How Endometriosis & PCOS Cause Infertility And How an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Can Help
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples, and two of the most common underlying causes are endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Both conditions impact millions of women worldwide, often silently — long before anyone is trying to conceive. What many people don’t realise is that both conditions share a powerful driver: chronic inflammation.
While medical treatment is essential, emerging research shows that diet and lifestyle — especially anti-inflammatory nutrition — can play a significant supporting role in managing symptoms and optimising fertility.
Let’s break down why.
🌿 Endometriosis & PCOS: A Quick Overview
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes scarring. This inflammation can:
disrupt ovulation
impair egg quality
contribute to blocked fallopian tubes
increase oxidative stress
All of which may make conception more difficult.
PCOS
PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal condition characterised by:
irregular or absent ovulation
elevated androgens
insulin resistance
chronic low-grade inflammation
Because ovulation is often irregular, PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women under 35.
🔥 The Common Link: Inflammation
Both PCOS and endometriosis are now recognised as inflammatory conditions.
Inflammation affects fertility by:
disrupting hormone signalling
impairing egg development
affecting implantation
worsening insulin resistance (a major driver of PCOS)
Reducing inflammation doesn’t “cure” these conditions, but it can support hormonal balance, menstrual regularity, and reproductive function — all essential for conception.
🥑 How an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Helps
An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on whole foods that reduce oxidative stress, stabilise blood sugar, and nourish the gut–hormone connection.
It can support:
more regular ovulation (especially for PCOS)
reduced inflammatory markers (helpful for both conditions)
improved gut health
more balanced hormones
a calmer menstrual cycle
🥗 The Anti-Inflammatory Fertility Diet Essentials
1. Colourful vegetables & fruit
Antioxidants + fibre to combat inflammation.
2. Omega-3 rich foods
Wild salmon, chia, flaxseed — help support hormone balance.
3. High-fibre foods
Support blood sugar balance and gut health.
4. Lean proteins
Protein supports hormone production and stable glucose.
5. Anti-inflammatory herbs
Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon.
6. Reduce inflammation triggers
Ultra-processed foods, seed oils, excess sugar, alcohol, high-sodium sauces, and personal trigger foods like gluten or dairy.
