Fertility
Can endometriosis cause miscarriage?
The short answer
Endometriosis is associated with a modest increase in miscarriage risk, particularly in the first trimester. Most pregnancies are successful, and individual risk depends on factors such as age, pregnancy history, and coexisting adenomyosis.
Endometriosis is associated with a modest increase in miscarriage risk, particularly in the first trimester, but most pregnancies in people with endometriosis are successful. Pooled studies have reported relative risks around 1.2–1.7, with estimates varying depending on whether pregnancy occurs spontaneously or with fertility treatment. Individual risk also depends on age, prior pregnancy history, coexisting adenomyosis or other uterine factors, and potentially the subtype, severity, and inflammatory burden of endometriosis.
The connection is likely multifactorial: chronic inflammation and changes in the pelvic and uterine environment may interfere with implantation or early placental development. Hormonal and immune factors may also play a role.
Neither miscarriage nor abortion is an established cause of endometriosis; a diagnosis after a pregnancy loss does not mean the loss caused the condition. For recurrent miscarriage, an assessment should consider other causes rather than attribute every loss to endometriosis.
If you’re planning pregnancy or seeking an assessment of known or suspected endometriosis after pregnancy losses, we invite you to contact our team or schedule a consultation to review your history and imaging, discuss your individual risk, and consider whether surgical diagnosis and excision make sense as part of a fertility-focused plan.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Speak with Us
Worried About Fertility Risks?
Endometriosis can increase miscarriage risk, but many have healthy pregnancies. Our specialists provide tailored care to support your fertility journey and address inflammation and other challenges.
Questions people ask next
All fertility questionsDoes endometriosis treatment reduce miscarriage risk or mainly aid conception?
Endometriosis treatment, especially complete excision, has the strongest evidence for improving the chances of conceiving; whether it lowers miscarriage risk is less clear. When adenomyosis is also present, optimizing the uterus before pregnancy may be more relevant to miscarriage risk.
Does endometriosis make pregnancy high risk?
Most people with endometriosis have healthy pregnancies, but it can be associated with a higher likelihood of certain complications. These include placenta previa, preterm birth, bleeding during pregnancy and cesarean delivery. Risk is not the same for everyone.
Can adenomyosis cause miscarriage?
Adenomyosis may contribute to miscarriage for some patients, but many people with adenomyosis have healthy pregnancies. Changes in the uterine muscle and environment may affect implantation and early placental development, and risk varies from person to person.
Does endometriosis affect egg quality or implantation?
Endometriosis can affect both egg quality and implantation. In the ovaries, especially with ovarian endometriomas, inflammation may affect how eggs mature, while changes in the uterine lining may make it less receptive to implantation.
Further reading
Endometriosis and Miscarriage: What Research Suggests
Learn how endometriosis may affect miscarriage risk, the roles of inflammation, hormones, and surgery, what current studies show, and ways to manage fertility.
Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, and Pregnancy: What Patients Need to Know
Explore how adenomyosis affects pregnancy and fertility with endometriosis. Get trusted research insights and advice for your care team.
Adenomyosis Pregnancy Success Rate With Fertility-Sparing Treatment
Explore adenomyosis pregnancy success rates after fertility-sparing treatment, including symptom relief, treatment choices, and pregnancy risks.
