When Endometriosis Causes Infertility or Pregnancy Complications

For women who want children, there is nothing more emotionally devastating than issues getting and staying pregnant. When it comes to trying to become a mother, few diagnoses present as many complications as endometriosis.

If you are struggling right now or have struggled in the past with this issue, you are not alone. This community understands.

We wanted to open up a conversation about infertility and pregnancy to hear about your experiences so that others can find connection, understanding and hope through your stories. We reached out on the Endometriosis.net Facebook page, and we asked, “Have you dealt with infertility and/or pregnancy complications due to endometriosis?”

It breaks our hearts that so many of you related to this topic. More than 150 of you shared. Here is what you said.

Trying to get pregnant for years

“I have tried for 13 years.”

Yes, it may be possible to get pregnant with endometriosis, but it can mean a lot of trying. Of course, it is frustrating and sad that it can take so long to get pregnant. It is OK to keep trying, and it is OK to stop. You will know in your heart what is the right choice for you - regardless of what anyone else says.

“Yes, endometriosis has interfered with me being able to get pregnant. I have tried for 13 years and no luck.”

“I cannot have children because of my endometriosis. I lost my right fallopian tube. I only have a 15 percent chance and tried for 10 years to have a family and nothing. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) did not help and I cannot afford anything above that unfortunately. My lifelong dream has been shattered because of endometriosis.”

Endometriosis and pregnancy miscarriage

“I have had 3 miscarriages.”

A miscarriage is easily one of the most tragic things that can happen to a woman. Do whatever you need to do to heal and work through this crisis. Your friends who have not had a miscarriage may not understand, and they may say things that are well meaning, but hurtful. Know that you can always find support and understanding here in this community, as, sadly, many community members know the grief of having a miscarriage.

“I struggled to conceive with insemination every 48 hours for 2 solid years. I have had 3 miscarriages. With my only successful pregnancy I had: 2 placental abruptions, 3 rounds of preterm labor, hyperemesis gravidarum, cervical problems, and bleeding complications on delivery.”

“Yes. I lost a child at 12 weeks from a pregnancy that doctors said was impossible, and since then I have not been able to conceive. Definitely a terrible pain.”

“Yep! One miscarriage and two ectopic pregnancies. Luckily my endo specialist listened to me and I got my second excision surgery. Low and behold, I had endometriosis in my right fallopian tube where the ectopics were.”

Pregnancies not full-term

“I had my daughter at 26 weeks.”

Women with endometriosis are 1.5 times more likely to deliver early—defined as 37 weeks or sooner.¹ Many of you who had successful pregnancies did, in fact, deliver early. But you are proof that pregnancy may be possible!

“I did not know I had endometriosis until after I had a hysterectomy. However, I had one child at 26 weeks and had another child at 20 weeks. Makes more sense to me now.”

“Yes! Resting pregnancy and early births. I had my second child at 36 weeks, and my first child at 35 weeks.”

“My son arrived 7 weeks early after 3 months of bed rest.”

“Yes, but each pregnancy was more complicated age. My first child was conceived naturally but rocky pregnancy and born 5 weeks early. My second had to have quite a bit of reproductive assistance but born on time. My 3rd was IVF.”

Holding onto hope to conceive

“I am still praying that one day I may be able to conceive.”

Many of you are still hopeful, and we stand with you. You have heard the success stories, and sometimes even have one or two of your own. Pregnancy is possible, and we wish you all the best on your journey.

“I have infertility due to endo and am still praying that one day I may be able to conceive and birth a child.”

“I got lucky and have a five-month-old. It happened right after surgery but we almost lost him and myself due to placenta abruption at 36 weeks. They caught it just in time. If we are lucky to get pregnant again, it will be high risk of it happening again and preterm.”

We are so grateful to all of you who shared about this difficult topic. With every share, the women who come here find support and connection because of you. Thank you.