The main complication of endometriosis is difficulty getting pregnant (subfertility) or not being able to get pregnant at all (infertility). In some cases there may also be adhesions or ovarian cysts.

Fertility problems

The longer someone has endometriosis, the greater the chance that their fertility will be affected.

However, it is estimated that up to 70% of women with mild to moderate endometriosis will still be able to get pregnant without treatment. Pregnancy is also known to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis, although the symptoms often return once the menstrual cycle returns to normal.

Surgery can improve fertility by removing endometriosis tissue, but there is no guarantee that this will allow you to get pregnant.

Read information about how infertility is treated.

Adhesions and ovarian cysts

Other problems include the formation of adhesions, which are 'sticky' areas of endometriosis tissue that can fuse organs together, and ovarian cysts (fluid-filled cysts in the ovaries), which can occur when the endometriosis tissue is in or near the ovaries. In some cases, ovarian cysts (endometriomas) can become very large and painful.

Both of these complications can be removed through surgery, but may recur if the endometriosis returns.

Read information about how ovarian cysts are treated.