Does endometriosis prevent natural pregnancy?

Endometriosis does not always prevent natural pregnancy — many women with mild endometriosis conceive without medical assistance. However, moderate to severe endometriosis can impair fertility by damaging the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or uterine lining. If you have endometriosis and have not conceived after 6 months of trying, you should seek a fertility evaluation promptly.

Is IVF effective for women with endometriosis?

Yes, though success rates can be slightly lower in severe cases because endometriosis can affect egg quality and ovarian reserve. With careful protocol planning and experienced specialist management, many women with endometriosis achieve successful pregnancies through IVF. PGT-A testing of embryos can further improve outcomes by selecting chromosomally healthy embryos for transfer.

Should endometriosis be surgically removed before IVF?

This depends on the severity and location of the endometriosis. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriotic tissue or cysts before IVF can improve egg quality and ovarian response. In other cases, proceeding directly to IVF is preferable to avoid reducing ovarian reserve through surgery. Your specialist at Best Life Fertility Centre will assess this carefully based on your individual situation.

FAQ - Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

What is diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and how is it diagnosed?

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) means that the number of remaining eggs in the ovaries is lower than expected for a woman’s age. It is diagnosed through an AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) blood test and an antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound. A low AMH or AFC indicates fewer eggs remaining but does not mean pregnancy is impossible.

Can I still do IVF with low AMH?

Yes. Low AMH reduces the number of eggs that can be retrieved in a cycle but does not eliminate the possibility of successful IVF. Modified stimulation protocols — such as Natural IVF or mini-IVF — may be more appropriate than standard stimulation in women with DOR. Your specialist will tailor your protocol to maximize the quality of the eggs retrieved.

What is Natural IVF and is it suitable for low ovarian reserve?

Natural IVF is an approach that uses minimal or no fertility medications, working with the single egg your body naturally produces each cycle. It is particularly suitable for women with very low ovarian reserve who respond poorly to stimulation medications, or for those who wish to avoid hormone injections. Success rates per cycle are lower than standard IVF, but it can be repeated in consecutive cycles with minimal physical burden.