Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen Does Endo Return?Effects of BreastfeedingEffect on Future PregnanciesCoping As a New ParentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
When Does Endo Return?
Effects of Breastfeeding
Effect on Future Pregnancies
Coping As a New Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Some individuals find that theirendometriosissymptoms resolve during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a shift in hormones.These symptoms often return after pregnancy, however.
This article will explore how endometriosis affects individuals after pregnancy, including when symptoms are most likely to recur, how to manage postpartum endometriosis, and potential treatment options.
Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images
When Does Endometriosis Return After Pregnancy?
Endometriosis symptomsmay temporarily improve during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. During pregnancy, ovulation is inhibited, so the hormonal changes that cause endometriosis don’t occur.
Similarly, the hormonal changes that allow for breastfeeding can also inhibit ovulation. Symptoms often return once hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels and menstrual cycles resume.
The condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. During a typical menstrual cycle, the endometrial lining of the uterus responds to hormonal signals, which causes the tissue to shed and bleed.
However, when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, the extra tissue has nowhere to go. This can causepelvic pain, cramping, a sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdomen, and changes in bowel and bladder function.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hormone levels shift, and menstrual cycles usually stop. Without the hormonal signals to grow and shed endometrial tissue, endometriosis symptoms are often reduced.
Others find that their periods return sooner, often when they start introducing supplemental feedings in addition to breastmilk.
As a result, pregnancy and breastfeeding may only serve as temporary relief from endometriosis.
The Endometriosis Advice I Give to My Daughters
Misconceptions About Pregnancy and Endo
Unfortunately, pregnancy and lactation cannot cure endometriosis.
While symptoms mayimprove during pregnancyand breastfeeding, it’s not universally true. Some individuals experience fewer symptoms during this period, while others do not see a change in their endometriosis. A few even see worsening symptoms.
Endometriosis may also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, includingplacenta previa(a low-lying placenta that blocks the cervix).However, many individuals who become pregnant while diagnosed with endometriosis will go on to have a normal pregnancy and delivery.
Infertility and EndometriosisEndometriosis is the cause of infertility in 50% of individuals attempting to become pregnant.The condition canaffect fertilityin a number of ways:Tissue growth or cysts around the ovaries can block the egg from being released.Extra endometrial tissue can block the fallopian tubes, so the egg and sperm cannot meet.Endometriosis may affect egg quality and the hormones needed to maintain pregnancy.It can cause pain with sexual intercourse, making it difficult to conceive.The good news is thattreatmentsare available for individuals who wish to get pregnant. This may include surgery to remove extra endometrial tissue, fertility treatments, or both.
Infertility and Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the cause of infertility in 50% of individuals attempting to become pregnant.The condition canaffect fertilityin a number of ways:Tissue growth or cysts around the ovaries can block the egg from being released.Extra endometrial tissue can block the fallopian tubes, so the egg and sperm cannot meet.Endometriosis may affect egg quality and the hormones needed to maintain pregnancy.It can cause pain with sexual intercourse, making it difficult to conceive.The good news is thattreatmentsare available for individuals who wish to get pregnant. This may include surgery to remove extra endometrial tissue, fertility treatments, or both.
Endometriosis is the cause of infertility in 50% of individuals attempting to become pregnant.
The condition canaffect fertilityin a number of ways:
The good news is thattreatmentsare available for individuals who wish to get pregnant. This may include surgery to remove extra endometrial tissue, fertility treatments, or both.
Breastfeeding May Reduce Symptoms Longer
Breastfeeding may help reduce endometriosis symptoms. Endometriosis is related to estrogen levels, and breastfeeding lowers estrogen levels. As a result, breastfeeding individuals may experience fewer endometriosis symptoms while exclusively breastfeeding.
Effect of Endometriosis on Future Pregnancies
Endometriosis may make it more difficult to get pregnant and stay pregnant.It is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications, but these are rare and should not be a reason to avoid pregnancy if you have endometriosis.
The research on whether pregnancy and lactation affect the recurrence of endometriosis is sparse. The few available studies are small, older, or look at records from databases created for other studies.No definitive answers can be drawn from this research.
Endometriosis vs. EndometritisEndometriosis is sometimesconfused with another condition called endometritis. Both conditions affect the tissue that lines the uterus, but one is a chronic condition, and the other is potentially an emergency.Endometritis is an infection of the uterus, and it may occurafter childbirthor amiscarriage. The risk of infection increases with long labor or C-section deliveries.The risk is also increased after procedures that involve the cervix, includingdilation and curettage(D and C), placement of an IUD, or endometrial biopsies.Symptoms include:Abdominal swellingPain in the lower abdomenAbnormal vaginal bleeding or dischargeFeverGenerally feeling unwell or uneasyTreatment for endometritis requires antibiotics and potentially a hospital stay. Without proper care, it can lead to serious complications like infertility and sepsis (a whole-body reaction to widespread infection). It’s very important to call a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of endometritis after childbirth, IUD placement, or other pelvic procedures.
Endometriosis vs. Endometritis
Endometriosis is sometimesconfused with another condition called endometritis. Both conditions affect the tissue that lines the uterus, but one is a chronic condition, and the other is potentially an emergency.Endometritis is an infection of the uterus, and it may occurafter childbirthor amiscarriage. The risk of infection increases with long labor or C-section deliveries.The risk is also increased after procedures that involve the cervix, includingdilation and curettage(D and C), placement of an IUD, or endometrial biopsies.Symptoms include:Abdominal swellingPain in the lower abdomenAbnormal vaginal bleeding or dischargeFeverGenerally feeling unwell or uneasyTreatment for endometritis requires antibiotics and potentially a hospital stay. Without proper care, it can lead to serious complications like infertility and sepsis (a whole-body reaction to widespread infection). It’s very important to call a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of endometritis after childbirth, IUD placement, or other pelvic procedures.
Endometriosis is sometimesconfused with another condition called endometritis. Both conditions affect the tissue that lines the uterus, but one is a chronic condition, and the other is potentially an emergency.
Endometritis is an infection of the uterus, and it may occurafter childbirthor amiscarriage. The risk of infection increases with long labor or C-section deliveries.The risk is also increased after procedures that involve the cervix, includingdilation and curettage(D and C), placement of an IUD, or endometrial biopsies.
Symptoms include:
Treatment for endometritis requires antibiotics and potentially a hospital stay. Without proper care, it can lead to serious complications like infertility and sepsis (a whole-body reaction to widespread infection). It’s very important to call a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of endometritis after childbirth, IUD placement, or other pelvic procedures.
Coping With Endometriosis As a New Parent
It can be difficult to manage the pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis while juggling new parenthood.
It can also be helpful to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider, partner, friend, or local support group.
If you have concerns about your symptoms or questions about planning future pregnancies, it’s best to speak to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Treatment options are available that can reduce symptoms or improve the chances of getting pregnant again.
Non-Drug Treatments
Research is still emerging regarding non-medical treatments for endometriosis.
Other alternative andcomplementary therapies, including acupuncture, may help reduce period-related pain, although the research is unclear.To ensure safety, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider before trying complementary therapies.
Medical Treatments
The main medicaltreatment optionsfor endometriosis include:
Birth Control and EndoHormonal birth control is often a first-line treatment option for period-related pain and heavy bleeding. There are many different options available depending on your symptoms and family planning goals:Depo ProveraMirena IUDImplanonExtended-cycle birth control pills, like levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol or SeasoniqueNot all birth control works the same way on endometriosis symptoms. For example, there is limited research about whethercombination birth control pillscan reduce the severity of pain related to endometriosis.
Birth Control and Endo
Hormonal birth control is often a first-line treatment option for period-related pain and heavy bleeding. There are many different options available depending on your symptoms and family planning goals:Depo ProveraMirena IUDImplanonExtended-cycle birth control pills, like levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol or SeasoniqueNot all birth control works the same way on endometriosis symptoms. For example, there is limited research about whethercombination birth control pillscan reduce the severity of pain related to endometriosis.
Hormonal birth control is often a first-line treatment option for period-related pain and heavy bleeding. There are many different options available depending on your symptoms and family planning goals:
Not all birth control works the same way on endometriosis symptoms. For example, there is limited research about whethercombination birth control pillscan reduce the severity of pain related to endometriosis.
Summary
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and researchers are still unclear about how and why the disease progresses. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding appear to reduce symptoms in many individuals, and some people may experience long-term resolution in their pain and heavy bleeding after pregnancy.
However, the disease follows a unique path in every individual, and it’s impossible to know what will occur in any given person.
Frequently Asked QuestionsEndometriosis can occur in anyone who gets a period, but it is most common in individuals in their 30s and 40s. It is also more common in people who have never been pregnant, who have very short or very long periods, or who have a family history of endometriosis.Learn MoreHow Endometriosis Is DiagnosedIt’s possible to get pregnant if you have endometriosis, but it may be more difficult or take longer then those without endo. Endometriosis also increases the risk of miscarriage.If you have endometriosis, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider about your plans to start a family as soon as possible so you can get tailored guidance specific to your situation.Learn MoreHow to Get Pregnant If You Have EndometriosisEndometriosis is a chronic condition, and there is no cure. However, thepath of the diseaseis not well understood. Some individuals may experience a resolution in symptoms, while others may experience worsening problems with time. You may have fewer symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Learn MoreHow Endometriosis Is Treated
Endometriosis can occur in anyone who gets a period, but it is most common in individuals in their 30s and 40s. It is also more common in people who have never been pregnant, who have very short or very long periods, or who have a family history of endometriosis.Learn MoreHow Endometriosis Is Diagnosed
Endometriosis can occur in anyone who gets a period, but it is most common in individuals in their 30s and 40s. It is also more common in people who have never been pregnant, who have very short or very long periods, or who have a family history of endometriosis.
Learn MoreHow Endometriosis Is Diagnosed
It’s possible to get pregnant if you have endometriosis, but it may be more difficult or take longer then those without endo. Endometriosis also increases the risk of miscarriage.If you have endometriosis, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider about your plans to start a family as soon as possible so you can get tailored guidance specific to your situation.Learn MoreHow to Get Pregnant If You Have Endometriosis
It’s possible to get pregnant if you have endometriosis, but it may be more difficult or take longer then those without endo. Endometriosis also increases the risk of miscarriage.If you have endometriosis, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider about your plans to start a family as soon as possible so you can get tailored guidance specific to your situation.
It’s possible to get pregnant if you have endometriosis, but it may be more difficult or take longer then those without endo. Endometriosis also increases the risk of miscarriage.
If you have endometriosis, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider about your plans to start a family as soon as possible so you can get tailored guidance specific to your situation.
Learn MoreHow to Get Pregnant If You Have Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and there is no cure. However, thepath of the diseaseis not well understood. Some individuals may experience a resolution in symptoms, while others may experience worsening problems with time. You may have fewer symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Learn MoreHow Endometriosis Is Treated
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and there is no cure. However, thepath of the diseaseis not well understood. Some individuals may experience a resolution in symptoms, while others may experience worsening problems with time. You may have fewer symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Learn MoreHow Endometriosis Is Treated
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Porta RP, Sangiuliano C, Cavalli A, et al.Effects of breastfeeding on endometriosis-related pain: a prospective observational study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(20):10602. doi:10.3390/ijerph182010602Leeners B, Damaso F, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Farquhar C.The effect of pregnancy on endometriosis-facts or fiction?Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24(3):290-299. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmy004Van der Wijden C, Manion C.Lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(10):CD001329. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001329.pub2Maggiore UL, Ferrero S, Mangili G, et al.A systematic review on endometriosis during pregnancy: diagnosis, misdiagnosis, complications and outcomes.Hum Reprod Update. 2016;22(1):70-103. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv045Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al.ESHRE guideline: endometriosis.Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(2):hoac009. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac009Tanbo T, Fedorcsak P.Endometriosis-associated infertility: aspects of pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment optionsActa Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2017;96(6):659-667. doi:10.1111/aogs.13082MedlinePlus.Endometritis.Office on Women’s Health.Endometriosis.Johns Hopkins Medicine Health.Endometriosis.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Porta RP, Sangiuliano C, Cavalli A, et al.Effects of breastfeeding on endometriosis-related pain: a prospective observational study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(20):10602. doi:10.3390/ijerph182010602Leeners B, Damaso F, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Farquhar C.The effect of pregnancy on endometriosis-facts or fiction?Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24(3):290-299. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmy004Van der Wijden C, Manion C.Lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(10):CD001329. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001329.pub2Maggiore UL, Ferrero S, Mangili G, et al.A systematic review on endometriosis during pregnancy: diagnosis, misdiagnosis, complications and outcomes.Hum Reprod Update. 2016;22(1):70-103. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv045Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al.ESHRE guideline: endometriosis.Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(2):hoac009. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac009Tanbo T, Fedorcsak P.Endometriosis-associated infertility: aspects of pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment optionsActa Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2017;96(6):659-667. doi:10.1111/aogs.13082MedlinePlus.Endometritis.Office on Women’s Health.Endometriosis.Johns Hopkins Medicine Health.Endometriosis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Porta RP, Sangiuliano C, Cavalli A, et al.Effects of breastfeeding on endometriosis-related pain: a prospective observational study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(20):10602. doi:10.3390/ijerph182010602Leeners B, Damaso F, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Farquhar C.The effect of pregnancy on endometriosis-facts or fiction?Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24(3):290-299. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmy004Van der Wijden C, Manion C.Lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(10):CD001329. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001329.pub2Maggiore UL, Ferrero S, Mangili G, et al.A systematic review on endometriosis during pregnancy: diagnosis, misdiagnosis, complications and outcomes.Hum Reprod Update. 2016;22(1):70-103. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv045Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al.ESHRE guideline: endometriosis.Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(2):hoac009. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac009Tanbo T, Fedorcsak P.Endometriosis-associated infertility: aspects of pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment optionsActa Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2017;96(6):659-667. doi:10.1111/aogs.13082MedlinePlus.Endometritis.Office on Women’s Health.Endometriosis.Johns Hopkins Medicine Health.Endometriosis.
Porta RP, Sangiuliano C, Cavalli A, et al.Effects of breastfeeding on endometriosis-related pain: a prospective observational study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(20):10602. doi:10.3390/ijerph182010602
Leeners B, Damaso F, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Farquhar C.The effect of pregnancy on endometriosis-facts or fiction?Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24(3):290-299. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmy004
Van der Wijden C, Manion C.Lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(10):CD001329. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001329.pub2
Maggiore UL, Ferrero S, Mangili G, et al.A systematic review on endometriosis during pregnancy: diagnosis, misdiagnosis, complications and outcomes.Hum Reprod Update. 2016;22(1):70-103. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv045
Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al.ESHRE guideline: endometriosis.Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(2):hoac009. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac009
Tanbo T, Fedorcsak P.Endometriosis-associated infertility: aspects of pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment optionsActa Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2017;96(6):659-667. doi:10.1111/aogs.13082
MedlinePlus.Endometritis.
Office on Women’s Health.Endometriosis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine Health.Endometriosis.
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