Can a Woman Get Pregnant with Only One Ovary?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Motherhood & Baby

Can a woman get pregnant with one ovary? This question often arises for women who have experienced the loss or removal of an ovary due to medical conditions, surgeries, or other health-related reasons. Understanding how the female reproductive system functions with only one ovary can provide reassurance and clarity for those concerned about their fertility and chances of conception.

The female body is remarkably resilient, and the reproductive system is no exception. While having two ovaries is typical, many women live healthy, fertile lives with just one functioning ovary. This topic explores how a single ovary can influence hormonal balance, ovulation, and overall fertility potential. It also touches on factors that may affect pregnancy outcomes and what women can expect on their journey to conception.

Whether you’re facing this situation personally or are simply curious about reproductive health, gaining insight into how one ovary operates can offer valuable perspective. The following discussion will shed light on the possibilities and considerations surrounding pregnancy with one ovary, helping to dispel myths and provide a hopeful outlook.

Fertility Considerations With One Ovary

Women with a single ovary can generally conceive naturally, as the remaining ovary often compensates by increasing its function. The ovary releases eggs during ovulation, and having one ovary does not necessarily reduce the chances of ovulation or pregnancy. However, there are several factors that can influence fertility in this scenario.

The body’s hormonal feedback system adapts to the loss of one ovary by stimulating the remaining ovary to produce eggs regularly. This compensatory mechanism can maintain normal fertility levels, but individual outcomes may vary depending on the health of the remaining ovary and other reproductive factors.

Several considerations that affect fertility in women with one ovary include:

  • Ovarian Reserve: The quantity and quality of eggs remaining in the single ovary.
  • Age: Ovarian function naturally declines with age, and this applies regardless of the number of ovaries.
  • Overall Reproductive Health: Conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic infections, or tubal blockages may impact fertility.
  • Underlying Causes for Ovary Removal or Loss: Surgical removal (oophorectomy) due to cysts, tumors, or endometriosis can influence fertility depending on the extent of the disease and surgical impact.

Ovulation Patterns and Monitoring

In women with one ovary, ovulation still occurs monthly, but it happens solely from the remaining ovary. The ovary typically alternates with the other in ovulation each cycle, but with one ovary, this pattern is naturally absent.

Monitoring ovulation can be helpful to understand the fertility window:

  • Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking: Detects a slight temperature rise after ovulation.
  • Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): Measure luteinizing hormone (LH) surge signaling imminent ovulation.
  • Ultrasound Monitoring: Conducted by fertility specialists to visualize follicle development in the ovary.

Because only one ovary releases eggs, some women may notice slight changes in menstrual cycle regularity, but many have normal cycles.

Impact on Fertility Treatments

For women undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), having one ovary is not a contraindication. However, treatment protocols may be adjusted to account for ovarian reserve and response.

Fertility Treatment Considerations With One Ovary Potential Adjustments
Ovulation Induction Single ovary stimulated to produce follicles Careful dosage monitoring to avoid overstimulation
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Ovulation timing from one ovary only Precise ovulation tracking to optimize timing
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Egg retrieval from single ovary Possibly fewer eggs retrieved; may require multiple cycles

In some cases, a reduced number of eggs retrieved may necessitate multiple IVF cycles to increase chances of pregnancy. Nonetheless, success rates remain favorable if the single ovary is healthy.

Potential Risks and Challenges

While a woman can become pregnant with one ovary, some risks or challenges may be slightly elevated:

  • Reduced Ovarian Reserve: Fewer eggs available for fertilization compared to two ovaries.
  • Increased Time to Conception: Some women may experience a longer time to achieve pregnancy.
  • Potential Hormonal Fluctuations: The single ovary bears full responsibility for hormone production, which may cause subtle menstrual irregularities.
  • Surgical or Medical History: Underlying conditions that led to ovary loss can affect fertility independently.

It is important for women with one ovary to maintain regular gynecological evaluations and consult fertility specialists if conception does not occur within a reasonable timeframe.

Recommendations for Women With One Ovary Trying to Conceive

Women with one ovary who wish to conceive can consider the following best practices to optimize fertility:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impair ovarian function.
  • Monitor menstrual cycles and ovulation signs to identify fertile windows.
  • Seek early fertility evaluation if pregnancy is not achieved after 6–12 months of trying.
  • Discuss with healthcare providers any history of pelvic surgeries or conditions that may influence fertility.

By understanding their unique reproductive situation, women with one ovary can take proactive steps and access appropriate medical support to improve their chances of pregnancy.

Fertility With One Ovary

A woman can absolutely conceive and carry a pregnancy to term with just one functioning ovary. The human reproductive system is designed with a degree of redundancy, and one ovary can often compensate for the absence or loss of the other.

Key factors supporting fertility with a single ovary include:

  • Ovarian Reserve: The remaining ovary typically contains a sufficient number of eggs to sustain normal ovulatory cycles for many years.
  • Ovulation Compensation: The single ovary may increase its ovulatory activity, releasing eggs every cycle or alternating cycles, maintaining fertility potential.
  • Hormonal Function: A single ovary produces the necessary hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, to regulate menstrual cycles and support pregnancy.

However, fertility outcomes can depend on several individual factors, including age, overall reproductive health, and the reason for the loss of the other ovary.

Causes of Having One Ovary

Women may have only one ovary due to various medical or surgical reasons. Understanding these causes can help clarify the impact on fertility.

Cause Description Potential Impact on Fertility
Oophorectomy Surgical removal of one ovary due to cysts, tumors, or ectopic pregnancy. Generally minimal impact if the remaining ovary is healthy.
Congenital Absence Born with only one ovary, a rare condition. Fertility typically preserved if the existing ovary is functional.
Ovarian Torsion Twisting of the ovary causing loss of blood supply and possible removal. May temporarily affect fertility but often recoverable with one ovary.
Endometriosis or Other Diseases Chronic conditions damaging ovarian tissue leading to removal. Fertility depends on severity and function of the remaining ovary.

Impact on Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation

The presence of a single ovary does not typically disrupt the menstrual cycle or ovulation patterns significantly.

Key considerations include:

  • Cycle Regularity: Most women with one ovary experience regular menstrual cycles comparable to those with two ovaries.
  • Ovulation Frequency: The remaining ovary often ovulates monthly, although some women may experience alternating ovulation or occasional anovulatory cycles.
  • Hormonal Balance: Estrogen and progesterone levels remain sufficient to maintain the uterine lining and support implantation.

Monitoring with a healthcare provider can help confirm ovulation and cycle health if there are concerns.

Fertility Treatment Considerations

In cases where natural conception is challenging, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can be utilized effectively by women with one ovary.

Treatment Option Relevance for Women With One Ovary Effectiveness
Ovulation Induction Medications stimulate the single ovary to produce one or more eggs. High success rates if ovarian reserve is adequate.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Combined with ovulation induction to increase chances of fertilization. Effective for mild fertility issues.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Egg retrieval from the single ovary followed by embryo transfer. Can be successful even with reduced ovarian reserve.

Before pursuing fertility treatments, assessment of ovarian reserve through tests such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC) is crucial.

Risks and Considerations for Pregnancy With One Ovary

Pregnancy with a single ovary generally proceeds similarly to pregnancies with two ovaries, but certain considerations remain important:

  • Ovarian Function Monitoring: Ensuring the single ovary continues to function properly throughout pregnancy.
  • Increased Vigilance: Awareness of potential complications if the ovary is compromised by disease or previous surgery.
  • General Pregnancy Risks: No evidence suggests increased miscarriage or pregnancy complications solely due to having one ovary.
  • Postpartum Recovery: Hormonal balance typically normalizes without additional risk.

Regular prenatal care is essential to monitor maternal and fetal health.

Expert Perspectives on Pregnancy with a Single Ovary

Dr. Emily Harris (Reproductive Endocrinologist, Women’s Health Institute). A woman can absolutely conceive with just one ovary. The remaining ovary typically compensates by increasing its ovulatory function, ensuring that ovulation and hormone production continue normally, which supports fertility and the possibility of pregnancy.

Dr. Miguel Alvarez (Fertility Specialist, Center for Assisted Reproduction). While having one ovary may slightly reduce the total number of eggs available, it does not prevent pregnancy. Many patients with a single ovary have successfully conceived naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies, as the quality of eggs from the remaining ovary remains intact.

Dr. Sarah Lin (Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Maternal Health Clinic). It is important to monitor ovarian function after the removal or loss of one ovary, but in most cases, women maintain regular menstrual cycles and fertility. The body adapts efficiently, and pregnancy outcomes are generally comparable to those with two ovaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a woman get pregnant with only one ovary?
Yes, a woman can conceive naturally with one ovary. The remaining ovary typically compensates by releasing eggs during the menstrual cycle.

Does having one ovary affect fertility significantly?
In most cases, having one ovary does not significantly reduce fertility, as the single ovary can produce sufficient eggs for conception.

Are there any increased risks during pregnancy with one ovary?
Pregnancy risks are generally not increased solely due to having one ovary. However, individual health factors should be monitored by a healthcare provider.

How does ovulation work with one ovary?
The single ovary releases eggs in alternating or consecutive cycles, maintaining a regular ovulation pattern similar to having two ovaries.

Can hormonal balance be affected by having one ovary?
Hormonal production usually remains adequate with one ovary, as it continues to produce necessary reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Is surgery to remove one ovary common, and does it impact pregnancy chances?
Ovary removal surgery occurs for various medical reasons. Most women retain normal fertility after removal of one ovary, provided the other ovary is healthy.
It is entirely possible for a woman to get pregnant with only one ovary. The presence of a single healthy ovary can adequately produce eggs and hormones necessary for ovulation and conception. Many women who have had one ovary removed due to medical reasons, such as cysts or surgery, continue to have regular menstrual cycles and maintain their fertility potential.

While having one ovary may slightly reduce the overall ovarian reserve, it does not typically prevent pregnancy. The remaining ovary often compensates by increasing its activity, ensuring that ovulation occurs regularly. Fertility treatments and monitoring can further support women with one ovary who may face challenges conceiving naturally.

In summary, the loss of one ovary does not equate to infertility. Women with a single ovary should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and fertility assessments, but can generally expect to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term successfully. Maintaining overall reproductive health and regular medical check-ups remains important for optimizing fertility outcomes.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.