Endometriosis can affect a woman's fertility, and this may cause a mixture of different feelings and emotions.

You may feel:

• Worried
• Pressured
• Confused
• Upset 
• Angry 
• Stressed 
• Sad
• Depressed
• Grief

Some women feel pressured to have children as soon as possible to try and increase their chances of becoming pregnant. For women who don't feel ready to have children, do not have a partner, have not been in their relationship long, or are with a partner who is unwilling or not ready to have children, this situation can be overwhelming and upsetting.

Other women may be ready to have children and are trying to, but experience feelings of frustration, hopelessness and depression if over time a pregnancy does not occur naturally. It is often during investigations to determine the cause of not getting pregnant that the diagnosis of endometriosis is made. In 30% of women presenting with difficulty getting pregnant, endometriosis is the cause. So there is the distress over taking time to get pregnant, and then the added stress and shock of a diagnosis of a health condition such as endometriosis.

Talking to a health practitioner, counsellor or psychologist can be really helpful in coping with these emotions and deciding what to do next.

Fertility treatments

Embarking on fertility treatment can lead to a range of different emotions, from happiness and excitement, to frustration, disappointment and sadness.

For women who decide to try fertility treatment it is really important that both they and their partner are supported through the process. Most IVF units will have counsellors who will support and counsel through the assessment and treatment time.

Seeking fertility counselling (preferably before beginning treatment) can help you to:

• Prepare for the emotional journey ahead
• Cope with any unsuccessful treatments or miscarriages
• Develop strategies for coping with other people's pregnancies/births
• Talk through how both you and your partner are feeling throughout the process

It is important to remember that not all women with endometriosis are infertile. Many women have children without difficulty; have already had children before they are diagnosed; or over time have a successful pregnancy.

Further resources

Australian Psychological Society - ww.psychology.org.au

Relationships Australia - www.relationships.com.au

Content Updated March 28, 2010