Study Unveils Higher Pregnancy Rates in Women with Endometriosis

A significant longitudinal study spanning 30 years and involving over four million women in England has revealed that women suffering from infertility due to endometriosis are considerably more likely to achieve pregnancy compared to those experiencing infertility from other medical causes. The findings were presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) on July 2, 2025.

Endometriosis, a chronic condition characterized by the abnormal growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the womb, affects approximately 190 million women globally and is recognized as a leading factor contributing to infertility. The study, part of the EU FEMaLe (Finding Endometriosis through Machine Learning) consortium, was led by Dr. Lucky Saraswat from the Aberdeen Centre of Women’s Health Research at the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Reproductive Health.

This investigation represents the largest and most extensive population-based study of its kind, analyzing linked primary care, secondary care, and maternity records of women who presented with infertility or related symptoms between 1991 and 2020. Out of 4,041,770 women aged 13-50 who sought medical attention for infertility, 245,994 were diagnosed with infertility, and 111,197 had surgically confirmed endometriosis via laparoscopy or laparotomy over the study period.

The overall prevalence of female infertility was determined to be 48.9 per 1,000 women, with the highest rates occurring in the 30 to 39 age demographic. Notably, among women diagnosed with infertility, 6.1% were confirmed to have endometriosis, and alarmingly, 57.4% of these women experienced infertility prior to receiving a diagnosis. This statistic highlights the significant delays in the recognition and diagnosis of endometriosis.

The study found that women with endometriosis-related infertility had a fourfold higher chance of conceiving compared to those with infertility attributed to other causes, such as ovulatory dysfunction, tubal factors, and unexplained infertility. Specifically, 40.5% of women diagnosed with endometriosis had achieved at least one pregnancy during the study period.

Dr. Saraswat explained, "Endometriosis can vary significantly in its impact on fertility. Women with milder forms may maintain better reproductive potential, particularly if diagnosed and treated early. Additionally, moderate-quality evidence suggests that laparoscopic surgery can enhance pregnancy rates for some individuals with endometriosis."

The findings also suggest that women with endometriosis may be more likely to seek medical assistance sooner due to increased awareness concerning the relationship between endometriosis and infertility. "While fertility is multifactorial, including the influence of age, our findings provide robust, evidence-based data that can significantly enhance fertility counseling for newly diagnosed women with endometriosis. This includes insights about infertility likelihood, overall pregnancy rates, and comparative outcomes against other infertility causes," Dr. Saraswat stated.

Professor Dr. Anis Feki, Chair-Elect of ESHRE, commented on the implications of the study: "These findings provide crucial reassurance for patients and underscore the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for women facing endometriosis-related infertility."

The study's abstract will be published in the journal *Human Reproduction*, a leading publication in the field of reproductive medicine. This research not only sheds light on the correlation between endometriosis and pregnancy outcomes but also emphasizes the necessity for continued investigation into how various factors, such as the stage of the disease, treatment methods, and the use of assisted reproductive technologies, can influence pregnancy outcomes for women suffering from endometriosis.