Can You Get Pregnant With One Ovary? Understanding Your Fertility
Finding out that you have only one ovary can raise many questions, especially if you hope to become pregnant. You may wonder whether your remaining ovary can release eggs regularly, whether you can conceive naturally, or whether you will need fertility treatment.
The reassuring news is that pregnancy can be possible with one ovary. Many factors influence fertility, however, and having one ovary does not guarantee that conception will happen easily. Your age, the health of your remaining ovary, your fallopian tubes, ovulation and your partner's sperm health can all play a role.
In this article, we explain how having one ovary may affect fertility, which assessments a doctor may recommend, and when to seek help.
1. Can You Get Pregnant Naturally With One Ovary?
Yes, natural conception may be possible if you have one functioning ovary and the other conditions needed for pregnancy are present.
Your ovaries contain eggs and produce hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. During ovulation, an ovary releases an egg. If sperm fertilises that egg and the resulting embryo reaches the uterus and implants successfully, pregnancy may occur.
Having two ovaries does not mean both release an egg every month. Ovulation can occur from either ovary, and the pattern is not necessarily a strict left-right alternation.
With one ovary, the remaining ovary may continue to release eggs and produce hormones. Whether conception occurs depends on the overall reproductive picture, not simply the number of ovaries.
2. Why Might Someone Have Only One Ovary?
There are several reasons a person may have one ovary.
Surgery: An ovary may have been removed because of a cyst, tumour or another medical condition.
Ovarian torsion: An ovary can twist around its supporting tissues, affecting its blood supply. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Endometriosis or other ovarian conditions: Severe disease or complications may sometimes lead to removal of an ovary.
A condition present from birth: Some people are born with one ovary or have an ovary that did not develop normally.
The reason for having one ovary can matter. For example, the condition that led to surgery may itself affect fertility, depending on its nature and severity.
If you have had ovarian surgery, ask your doctor whether the operation or the underlying condition is likely to affect your reproductive health.
3. How Does One Ovary Affect Ovulation?
The remaining ovary can often continue to function and release eggs.
You may still experience regular menstrual periods, although the pattern varies from person to person. Having regular periods can be a useful sign that hormonal cycling is occurring, but it does not prove that every cycle includes ovulation.
Some people with one ovary have regular ovulation, while others may experience irregular cycles or other fertility-related difficulties.
If your periods have become irregular or stopped, speak with a healthcare professional. Your doctor may assess your hormone levels, medical history and other possible explanations.
4. Does Having One Ovary Reduce Ovarian Reserve?
It can.
Ovarian reserve refers broadly to the remaining supply of eggs in the ovaries. Removing one ovary generally reduces the total pool of eggs available compared with having two ovaries, although the remaining ovary may continue to function.
Research involving women undergoing IVF has found that those with one ovary may produce fewer eggs during ovarian stimulation, on average. However, individual responses vary, and ovarian reserve is only one part of fertility assessment.
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
AMH blood test: Helps estimate ovarian reserve.
Antral follicle count (AFC): An ultrasound assessment of small follicles in the ovary.
FSH and estradiol tests: May be used in the context of your menstrual cycle and medical history.
Ultrasound: Can assess the remaining ovary and other pelvic structures.
No single test can reliably tell you whether you will conceive naturally or predict your exact chance of pregnancy. Your results need to be interpreted alongside your age, medical history and other fertility factors.
You can read more in our articles on [What Is Ovarian Reserve?] and [What Does AMH Tell You About Fertility?]. Add the live links once those posts are published.
5. Does Age Matter If You Have One Ovary?
Yes. Age remains an important factor in fertility, regardless of whether you have one ovary or two.
As a person ages, the number of eggs available generally declines, and the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases. These changes can affect the chance of conception and miscarriage.
Having one ovary does not automatically mean that you will experience infertility or reach menopause at a particular age. Your individual circumstances matter, including your age, ovarian function, medical history and the reason an ovary was removed.
If you are hoping to conceive and are concerned about your age or ovarian reserve, a fertility consultation can help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary delays.
6. Can You Get Pregnant If You Have One Ovary and One Fallopian Tube?
Pregnancy may still be possible with one ovary and one fallopian tube, provided the remaining reproductive structures are functioning appropriately.
The fallopian tube plays an important role in transporting the egg and is a common site of fertilisation. If you have had surgery involving an ovary or fallopian tube, your doctor can explain how your particular anatomy may affect your chances of conception.
The relationship between the remaining ovary and tube is not always as simple as being on the same side. However, the likelihood of pregnancy depends on the individual circumstances, including whether the remaining tube is open and healthy.
A doctor may recommend a test such as a hysterosalpingography (HSG) when appropriate to assess whether the fallopian tube is open.
If you have one ovary and one tube and have been trying to conceive without success, seek an individual fertility assessment rather than assuming pregnancy is impossible.
7. Can IVF Help If You Have One Ovary?
Yes. IVF may be an option for some people with one ovary, depending on their fertility assessment and treatment goals.
During IVF, medicines are used to stimulate the ovary to develop follicles. Eggs are collected, fertilised in a laboratory, and an embryo may then be transferred to the uterus.
With one ovary, stimulation may produce fewer eggs than it would in someone with two ovaries. Some people may also need different medication doses or an adjusted treatment plan. However, the number of eggs collected is not the only factor that influences the outcome.
Your fertility specialist will consider:
Your age and medical history.
AMH and antral follicle count.
The health of your remaining ovary.
Sperm health and any other fertility factors.
Previous fertility treatment, if applicable.
Your treatment goals and the likely benefits, risks and costs.
IVF does not guarantee pregnancy, and outcomes vary. A specialist can discuss what the available evidence means for your individual circumstances.
8. When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
Consider seeking advice if you have one ovary and are planning a pregnancy, particularly if you have additional fertility concerns or a history of reproductive surgery.
For people trying to conceive, general guidance recommends a fertility evaluation:
After 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse if the female partner is under 35.
After 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older.
More promptly if the female partner is over 40 or either partner has a known fertility-related condition or risk factor.
These are general guidelines, not a requirement to wait. If you have had ovarian surgery, have irregular or absent periods, or have been told that your ovarian reserve is low, ask your doctor whether an earlier assessment would be appropriate.
A fertility evaluation may include your medical and surgical history, an assessment of ovulation, ultrasound or other tests as indicated, evaluation of the fallopian tubes, and a semen analysis for your partner.
Testing both partners, when applicable, can help identify the most appropriate next steps.
9. What Can You Do to Support Your Fertility?
Having one ovary does not mean you need to follow a special diet or take supplements to compensate for it. However, some general measures can support reproductive health:
Keep track of your menstrual cycle. Note the first day of each period and any significant changes.
Discuss medicines and supplements with your doctor. Do not start hormone products or fertility supplements based on online claims.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can negatively affect reproductive health.
Review long-term health conditions. Conditions such as thyroid disorders may need attention when planning pregnancy.
Seek advice early if concerned. Your medical history may make individual guidance particularly valuable.
No diet, supplement or lifestyle change can restore an ovary that has been removed or guarantee pregnancy. Be cautious of products claiming to increase egg numbers or reverse reduced ovarian reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one ovary produce enough eggs for pregnancy?
Yes, one functioning ovary can release eggs that may result in pregnancy. The number and quality of eggs available vary with age, ovarian reserve and individual health factors.
Can I get pregnant if my remaining ovary is healthy but my periods are irregular?
Pregnancy may be possible, but irregular periods can sometimes indicate irregular ovulation or another condition that deserves assessment. A healthcare professional can help identify the cause.
Does having one ovary mean I will need IVF?
No. Some people with one ovary conceive naturally. IVF may be considered when other fertility factors or difficulties make it appropriate; having one ovary alone does not automatically mean IVF is necessary.
Will I go through menopause earlier if I have one ovary?
Some research suggests menopause may occur earlier on average after removal of one ovary, although individual outcomes vary. Having one ovary does not tell you exactly when menopause will occur. Discuss any concerns about ovarian function with your doctor.
Should I check my AMH if I have one ovary?
Your doctor may recommend an AMH test as part of an assessment, particularly if you are planning pregnancy or considering fertility treatment. AMH helps estimate ovarian reserve, but it cannot by itself confirm whether you can conceive naturally.
Is pregnancy with one ovary considered high-risk?
Having one ovary does not automatically make a pregnancy high-risk. Your overall health, the reason the ovary was removed, your reproductive history and any other medical conditions will help determine what care you need.
The Bottom Line
You can get pregnant with one ovary, but your individual chances depend on more than the number of ovaries you have. Ovulation, age, ovarian reserve, the health of the fallopian tubes, sperm health and other medical factors all contribute to fertility.
If you have one ovary and are planning a pregnancy, a fertility specialist can help you understand your reproductive health, decide whether any tests are appropriate and discuss your options without making assumptions about your ability to conceive.
Remember that fertility experiences differ from person to person. Having one ovary does not automatically mean you will be unable to become pregnant.
Related articles on Dream Baby
What Does AMH Tell You About Fertility?
Low AMH and Pregnancy: What Does It Mean?
Medical information disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information has not been medically reviewed by a Dream Baby doctor. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice about your individual circumstances.
References
1. Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Nilsson HP, Lind T. Live birth and pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with previous unilateral oophorectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertility and Sterility, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35277262/
2. Younis JS, Naoum I, Salem N, Perlitz Y, Izhaki I. The impact of unilateral oophorectomy on ovarian reserve in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG, 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28872775/
3. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Testing and Interpreting Measures of Ovarian Reserve: A Committee Opinion. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/testing-and-interpreting-measures-of-ovarian-reserve-a-committee-opinion-2020/
4. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Fertility Evaluation of Infertile Women: A Committee Opinion. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/fertility-evaluation-of-infertile-women-a-committee-opinion-2021/