Research Shows Women with Endometriosis Have Higher Pregnancy Rates Than Other Causes of Infertility

A comprehensive 30-year study involving over four million women in England has uncovered new insights into the relationship between endometriosis and pregnancy outcomes. The research reveals that women experiencing infertility due to endometriosis are significantly more likely to conceive than those with infertility caused by other factors. Presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the findings offer a promising outlook for women living with this condition and seeking to conceive.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often leading to severe pelvic pain and infertility. Globally affecting approximately 190 million women, it remains one of the leading causes of female infertility. This study was part of the EU FEMaLe consortium and was led by Dr. Lucky Saraswat of the University of Aberdeen. The research team analyzed linked primary care, secondary care, and maternity records for over four million women in England, spanning from 1991 to 2020.

Among these women, about 245,994 attended primary care for infertility or related symptoms, with 111,197 having a surgically confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis. The study found that women with endometriosis accounted for 6.1% of women with infertility, and over half of these cases were diagnosed after infertility had already been recognized, highlighting delays in diagnosis.

The data confirmed a strong link between endometriosis and fertility challenges, with women with infertility being more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis compared to women without infertility. Notably, women with endometriosis-related infertility had a fourfold higher chance of pregnancy compared to women with other infertility causes, such as ovulatory issues or blocked fallopian tubes.

Interestingly, over 40% of women diagnosed with endometriosis experienced at least one pregnancy during the study. Dr. Saraswat explained that the severity of endometriosis can vary, and milder forms may allow for good reproductive potential, especially with early diagnosis and management. She also noted that surgical treatments like laparoscopy can improve pregnancy prospects.

The study’s findings could influence future fertility counseling, providing women with detailed information about their chances of conception, the impact of early intervention, and the role of different treatment approaches. Professor Dr. Anis Feki from ESHRE emphasized that these results reassure women with endometriosis regarding their reproductive potential.

Overall, this research enhances understanding of endometriosis’s effect on fertility and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes.