What Is Endometriosis, and How Does It Affect Fertility?

Let’s talk about something that affects so many women—but often goes undiagnosed for years: endometriosis.

If you’ve ever experienced painful periods, pelvic discomfort, or struggled to get pregnant—and felt like no one was taking you seriously—you’re definitely not alone. Endometriosis can be incredibly frustrating and life-altering, and yet so many of us go years without answers.

In this post, I want to break down what endometriosis is, how it affects fertility, and share gentle, natural ways you can support your body. I’ll also share a bit of my own experience—because I have endo too, and even though it’s been a tough road, I’ve been blessed to have two successful pregnancies.

🌿 What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis (or “endo” for short) is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus—where it’s not supposed to be.

This tissue can show up in places like:

• The ovaries

• The fallopian tubes

• The outside of the uterus

• The bladder or bowels

• And even in areas further away in the body

The problem? This tissue acts like your uterus lining—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds each month during your cycle. But unlike a period, this blood has nowhere to go, which can cause:

• Inflammation

• Pain

• Scar tissue (called adhesions)

• Ovarian cysts (called endometriomas)

Over time, this can impact your entire pelvic area and, for many women, make it harder to conceive.

🩸 Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis can show up in different ways for different women. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Painful periods (the kind that knock you out)

• Pain during or after sex

• Pelvic pain that lasts all month, not just during your period

• Pain when pooping or peeing (especially during your period)

• Fatigue or exhaustion

• Bloating (aka “endo belly”)

• Irregular bleeding

• Trouble getting pregnant

Some women don’t even know they have it until they start trying to conceive. That was me—I didn’t know I had endo until after I’d already had one pregnancy.

📖 You can read more about my story in this blog post:
➡️ My Journey to an Endometriosis Diagnosis

🧠 How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Unfortunately, there’s no quick blood test for endo. The only official way to diagnose it is through a laparoscopy, which is a small surgery where a doctor looks inside your abdomen with a camera.

A lot of women go years without a diagnosis, being told their pain is “normal” or that it’s just part of being a woman. But let me say this loud and clear:

Pain that stops you from living your life is NOT normal.

If you think you might have endometriosis, please don’t stop until you find a doctor who listens.

💔 How Endometriosis Affects Fertility

Here’s the hard truth: endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Not by a long shot.

It’s estimated that around 30 to 50% of women with endo may experience fertility challenges. But every woman is different.

Here’s how endometriosis can affect your ability to conceive:

1. Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Scar tissue caused by endo can wrap around or block the fallopian tubes, making it hard for the egg and sperm to meet.

2. Inflammation

Endo causes chronic inflammation in the pelvic area, which can:

• Damage eggs

• Make the uterus less welcoming for an embryo

• Interfere with fertilization or implantation

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Endo is often linked to high estrogen levels, which can disrupt ovulation and lower progesterone—making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

4. Poor Egg Quality

If endo is on the ovaries (endometriomas), it can damage egg quality or reduce the number of healthy eggs available.

5. Implantation Issues

Even if fertilization happens, the inflamed environment in the uterus can make it difficult for the embryo to implant and thrive.

🌈 Can You Still Get Pregnant With Endometriosis?

YES. You absolutely can.

I’m living proof of that. Despite my endometriosis, I was able to conceive four times naturally and have two successful pregnancies and births.

📖 I share more about my story here:
➡️ How I Conceived Naturally With Endometriosis (4 Times!)

But it wasn’t easy. It took learning about my body, understanding my cycle, and making lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and support my hormones.

Some women with endo get pregnant without even realizing they have it. Others might need help from a fertility specialist. But having endometriosis does not mean you can’t become a mum.

🌱 Natural Ways to Support Fertility With Endometriosis

Let’s go over some natural strategies that helped me and many other women support fertility and manage endo symptoms.

1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Focus on:

• Leafy greens (like kale, rocket, spinach)

• Berries

• Healthy fats (chia seeds, flaxseeds, avocado)

• Omega-3s (hemp seeds, walnuts)

• Warming herbs like turmeric and ginger

Try to reduce:

• Sugar

• Gluten (if sensitive)

• Dairy (if it causes bloating or pain)

• Processed food

2. Try Seed Cycling

Seed cycling supports hormonal balance using simple seeds:

• Day 1–14: Flax + pumpkin seeds (help balance estrogen)

• Day 15–28: Sunflower + sesame seeds (support progesterone)

It’s easy and gentle, and over time can help regulate your cycle.

3. Use Herbs to Support Your Cycle

Herbs that may help:

• Vitex (Chaste Tree) – promotes ovulation and supports progesterone

• Milk Thistle – helps your liver clear excess estrogen

• Ashwagandha – supports the stress response (so important for hormones)

• Ginger & Turmeric – reduce inflammation and pain

Talk to a qualified herbalist or naturopath (I’m studying both!) to create a blend just for your needs.

4. Do Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support lymphatic drainage.

How to use:

• Soak a cloth in castor oil

• Lay it over your lower tummy

• Cover with plastic wrap + hot water bottle

• Rest for 30–45 mins

• Only use between periods (avoid after ovulation if trying to conceive)

5. Practice Gentle Movement

• Try fertility yoga

• Go for slow walks

• Practice deep breathing or stretching

• Avoid high-impact workouts if they increase inflammation or pain

6. Reduce Environmental Toxins

Support your hormones by avoiding:

• Plastic food containers (switch to glass or stainless steel)

• Artificial fragrances

• Harsh cleaning products

• Pesticides (choose organic when you can)

7. Track Your Cycle

Understanding when you ovulate can help you time conception perfectly.

Track:

• Cervical mucus (egg-white texture means fertile)

• Basal body temperature (BBT)

• Ovulation test strips

I used cycle tracking every time I conceived—it’s so empowering to know your body!

8. Nourish Your Mental Health

Endometriosis is not just physical—it takes a toll emotionally too.

You deserve:

• Time to rest

• Space to grieve and feel

• Gentle self-care routines

• Support from loved ones or a therapist

You are not alone in this. Your pain is real. And your body is not failing you—it’s asking for help.

💛 Final Thoughts

Endometriosis can make life feel unfair and frustrating—especially when you’re dreaming of becoming a mum. But please know this: you are not broken.

With the right support, the right nourishment, and a deep understanding of your body, pregnancy is possible. I’ve been where you are, and I know what it feels like. And I’m here to tell you that there is hope.

If you want to learn more about how I managed my endo symptoms naturally and conceived four times, check out these posts:

🔗 My Journey to an Endometriosis Diagnosis
🔗 How I Conceived Naturally With Endometriosis (4 Times!)

And if you’re just starting your journey, I’m sending you so much love, strength, and support. You’ve got this 💛