Endometriosis-Related Infertility Linked to Higher Pregnancy Rates

A recent population-based study spanning three decades has revealed that women experiencing infertility due to endometriosis are more likely to conceive compared to those facing infertility from other causes. This groundbreaking research, which examined over 4 million women in England, was presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) on July 2, 2025, in Paris, France, and is set to be published in the journal *Human Reproduction*.

The study was conducted as part of the EU FEMaLe (Finding Endometriosis through Machine Learning) consortium, which utilized linked primary care, secondary care, and maternity records from women aged 13 to 50 who exhibited symptoms of infertility or endometriosis between 1991 and 2020. Researchers identified 111,197 cases of surgically confirmed endometriosis, with 14,904 women diagnosed with both endometriosis and infertility. Notably, 57.4% of these women received their infertility diagnosis prior to the surgical confirmation of endometriosis, highlighting ongoing concerns about diagnostic delays that impede timely intervention.

Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain and significantly contributing to female infertility. The study found that women diagnosed with infertility were over twice as likely to have endometriosis than those without infertility. Despite the known challenges associated with endometriosis, the findings indicate that 40.5% of women diagnosed with the condition achieved at least one pregnancy during the study period, independent of infertility status.

Lead author Dr. Lucky Saraswat from the Aberdeen Centre of Women’s Health Research at the University of Aberdeen stated, “Endometriosis can vary in how it affects fertility. Women with milder forms may retain good reproductive potential, especially if the condition is diagnosed and managed early.” Dr. Saraswat also referenced moderate-quality evidence suggesting that laparoscopic surgery could enhance pregnancy rates for some women with endometriosis.

This research underscores the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies, as many women may be more inclined to seek clinical evaluation due to increasing public and professional awareness regarding the link between endometriosis and infertility. Professor Anis Feki, MD, PhD, chair-elect of ESHRE, added, “This study provides valuable reassurance for patients and emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.”

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual health outcomes; they highlight the necessity for improved awareness and education surrounding endometriosis and its relationships with fertility. As researchers continue to investigate the interplay between disease stage, surgical interventions, and assisted reproductive technologies, this study lays the groundwork for future inquiries into optimizing reproductive outcomes for women affected by endometriosis.

Overall, this extensive research contributes to a growing body of literature emphasizing the reproductive potential of women with endometriosis, despite the challenges posed by the condition. It serves as a vital resource for healthcare professionals in providing informed counseling to women newly diagnosed with endometriosis, empowering them to make educated reproductive decisions based on robust, evidence-based data.