Yes, a woman can often still have a baby with only one ovary.
Fertility with One Ovary: The Facts
In many cases, the surgical removal of one ovary (oophorectomy) does not significantly harm a woman's ability to conceive, provided the remaining ovary and its associated fallopian tube are healthy and functional. The remaining ovary will typically compensate for the loss of the other by releasing an egg each month.
Factors Affecting Fertility After Ovary Removal
While having one ovary allows for potential pregnancy, several factors can influence a woman's fertility:
- The reason for the initial ovary removal: Conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or cancer that necessitated the oophorectomy can sometimes impact overall fertility, regardless of having a single ovary. For instance, if endometriosis was widespread, it might affect the remaining ovary or fallopian tube.
- Age: A woman's age is a significant factor in fertility, with declining egg quality and quantity becoming more pronounced in the late 30s and 40s. This applies whether she has one or two ovaries.
- Overall health: General health conditions, lifestyle factors (such as smoking or obesity), and underlying medical issues can impact fertility.
- Scar tissue: Surgery can sometimes result in scar tissue (adhesions) that could potentially block the fallopian tube connected to the remaining ovary, hindering the egg's journey to the uterus.
How the Remaining Ovary Compensates
The single remaining ovary will usually take over the function of both ovaries, releasing an egg each month. While women with two ovaries typically alternate ovulation between the ovaries, a woman with one ovary will ovulate from that ovary every month.
Seeking Medical Advice
If a woman is concerned about her fertility after having an ovary removed, it's crucial to consult with a doctor or fertility specialist. They can assess her individual situation, evaluate the health of the remaining ovary and fallopian tube, and recommend appropriate fertility treatments if necessary. Treatments can range from lifestyle changes to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
