Is Pregnancy with Endometriosis Possible? Our Fertility Experts Weigh In

If you have endometriosis and you’re pregnant or planning to be, naturally, you have concerns about the risks. While pregnancy with endometriosis is possible, the condition can present challenges for those hoping to conceive.

We understand that infertility can carry a difficult physical and emotional toll, which is why we’re dedicated to working with you from that first endometriosis diagnosis through your entire pregnancy. It’s just one reflection of our commitment to patient-centered care.

Endometriosis can be a complicated condition, and our experienced, compassionate OBGYNs in Raleigh are ready to assist you. We’ll get to the heart of the matter and support you along your journey. We have helped many women with endometriosis give birth. If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and you want to get pregnant, we encourage you to contact us for an appointment.

In this article, we’ll consider how the condition is managed and its impact on your health after pregnancy.

Is Pregnancy with Endometriosis Possible?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining, or endometrium, grows outside the uterus on areas including:

Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Bladder
Outer uterine surface

Endometriosis symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, especially before and during your period, painful sex and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Endometriosis makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine lining, and therefore, more challenging to become pregnant. It’s still possible to conceive, however, depending on which stage of endometriosis you’re experiencing.

So yes, you can still become pregnant. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment to receive preconception planning. Your OB-GYN will also want to monitor you to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

How is Endometriosis Managed?

Treatment for endometriosis will depend on your symptoms and the stage of the disease and may include medication to manage the pain, surgery, or both.

If you’re planning to become pregnant, a surgical intervention known as laparoscopy may be needed. In this minimally invasive procedure, endometrial tissue is removed for further examination.

Our doctors may recommend this treatment approach before you conceive, during preconception planning. It’s important to consult with us to determine the best treatment option for you based on your specific situation.

Can Endometriosis Get Worse After Pregnancy?

Endometriosis may worsen after pregnancy, but it varies from person to person. Because ovulation is suppressed during pregnancy and the hormonal changes that cause endometriosis don’t occur, symptoms may lessen while you are pregnant but may return after childbirth when the menstrual cycle begins again.

Together, we can discuss diagnosis and treatment options if your endometriosis symptoms intensify after pregnancy or you experience new symptoms.

Endometriosis and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can improve endometriosis symptoms temporarily, for the same reason that pregnancy does: Breastfeeding lowers estrogen levels by suppressing ovulation, which deters the growth of endometrial tissue.

As with pregnancy, however, once pre-pregnancy hormone levels return and your menstrual cycle begins again, endometriosis symptoms may return.

Are You Trying to Get Pregnant With Endometriosis? Let Our Compassionate Team at Associate’s in Women’s Healthcare Help

We understand the challenges that endometriosis creates, and we are here to support you through them. If you’re living with endometriosis and you want to become pregnant, talk to us.

We can discuss your options and create a treatment approach tailored specifically for you, based on your age, stage of endometriosis, and other relevant factors.

Endometriosis is a common condition and it’s still possible to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “Endometriosis,” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis

Cleveland Clinic, “What to Know About Fertility and Endometriosis,”
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-i-get-pregnant-if-i-have-endometriosis

Cleveland Clinic, “Preeclampsia,” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17952-preeclampsia

Medical News Today, “Endometriosis During Pregnancy,” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322516

Very Well Health, “Endometriosis After Pregnancy,” https://www.verywellhealth.com/endometriosis-after-pregnancy-6385705