Whether pregnancy in women with a single ovary is possible or not has always been controversial.

Before jumping to any conclusion, we need to understand that even a single ovary releases an egg for fertilization. So, if the sperm can reach the egg, fertilization or pregnancy. The condition for the pregnancy is that the opposite ovary and fallopian tube should be in good health. 

So, let’s say if the right ovary is in working condition and the left fallopian tube is intact, then pregnancy is possible, or vice versa. However, it depends on several factors like:

• Age of women
• Presence of high-quality ovaries
• No issues with male fertility
• No blockages in the fallopian tube

If the above conditions are not satisfied, then women require IVF for pregnancy.

Now, the question arises,

Is Pregnancy With IVF Possible in Women With Single Ovary?

IVF (In vitro fertilization) makes pregnancy possible for most infertility issues, whether in men or women. So, pregnancy with IVF is possible even for women with single ovaries. However, a recent study in Sweden reveals that; Women who have undergone unilateral oophorectomy have lower chances of pregnancy than women with both ovaries.

However, the effect on women’s reproductive system after ovarian removal is inconclusive. 

Detailed Insights of The Fertility Study on Women With Single Ovary

Earlier, it was believed that it could compensate for ovarian removal in women through IVF. Well, the meta-study results at Karolinska Institute of Sweden have different statistics.

Adjunct professor Kenny Rodriguez-Wallberg from the oncology-pathology department of Karolinska Institute states that ‘ The surgical ovarian removal can significantly impact women's fertility.’ 

The researchers compared the existing studies with their point of inquiry during the survey. Over 3000 papers were published between 1984 to 2018. After the detailed analysis, only 18 pieces could match their required criteria, and these papers were shortlisted for uninterrupted study.

Conclusions Drawn From The Study

In the study, 1057 IVF procedures were performed on women with a single ovary, and around 45,813 were on women with both ovaries. Also, there were 15 studies of a positive pregnancy, and 5 were the ones that resulted in live births. 

• Kenny Rodriguez-Wallberg says that ovarian surgery affects fertility in women, and it is essential to inform them about future conception. 
• Knowing that ovarian reserve in women is limited, the doctors should guide the women to freeze the ovaries.
• The previous studies that convey that single ovarian removal does not affect fertility have no justifying research or supporting facts.
• Although the study does not have any conclusions for complete infertility post ovarian removal surgery, but one thing is sure Conceiving chances of IVF in women with a single ovary are significantly reduced.

 

After the former study, researchers are now working on further studies to check if ovarian removal impacts hormone production or leads to any other reproductive disorder.

If you have to undergo ovarian removal due to malignant cancer or any other unavoidable reason, it's highly recommended that you first seek proper consultation from your gynecologist.

Final Words

Infertility due to ovarian removal or any other reason, as a matter of fact, is devastating. So, while you have to decide for ovarian removal, it’s better to ask questions from fertility experts well in advance. Asking the queries, and proceeding with necessary solutions before ovarian removal, can help you subside the future issues.

Well, it’s nothing to worry about, even if you have already undergone surgical ovarian removal. Only the chances of success are low, which does not mean you cannot be pregnant. If you are struggling with pregnancy due to a single ovary, consider consulting with fertility specialists at Crysta IVF

Stay Tuned for more updates on infertility solutions and IVF success stories.