fertility on one side

Overview

Having fertility on one side means that a woman has only one working ovary or one open fallopian tube (the tube that carries an egg from the ovary to the womb). The other ovary or tube may have been removed, blocked, or may never have developed. Even with only one side working, it is often still possible to get pregnant naturally.

Yes, this is a fairly common situation. Many women have one ovary or one fallopian tube removed due to cysts, endometriosis, infection, or an ectopic pregnancy. Some women are simply born with only one side.

It affects women of reproductive age, often after pelvic surgery, a past ectopic pregnancy, a severe pelvic infection, or a condition present from birth.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Often there are no symptoms at all.
• Some women may have mild pain or discomfort on the side where the ovary or tube was removed, especially if there is a cyst or scar tissue.

Symptoms in children

• This topic is not typically relevant for children. If a girl is born with only one ovary or tube, she usually has no symptoms.

Symptoms in older adults

• As women approach menopause, having one ovary may affect hormone levels, but symptoms are often similar to natural menopause. Fertility is not a concern at this stage, but overall health still matters.

Causes

Main causes

• Surgical removal of one ovary or fallopian tube, for example due to a cyst, tumor, or ectopic pregnancy
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tube from infection, endometriosis, or scar tissue
• Congenital condition where a woman is born with only one ovary or tube
• Ovarian failure on one side, meaning the ovary no longer releases eggs regularly

Risk factors

• Previous pelvic surgery, especially on the ovaries or tubes
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sexually transmitted infections
• Ectopic pregnancy in the past
• Endometriosis affecting the pelvic organs
• Radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer in the pelvic area

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain that comes on suddenly
• Pain with fever, heavy bleeding, or fainting

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success (or over 6 months if you are over 35) — speak to your doctor or a fertility specialist
• You have irregular periods or no periods at all
• You have been diagnosed with a condition that might affect your remaining tube or ovary

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, do a physical exam, and may recommend imaging tests. To assess fertility, they often check whether you are ovulating and whether your remaining fallopian tube is open.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound scan — to see the ovary and check for follicles (fluid sacs that contain eggs)
• Blood tests — to check hormone levels and whether you are ovulating
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) — an X-ray test that shows whether the fallopian tube is open
• Laparoscopy — a small operation with a camera to look inside the pelvis, if needed

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are usually done as an outpatient or day-case. Some, like the HSG, can cause mild cramping. You may be asked to track your cycle at home. Your doctor will explain the results and discuss your chances of conceiving naturally or with treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and on your goals. If you are trying to get pregnant, the aim is to make sure that the remaining ovary is releasing eggs and that the tube is clear. If you are younger and have regular cycles, you may not need any treatment. If you need help, there are safe and effective options.

Self-care at home

• Track your menstrual cycle and signs of ovulation (like mid-cycle pain or changes in cervical mucus) to time intercourse
• Maintain a healthy weight — being overweight or underweight can affect ovulation
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, as both can affect fertility
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, talking to friends, or professional support

Medical treatments

If you are not ovulating regularly, a doctor may prescribe fertility medicines that help the ovary release eggs. These are given under close monitoring. If the remaining tube is blocked, a procedure called tubal cannulation may be possible. Another option is assisted reproduction, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), which can bypass the fallopian tube entirely. Your doctor will talk to you about which approach is safest for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered if the remaining tube is blocked and can be repaired, or if there is scar tissue or endometriosis that could be removed. In some cases, surgery is not recommended because IVF offers a better chance. Your fertility specialist will help you weigh the benefits and risks.

Living with this condition

For most women, having one ovary or tube does not change daily life. You may still have regular periods and ovulate normally. It is important to know your body and seek care if you develop pelvic pain or unusual symptoms.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active, but avoid extreme exercise that can disrupt your cycle
• Get enough sleep and try to reduce chronic stress
• If you are trying to conceive, have regular intercourse around ovulation
• Use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections, which can damage your remaining tube

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. There is no special diet that guarantees fertility, but staying at a healthy weight and being physically active helps your hormones work better.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding out you have only one side can be worrying, especially if you hope to have children. It is normal to feel anxious or sad. Remember that many women with one ovary or tube do conceive. Allow yourself time to absorb the information, and ask your doctor about your specific chances.

Prevention

Having only one ovary or tube is often not preventable, especially if it is due to surgery or a birth difference. However, you can protect your remaining tube by preventing infections. Practice safe sex and get tested for sexually transmitted infections if you are at risk. Treat any pelvic infections early.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for this condition, but you can reduce your risk of pelvic infections by staying up to date with vaccines like the HPV vaccine, which can prevent conditions that may lead to cervical treatment and scarring.

Screening programmes

Regular gynecologic checkups are important, especially if you have risk factors. If you are trying to conceive and have one tube, your doctor may recommend checking that the tube is open before fertility treatment.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a remaining fallopian tube is blocked, natural pregnancy may not occur unless treatment is sought
• Pregnancy can occur in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy), which is a medical emergency if not detected early
• If the remaining ovary stops working, you may experience menopausal symptoms or have difficulty conceiving

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally good. Many women with one ovary or tube conceive naturally, and with fertility treatments the chances are often excellent. Some women may need more time or help, but hope is very reasonable. Always talk to a fertility specialist to understand your personal situation.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.