Trying to Conceive with Endometriosis: A Gentle Guide
If you’re living with endometriosis and hoping to start a family, you may have a lot of questions, and perhaps some worries too. Getting pregnant with endometriosis can feel daunting, especially when so much of what you read online focuses on the difficulties.
So let’s start with something hopeful: many women with endometriosis go on to conceive naturally. And for those who need a little extra help, there are real options available.
This guide is here to walk alongside you. It isn’t a replacement for medical advice, but we hope it helps you feel more informed, more supported and a little less alone.
Can You Get Pregnant with Endometriosis?
Yes, many women can. Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK, and the majority of those with the condition are able to get pregnant without any treatment at all. This is especially true for women with mild to moderate endometriosis.
That said, endometriosis can make conceiving harder for some. Every body is different, and your experience will depend on things like where the endometriosis is, how extensive it is and your age. The amount of pain you feel doesn’t always reflect how your fertility is affected, so try not to assume the worst based on your symptoms alone.
How Endometriosis Can Affect Fertility
Doctors are still learning about the exact link between endometriosis and fertility, but some of the ways it may make conceiving harder include:
- Inflammation in the pelvis, which can create a less welcoming environment for eggs and sperm
- Scar tissue and adhesions, which can affect the fallopian tubes or ovaries
- Endometriomas (cysts on the ovaries), which may affect egg reserve
None of these mean pregnancy isn’t possible. They simply help explain why some women need a little more time or support.
7 Gentle Steps for Trying to Conceive with Endometriosis
1. Talk to your GP before you start trying
If you know you have endometriosis, let your GP know you’re planning to try for a baby. They can talk you through how your current treatment fits with trying to conceive. Many hormonal treatments for endometriosis work as contraception, so you’ll usually need to stop them, and it’s best to plan this together.
2. Don’t wait too long to ask for help
Generally, couples are advised to see their GP if they haven’t conceived after a year of trying. If you have endometriosis, are over 35 or have any other concerns, it’s worth speaking to your GP sooner. You know your body, and it’s okay to ask for support early.
3. Ask about a fertility referral
Your GP can refer you to a gynaecologist or fertility specialist who can assess your fertility and explain your options. Remember that fertility is a two-person picture. Your partner may be offered tests too.
4. Understand your treatment options
Depending on your situation, a specialist may discuss:
- Surgery to remove endometriosis, which can improve the chances of natural conception for some women, particularly those with milder endometriosis
- Fertility treatments such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF
- Fertility preservation, such as egg freezing, if you’re thinking about the future
It’s worth knowing that hormonal medicines used to manage endometriosis symptoms don’t improve fertility, so they’re not usually used while trying to conceive.
5. Track your cycle and your symptoms
Keeping a simple diary of your cycle, pain and symptoms can help you spot patterns and gives your doctor useful information. There are plenty of free apps that make this easy.
6. Look after your body and mind
Trying to conceive can be emotionally exhausting, and living with a chronic condition on top of that is a lot to carry. Be kind to yourself. Rest when you need to, eat well, keep gently active if it feels good and prioritise sleep.
7. Find your support network
You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to your partner, friends or family about how you’re feeling. Endometriosis UK runs support groups, an online community and a helpline, and Fertility Network UK offers support specifically for those trying to conceive. Speaking to others who truly understand can make a world of difference.
A Note on Hope
If you’re reading this at the start of your journey, or somewhere in the middle of a long one, please know that having endometriosis doesn’t define your path to motherhood. Many women with endometriosis go on to have healthy pregnancies, and once pregnant, endometriosis usually doesn’t affect the pregnancy itself.
Take things one step at a time, ask for help when you need it, and be as gentle with yourself as you would be with a friend.
Rest and Comfort with BellaMoon
Good rest matters when you’re trying to conceive, and with endometriosis it isn’t always easy to come by. Pelvic pain, lower back ache and bloating can make it hard to get comfortable at night, and broken sleep can leave you feeling even more drained.
That’s where a supportive pillow can make a real difference. The BellaMoon 3-in-1 Pillow is designed to support your whole body as you rest on your side:
- Between the knees, it keeps your hips and pelvis aligned, easing pressure on your lower back.
- Behind the back, it gives you something to lean into, so you can relax fully without rolling.
- Under the bump area, it offers gentle support for a tender tummy during a flare-up.
- Hugged in front, it supports your shoulders and upper body for a cosy, cocooned feel.
And when that positive pregnancy test arrives, your BellaMoon pillow comes with you. It supports you through every trimester, and later through feeding and those precious newborn days.
A supportive pillow is about comfort and rest, not treatment. If your pain is affecting your sleep or daily life, please speak to your GP or endometriosis specialist.
Endometriosis and Fertility FAQs
Can you get pregnant naturally with endometriosis?
Yes. Many women with endometriosis conceive naturally without any treatment, particularly those with mild to moderate endometriosis.
Does endometriosis surgery improve fertility?
For some women, surgery to remove endometriosis can improve the chances of getting pregnant naturally, especially with milder endometriosis. A specialist can advise whether it’s right for you.
When should I see a doctor if I have endometriosis and want to get pregnant?
It’s a good idea to speak to your GP before you start trying, and to go back sooner than the usual one year if you haven’t conceived, especially if you’re over 35.
Does endometriosis affect pregnancy?
For most women, endometriosis doesn’t cause problems once they’re pregnant. Your midwife and doctor will support you throughout.
Helpful Resources
With love,
Irene from BellaMoon x
www.bellamoon.co
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Always speak to your GP or specialist about your own situation.
