Pregnancy With One Ovary: All You Need To Know

Dr. Richika Sahay | 18 Aug 2023 | 3061 Views |

Introduction

Ah, the wonders of the human body! It’s truly mind-boggling how resilient and adaptable we are. Take, for instance, pregnancy with one ovary. Yep, you heard it right! It’s totally possible and more common than you’d think. So, for everyone scratching their heads, thinking, “Can you really get pregnant with just one ovary?”, let’s dive into this rollercoaster of information.

Can You Get Pregnant With One Ovary?

Absolutely! In fact, for all the hopeful moms out there, having one ovary doesn’t mean that your dreams of motherhood are out of reach. It might be a bumpier ride, but hey, who said adventures are ever smooth? The remaining ovary continues to release eggs, and as long as you have a healthy uterus and fallopian tube, conception is on the table.

• Natural Adaptability: Our bodies have a fascinating way of adapting. The remaining ovary often takes over the function of the missing one, ensuring ovulation continues.
• Hormone Levels: Women with one ovary can still produce the necessary hormones like estrogen, which play a crucial role in fertility.

What Are The Steps To Get Pregnant With One Ovary?

• Regular Health Checkups: You’ll want to keep tabs on your reproductive health. Regular visits to specialists, like the experts at India IVF Fertility in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and Gwalior, can provide tailored advice.
• Track Your Ovulation: Even with one ovary, ovulation occurs. Monitoring your menstrual cycle can give you an edge.
• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular exercise can work wonders!
• Consultation: Consider visiting a fertility clinic, especially if you face issues. They can guide you on fertility treatments, if needed.
• Alternative Therapies: Techniques like acupuncture or yoga might help in relaxing the body and promoting fertility.
• Join Support Groups: Engaging with other women in similar situations can offer emotional strength and valuable insights.
• Stay Informed: Being proactive and arming oneself with knowledge about the condition can be beneficial in decision-making.

What Causes You To Have An Ovary Removal or A Single Ovary?

• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as ovarian cysts or cancer might necessitate the removal.
  Injury: Accidents can lead to surgical removal.
• Birth Defects: Some women might be born with just one ovary. Surprise!
• Endometriosis: This painful disorder can sometimes lead to the surgical removal of an ovary.
• Torsion: When an ovary gets twisted, it can disrupt blood flow, and if untreated, might necessitate removal.
• Preventive Surgery: In rare cases, women with a very high risk of ovarian cancer may opt for prophylactic ovary removal.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant With One Ovary?

• IVF Treatment: Clinics like India IVF Fertility offer treatments tailored for such conditions.
• Medications: Some drugs can stimulate ovulation, increasing the chances.
• Healthy Habits: Reduce alcohol, quit smoking, and embrace a nutritious diet.
• Stay Stress-Free: Chronic stress can impact fertility. Find relaxation techniques that suit you.
• Fertility Supplements: While not a magic solution, some supplements might improve overall reproductive health.
• Know Your Peak Days: Understand your cycle and identify the best days for conception.

Risks of Pregnancy With One Ovary

• Reduced Fertility: The egg release might be half in comparison to two ovaries.
• Menopausal Symptoms: Early menopause can be a possible risk.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: There’s a slight increase in the risk of a fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus.
• Hormonal Imbalance: With one ovary, there’s a potential for hormonal fluctuations which might affect menstrual cycles.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: If undergoing IVF, there’s a slight increase in this risk.
• Pregnancy-Related Complications: While not directly due to having one ovary, underlying conditions that led to its removal might pose certain risks.

Conclusion

The journey of pregnancy with one ovary might seem daunting, but with advancements in medical science and the sheer spirit of determination, many women have embarked on this adventure and emerged victorious. After all, it’s not about the number of ovaries but the strength of your heart and will. If you’re on this path, remember, every cloud has a silver lining. And clinics like India IVF Fertility are always here to guide you through the storm.

About The Author

Dr. Richika Sahay

MBBS (Gold Medalist), DNB (Obst & Gyne), MNAMS, MRCOG (London-UK), Fellow IVF, Fellow MAS, Infertility (IVF) Specialist & Gynae Laparoscopic surgeon,[Ex AIIMS & Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi]. Read more