Medically reviewed on August 17, 2022 by Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
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If you want to start a family or you’re planning on making your current family a little bit bigger, you want to do everything you can to ensure that fertility levels are where they need to be. If you aren’t can't conceive right away, something out of your control might be causing the problem. Physiological complications, hormonal deficiencies, and menstrual irregularities can negatively impact the ability to get pregnant.
If you’ve had ovarian removal surgery to get rid of an ovarian cyst and only have a single ovary, you might also be wondering, “Can I get pregnant with one ovary?” The answer varies depending on the individual. If you only have one ovary, the chances of getting pregnant won’t necessarily be affected—depending on certain factors. [1] Read on to learn more.
The main factor that influences whether an ovary removal surgery will impact fertility is the reason you had to have an oophorectomy. You see, it isn’t the removal of the ovary itself that will cause you to have trouble conceiving. Instead, it can be the underlying condition that led to removal.
Some of the reasons one of your ovaries might be surgically removed include: [2]
An oophorectomy is a serious surgery and isn’t typically performed unless necessary. After the surgery, some of the potential impacts may include: [3]
Fertility levels should not change after an ovary is removed. They should return to normal after recovery from the surgery.
Once you’ve recovered from an oophorectomy, you can take action to improve your chances of getting pregnant. The things you can do are the same as those you would try if you didn’t have an oophorectomy. They include: [4]
While none of these actions guarantee that you’ll conceive with one remaining ovary, they can help you ensure that your body is as healthy as possible and ready to take on the challenge of pregnancy.
Can you get pregnant with one ovary? Yes—in many cases surgical removal of the ovary won’t harm your fertility if the remaining ovary is still attached to a fallopian tube. However, the reason behind ovarian removal surgery may cause you to have some problems getting pregnant. Endometriosis and other health conditions can be a catalyst for ovarian surgery and might interfere with fertility. That's why it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist to officially diagnose any fertility problem and to recommend the right infertility treatment for conception, whether that's IVF treatment, a follicle-stimulating hormone, or intrauterine insemination.
Seeking advice from a professional also answers any questions you may have, such as “Can stress cause ovarian cysts?” and “Are ovarian cysts genetic?”
If you’re looking for answers about your fertility levels, we might be able to help. The Everlywell Female Hormone Test measures levels of hormones that can influence fertility. It’s a simple, at-home test that can help you gain some insight into your reproductive health.
Can stress cause ovarian cysts?
What is a follicle on the ovary?
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