I Have One Ovary — Can I Get Pregnant?
I Have One Ovary — Can I Get Pregnant?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from women who have had an ovary removed due to cysts, ectopic pregnancy, torsion, or other medical reasons. The short answer is: yes, you can absolutely get pregnant with one ovary.
Why One Ovary Is Often Enough
Your remaining ovary can compensate remarkably well:
Ovulation continues: A single ovary will typically ovulate every month, rather than alternating as two ovaries would.
Egg supply: While you start with fewer total eggs, you only need one good egg each cycle to conceive.
Hormonal function: One ovary produces sufficient hormones to maintain regular cycles and support pregnancy.
What the Research Shows
Studies consistently show that women with one ovary:
- Have similar natural pregnancy rates to women with two ovaries (when the remaining ovary is healthy)
- Respond well to IVF stimulation
- Have comparable IVF success rates
When to Be Concerned
Having one ovary may require extra attention if:
Your remaining ovary has issues: Endometriosis, large cysts, or reduced blood supply can affect function.
You're over 35: With fewer total eggs and natural age-related decline, timing becomes more important.
The cause of ovary loss matters: If it was removed due to endometriosis or infection, the remaining ovary may also be affected.
Fertility Testing Is Key
We recommend:
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test: Measures your remaining ovarian reserve
- Antral follicle count: Ultrasound count of available follicles
- Day 3 FSH and estradiol: Hormonal markers of ovarian function
These tests give us a clear picture of your fertility potential.
Treatment Options If Needed
Timed intercourse with monitoring: Tracking ovulation to optimise timing.
Ovulation induction: Medications to ensure regular, predictable ovulation.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Placing prepared sperm directly in the uterus during ovulation.
IVF: If needed, stimulation protocols can be adapted for women with one ovary. You may produce fewer eggs per cycle, but quality matters more than quantity.
Success Stories
Many of our patients with one ovary have gone on to have healthy pregnancies — some naturally, others with assistance. Your fertility potential is determined by much more than the number of ovaries you have.
The Bottom Line
Having one ovary does not define your fertility. It may require a more proactive approach — earlier testing, closer monitoring, and potentially earlier intervention — but the dream of parenthood remains very much within reach.
If you have one ovary and are thinking about starting a family, we recommend scheduling a fertility assessment sooner rather than later. Knowledge is your greatest ally.
