Questions to Ask a Fertility Specialist

Prepare for fertility conversations with endometriosis in mind. Fertility specialists can help assess fertility options, but endometriosis symptoms, endometriomas, ovarian reserve, previous surgery and pain should be part of the conversation. The right plan should consider both fertility goals and quality of life.

When fertility specialist input may help

Fertility specialist input may be useful if:

  • you are trying to conceive
  • you may want children later
  • you have endometriomas
  • you have had ovarian surgery
  • ovarian reserve is a concern
  • IVF, IUI or fertility preservation has been mentioned
  • surgery is being discussed
  • pain during sex affects trying to conceive
  • you have known sperm or partner fertility factors
  • you are unsure whether to treat endometriosis before fertility treatment

You do not need to have all the answers before asking for advice.

Information to bring

Bring any information you already have, such as:

  • ultrasound or MRI reports
  • previous operation notes
  • histology results
  • endometrioma history
  • ovarian reserve results, such as AMH or AFC, if available
  • previous fertility test results
  • medication or hormonal treatment history
  • IVF or IUI history, if relevant
  • symptom summary
  • fertility goals and timing preferences

This can help the appointment focus on your situation rather than starting from scratch.

Treatment sequence

Ask what should happen first and why. Depending on your situation, options may include:

  • trying to conceive without assisted treatment for a period of time
  • fertility testing
  • ovarian reserve assessment
  • monitoring endometriomas
  • surgery before fertility treatment
  • IVF or IUI before surgery
  • fertility preservation discussion
  • pain management before or during treatment

There is no single right sequence for everyone. Age, ovarian reserve, symptoms, endometriomas, previous surgery, tubes, sperm factors, pain and personal goals all matter.

Surgery and fertility treatment

Surgery before fertility treatment is not automatic. Ask:

  • could surgery improve my chances?
  • could surgery affect ovarian reserve?
  • could surgery delay fertility treatment?
  • are endometriomas involved?
  • should I see an endometriosis surgeon before deciding?
  • should fertility preservation be discussed before ovarian surgery?
  • what are the risks of monitoring instead?

This is especially important if surgery may involve one or both ovaries.

Pain and fertility treatment

Fertility treatment can feel physically and emotionally demanding. If you already have endometriosis pain, ask how symptoms will be managed. You may want to ask:

  • could treatment flare my symptoms?
  • what pain relief is suitable during treatment?
  • who should I contact if pain becomes severe?
  • how will treatment be adjusted if symptoms worsen?
  • could pelvic physiotherapy or pain care help before treatment?
  • what happens if a cycle is delayed or cancelled?

Pain support should be part of the plan, not an afterthought.

Questions to ask

You may want to ask:

  • How might endometriosis affect my fertility?
  • Should ovarian reserve be checked?
  • Are my tubes being assessed?
  • Are sperm or partner factors being assessed too?
  • How do endometriomas affect my options?
  • Should surgery happen before fertility treatment?
  • Should IVF, IUI, monitoring or fertility preservation be considered?
  • What are the benefits, risks and alternatives?
  • What are realistic expectations for my situation?
  • How will pain be managed during treatment?
  • How will fertility care coordinate with endometriosis care?

Prepare before you speak with a healthcare professional

Use our Prepare for Appointment Tool to organise your symptoms, questions, previous treatments, surgery history, scan results, fertility history and priorities before your appointment. Try to record how long you have been trying to conceive if relevant, cycle pattern, pain with sex, endometrioma history, previous surgeries, fertility tests already done and what outcome matters most to you. You do not need a perfect diary. A clear summary can help the conversation feel more focused.

Finding the right type of care

Use the Endometriosis Care Directory to explore endometriosis-related care providers, including fertility specialists, endometriosis specialists, excision surgeons, pelvic physiotherapists, pain specialists and multidisciplinary clinics. The directory is for research and information only. It is not a recommendation, referral service, ranking or medical advice. Always check details directly with the provider and speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before making decisions about your care.

Final reminder

Fertility conversations with endometriosis should consider more than pregnancy chances alone. You deserve clear advice about ovarian reserve, endometriomas, surgery timing, IVF or IUI options, fertility preservation, pain management and how fertility care will work alongside endometriosis care. This resource is here to support your understanding, not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.