Guide

Endometriosis, adenomyosis and trying for a baby

You have endometriosis or adenomyosis, and you’d like a child? You probably have lots of questions, and sometimes fears. This guide gives general pointers to move forward calmly. For your own situation, your doctor decides with you.

Written by Paul, a nurse, founder of EndoQueen. This guide informs; it doesn’t replace an appointment with a health professional.

First, one important thing

Having endometriosis or adenomyosis doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have a child. Many women with these conditions do, naturally or with help. It can sometimes take longer or be more complicated. That’s why it’s better to talk about it early, and not to stay alone with your questions.

No one can give you “your chances” online. Your doctor, on the other hand, can go over things with you. Our feature on endometriosis and pregnancy sums up what studies show.

Endometriosis and fertility: talking about it before you start

The simplest thing is to talk to your doctor, your midwife or your gynaecologist before you start trying. This is often called a preconception appointment. It’s a chance to review your health, your treatments and your vaccinations, and to ask your questions.

Your current treatment

Many endometriosis treatments (continuous pill, progestogen, hormonal coil, other hormonal treatments) prevent pregnancy, so they need to be stopped to conceive. It’s best not to stop on your own: talk to your doctor first. The pain can come back when you stop, and the first cycles can be irregular. A plan helps: when to stop, how to manage the pain, when to review things.

The European ESHRE guideline (2022) also makes two points. Hormonal treatment isn’t taken “to improve fertility”. And pregnancy isn’t recommended as a way to “treat” endometriosis, as it doesn’t always improve symptoms.

Folic acid (vitamin B9)

Folic acid is usually advised before conception and in early pregnancy. Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist about it: they’ll tell you which dose suits you.

When to see a doctor for fertility tests

The UK NICE guideline (CG156) gives these pointers:

in general, after a year of trying without a pregnancy;
sooner if you are 36 or over;
sooner too if there is a known medical condition, such as endometriosis.

And sooner still if something worries you. The tests concern the couple, not just you.

Adenomyosis can also play a part in fertility. Studies suggest it’s worth looking for it before fertility treatment such as IVF (Vercellini, 2014). If you have it, make sure the team looking after you knows. See our guide to adenomyosis symptoms.

No need to plan everything

NICE advises having sex every 2 to 3 days, throughout the cycle, rather than organising everything around one date. It’s often less stressful for the couple.

And “fertile days”? The day of ovulation varies from one woman to another and from one cycle to the next, even with regular periods. A calculation based on period dates gives an idea, not a certainty; ovulation (LH) tests are more accurate. If you have questions, ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

When sex hurts

Having pain during sex while trying for a baby is hard, and it’s common with endometriosis. You don’t have to grit your teeth: talk to your doctor or midwife, there is help available. If sex is too difficult, that’s a good reason to see a doctor sooner about trying for a baby. Our guide on pain during sex and endometriosis helps you talk about it.

For painkillers while you’re trying, ask your doctor what you can take.

Preparing the fertility appointment

This appointment is often packed. Bringing your documents saves time. Here’s what can help:

the dates of your last periods and the length of your cycles;
your tracking of pain, bleeding, and pain during sex;
how long you’ve been trying;
your endometriosis or adenomyosis treatments, with the date you stopped them;
your ultrasound, MRI or surgery reports, and the images if you have them;
your recent blood tests and your vaccination record;
past pregnancies and miscarriages, if any;
on your partner’s side: medical history, treatments, a semen analysis if one has been done;
your questions, written down in advance.

Our guide to preparing your appointment also suggests questions to ask.

During pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, tell the person looking after your pregnancy about your endometriosis or adenomyosis. They can adapt your care if needed. Read endometriosis and pregnancy: what studies show.

Emergency: call your local emergency number if you could be pregnant or you are, and you’re bleeding or in pain, especially on one side; or if you have sudden and unusual pain, a fever with belly pain, feel faint, or have very heavy bleeding.

If you are having dark thoughts or feel in distress, contact a crisis line in your country or your local emergency number. You don’t have to cope alone.

If you have a miscarriage

A miscarriage is a loss, however far along the pregnancy was. You have the right to feel sad, angry, drained, or not to know what you feel. Your partner may be affected too.

Talk to your doctor or midwife, for your body as well as your mood. After several miscarriages, say so: tests may be offered.
Support organisations exist in many countries, such as Miscarriage UK (formerly the Miscarriage Association) in the UK.

You don’t have to “move on” quickly. Take the time you need.

Frequently asked questions

With endometriosis, how long should I try before seeing a doctor?

The UK NICE guideline suggests tests after a year of trying, and sooner from age 36 or with a known condition such as endometriosis. The best is to talk to your doctor before you even start trying.

Can I stop my pill on my own to have a baby?

It’s best to talk to your doctor first. The pain can come back when you stop, and it’s better to plan the right moment together and what to do if it comes back.

Does EndoQueen work out my fertile days?

Simply: from your past cycles, probably fertile days are shown in green and expected periods in red, with no score and no judgement. It’s an estimate, not a method of contraception: for your plans, your doctor decides with you.

If it helps, EndoQueen is on iPhone and Android. A journal for your pain, your cycles and, if you wish, your plans for a baby, with green and red days and no pressure, plus a clear summary for your doctor. It does not diagnose, and your journal stays on your phone. The app is currently in French; the English version arrives in November 2026. Discover the app

Sources

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026.