Can You Have Kids If You Have Endometriosis?

Yes — you can have kids if you have endometriosis, but it’s not always straightforward. Many people with endometriosis are able to get pregnant naturally, while others may need extra support, like fertility treatments. Endometriosis can sometimes make it harder to conceive, depending on how much it affects your reproductive system.

According to Dr. Jessica Ryniec, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility in Boston:

“Many people are able to get pregnant with endometriosis without fertility treatment, but many do need assistance (like IVF), and it's better to know that as soon as possible.”

While the information overload may feel like a lot at first, it can be beneficial in the long run to better understand whether you have endometriosis and how it may impact your chances of having kids.

Chances of getting pregnant with endometriosis

As we know, endometriosis impacts fertility in several ways, but the good news is that around 60–70% of those with endo can get pregnant spontaneously. That means while endometriosis may make the road to conception more complicated, it doesn’t automatically close the door on natural pregnancy. For many, it just means extra patience — or a little extra support — along the way.

What’s the best age to get pregnant with endometriosis?

First off: there’s no single “best age” to get pregnant for people with or without any condition — it’s a hugely personal choice, and depends on your circumstances, mental health, physical health, and whether you actually want to get pregnant at that age.

But it’s true that age is an important factor in fertility for everyone, but especially for people with endometriosis. Egg quality naturally declines with age, and endometriosis can accelerate challenges with ovarian reserve and egg quality.

As Dr. Ryniec notes: “I often encourage people with a higher likelihood of infertility, including those with endometriosis, to consider evaluation even before they start trying to conceive or earlier in the process than it would otherwise be recommended to make sure they are optimizing their chances.”

Can you get pregnant after endometriosis surgery?

Surgery — usually laparoscopic — is the most definitive way to diagnose and sometimes treat endometriosis. Removing lesions and scar tissue can improve fertility for some people.

“The best advice is to try to manage endometriosis either with medical or even surgical treatments and to know when to seek a fertility doctor’s help,” says Dr. Ryniec. Surgery isn’t a guaranteed fix, but it can increase the chances of pregnancy for some.

How long after endo surgery can you get pregnant?

Timing matters. Fertility specialists often recommend trying within the first 6–12 months after surgery, as recurrence of endometriosis over time can affect outcomes. That said, every case is different, and a care plan should be individualized.

How to get pregnant with endometriosis

If your goal is pregnancy, there are multiple paths to consider. Which one is best depends on your age, your partner’s fertility, and how severe your endometriosis is. For some, small lifestyle changes and timed intercourse are enough, while others may need medical treatments or assisted reproductive technology (ART) to boost their chances. The key is knowing you have options — and that your journey is valid, whichever route you take.

How to get pregnant with endometriosis naturally

It’s absolutely possible to conceive naturally with endometriosis, particularly if symptoms are mild or if the condition hasn’t affected egg quality or blocked the fallopian tubes. Some people are able to get pregnant without medical intervention, but for others, endometriosis can make natural conception more challenging.

As Dr. Ryniec encourages: “Know when to reach out for help so you have all of the info available to make informed decisions about how you'd like to approach family building.”

Best IVF protocol for endometriosis

For those who need assisted reproductive technology, IVF is one of the most effective options. While there isn’t one single “best” protocol for everyone with endometriosis, treatments are often tailored to reduce inflammation and optimize egg quality. Doctors may use longer “down-regulation” protocols with medication to quiet endometriosis activity before stimulation, or carefully adjust stimulation meds to protect egg quality and improve implantation chances.

In cases of unexplained infertility or repeated IVF implantation failure, newer tools can provide insight. The MyReceptiva test looks for a protein marker (BCL6) linked to inflammation often associated with endometriosis — even in “silent” cases.

Dr. Ryniec explains: “Tests like MyReceptiva are a way of screening for altered immune function (inflammation) at the lining of the uterus that can be caused by endometriosis. It can't definitively help detect endometriosis but is a tool to screen for it as a possibility. It is less beneficial if someone has obvious signs [or] symptoms of endometriosis, but can be very helpful for those with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility or IVF implantation failure that may be attributed to endometriosis.”

Endometriosis while pregnant

Pregnancy with endometriosis is possible, but symptoms and experiences can vary widely. Some people find that symptoms improve during pregnancy, while others may still experience pain or complications. If you do get pregnant with endo, it might feel like a mix of typical pregnancy changes layered with lingering pelvic pain, spotting, or discomfort — though many go on to have completely healthy pregnancies. Because endometriosis can sometimes affect risks like miscarriage, preterm birth, or placental issues, it’s important to have close monitoring and open communication with your care team throughout.

Endometriosis and ectopic pregnancy: Is there a link?

It’s true that endometriosis can raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy — when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This is often linked to scar tissue or blockages caused by endo. Not everyone with endometriosis will face this complication, but it’s worth knowing the signs and making sure you’re closely monitored by your doctor so any issues can be caught early.

So, can you have kids with endometriosis?

You can have kids if you have endometriosis. Many people go on to conceive naturally, while others may need extra help through fertility treatments like IVF. Endometriosis can complicate the journey, but it doesn’t mean parenthood is out of reach. What really matters is understanding how endometriosis affects fertility and what options are available to support you.

But endometriosis can impact fertility in a few ways, according to Dr. Ryniec, with some studies suggesting that anywhere from 30–50% of people with endometriosis will experience infertility at some point:

“The first is through altered anatomy. Endometriosis can cause scar tissue which can impact the way the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are positioned, can block or damage the fallopian tubes, or can block the path between the tubes and ovaries making it difficult for an egg to get picked up.

Second is that endometriosis is highly inflammatory and can lead to altered immune function in the pelvis that can impact implantation. Third, it can alter the hormonal environment around the ovary, which can lead to decreased egg quality. Finally, pain from endometriosis can lead to sexual dysfunction.”

Even with these challenges, the good news is that pregnancy is still possible — sometimes naturally, sometimes with assisted reproductive technology (ART).

What really makes a difference is knowing whether endometriosis is part of your story. Getting diagnosed — whether through laparoscopy, or with non-invasive tools like the MyReceptiva test — can give you clarity on what’s happening inside your body. And when you have that information, you can build a care plan that actually supports your fertility goals.

At the end of the day, your path to pregnancy may look different from someone else’s. That doesn’t make it less valid. The more you understand your body, the more confidently you can advocate for the care, tests, and treatments you deserve.

Ready to find out whether you could have endo? Use code RESCRIPTED to get $85 off your MyReceptiva Testing Kit today!

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Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced women's health content writer and SEO content strategist, having written for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Fertility Mapper, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.