. If you’re considering IVF, it’s understandable to worry that ovarian stimulation could feed endometriosis. In many patients, it does not appear to cause major short-term progression, but we plan more cautiously when deep infiltrating disease and significant symptoms are present.
If you’re deciding between trying on your own, moving to IVF, or considering excision first, our team can help you map out a timeline that protects both pregnancy goals and quality of life. Understanding how endometriosis can affect eggs, tubes, implantation, and symptom control can make the next step feel much clearer. Reach out if you’d like us to review your history and imaging with you.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 1 · Understand
Understand the condition
Step 2 · Compare
Symptoms it can relate to
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Pregnant with Endometriosis?
Many conceive without surgery, but your situation is unique. Our specialists can guide you through natural and fertility treatment options safely.
Questions people ask next
All fertility questionsIs laparoscopy necessary for infertility from endometriosis?
Laparoscopy is not always necessary for infertility from endometriosis, but surgical tissue removal is needed for a definitive diagnosis. The key question is whether surgery is likely to improve your barriers to conception, such as tubal damage or an endometrioma.
Can I use medical therapy while trying to get pregnant?
Hormonal therapies for endometriosis are usually paused while you’re trying to get pregnant because they typically suppress ovulation. Symptom relief during this time can focus on non-hormonal options aligned with your fertility goals and timing.
Can endometriosis surgery improve my chances of conceiving?
Excision surgery can improve the chances of conceiving for some patients with endometriosis, particularly when removing superficial disease helps restore more normal pelvic anatomy. Outcomes vary, and surgery on the ovaries can affect ovarian reserve.
Can endometriosis surgery affect fertility?
Yes, endometriosis surgery can affect fertility in both positive and negative ways, depending on where the disease is and what surgery involves. Removing disease can improve the chances of conception, but surgery on the ovaries can reduce ovarian reserve.
Further reading
Trying to Conceive With Endometriosis Without Making Symptoms Explode
Discover how to navigate pregnancy with endometriosis while managing symptoms. Explore safe options and recent research on fertility and treatment.
Surgery and IVF: When Are They Right for Endometriosis?
Explore when surgery or IVF is best for endometriosis. Understand the decision-making process and what to consider for fertility and health.
Making a Fertility Plan: Working with Your Endometriosis Care Team
Learn how to create a patient-centered fertility plan with your endometriosis care team, addressing symptoms, treatment, and desired timelines.
