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The updated fertility guideline includes a brand-new section specifically for those with endometriosis who are struggling to conceive – published to coincide with the final day of Endometriosis Action Month.

This is a direct result of feedback received during public consultation, recognising for the first time that the condition requires its own tailored approach to fertility care, separate from other causes of infertility. 

Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million in the UK. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body and is one of the leading causes of fertility problems. Despite its prevalence, many patients have historically faced confusion and inconsistency when trying to access fertility treatment. 

This year's Endometriosis Action Month theme is 'Endometriosis Doesn't Wait' — a message that resonates directly with today's guideline. While the updated NICE guideline cannot address diagnosis delays alone, it sends a clear signal that once endometriosis is diagnosed, patients should no longer face additional barriers when trying to start a family. 

Listening to patients and clinicians: what changed as a result of consultation. 

The dedicated endometriosis section was added to the final guideline after NICE's independent committee carefully considered feedback from patients, patient groups, clinicians and professional bodies. 

Endometriosis UK and others told NICE during consultation that endometriosis was being grouped with unexplained infertility, despite it being a diagnosed condition. The committee agreed this was inappropriate and that endometriosis requires a distinct fertility pathway. 

Respondents also told NICE that terms such as "mild" and "severe" endometriosis were clinically ambiguous and did not reflect the complexity of the condition or its impact on fertility. The committee agreed and these terms have been removed from the final guideline.

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