Finding out that you only have one ovary—whether due to a previous surgery, a medical condition, or a congenital situation—can bring up many emotions at once. For many women, this news comes with fear, uncertainty, and a deeply personal question:Can I still have a baby? At Ingenes, this is one of the most common questions we hear during consultations. And in many cases, the answer is yes. Having only one ovary does not mean that the path to motherhood is closed. It means that this path needs to be understood, properly evaluated, and supported in the right way. In this article, we explain clearly and honestly what it means to live with one ovary, how it may affect fertility, and how, at Ingenes, we can help you pursue your dream of having a baby. What Role Do the Ovaries Play in Fertility? The ovaries play a central role in female reproductive health. They are responsible for producing eggs and secreting essential hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Under normal conditions, women have two ovaries, and each month one of them releases an egg. However, the human body has a remarkable ability to adapt. When one ovary is absent, the remaining ovary can take over both functions: ovulation and hormonal balance. For this reason, from a medical perspective, having only one ovary does not automatically mean infertility. Why Might a Woman Have Only One Ovary? There are several reasons why a woman may live with only one ovary, and many of them are related to overall health rather than fertility itself. Some women have undergone gynecological surgeries due to ovarian cysts, endometriosis, ovarian torsion, or benign tumors. In other cases, the loss of an ovary occurs after an ectopic pregnancy or complications that required surgical intervention. There are also congenital situations in which a woman is born with only one ovary and may not discover it until she begins trying to conceive or undergoes testing for another reason. Regardless of the cause, the most important factor is not what is missing, but how well the remaining ovary is functioning. Does Having One Ovary Reduce the Chances of Pregnancy? Not automatically. Many women with one ovary ovulate normally, have regular menstrual cycles, and achieve spontaneous pregnancies. In fact, some women only discover they have one ovary after already becoming mothers. What truly influences the chances of achieving pregnancy is not the number of ovaries, but factors such as: That is why, rather than assuming limitations, it is essential to properly evaluate fertility. How Is Fertility Evaluated When There Is Only One Ovary? At Ingenes, the first step is always a comprehensive evaluation. This allows us to understand how the ovary is functioning, assess ovarian reserve, and determine realistic possibilities for each individual case. Different aspects of reproductive health are analyzed, including hormonal studies, ovarian reserve assessments, and specialized ultrasounds that allow us to observe the activity of the remaining ovary. All this information is evaluated together, never in isolation. This evaluation is essential because it avoids assumptions and makes it possible to design a plan based on real data. Is It Possible to Try for a Natural Pregnancy With One Ovary? Yes, in many cases it is. If the remaining ovary ovulates regularly and there are no other fertility-related factors, natural pregnancy can occur. However, when pregnancy does not happen within a reasonable amount of time—especially for women over 35—it is important not to wait indefinitely. Seeking help at the right time does not mean giving up. It means protecting time and expanding possibilities. Options for Pursuing Pregnancy With One Ovary When medical support is needed, the approach must always be personalized. At Ingenes, each case is analyzed individually, taking into account age, ovarian reserve, and medical history. In some situations, the natural cycle can be supported or ovulation stimulated to optimize the chances of pregnancy. In other cases, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) becomes an important tool, as it allows specialists to work directly with eggs obtained from the functional ovary, without relying on the fallopian tubes. IVF can be especially helpful when time is a critical factor, when ovarian reserve is low, or when additional diagnoses are present. Does Having One Ovary Affect Egg Quality? Not simply because there is only one ovary. Egg quality is primarily related to age and individual biological factors, not to the number of ovaries. A healthy ovary can produce good-quality eggs for many years. For this reason, the correct approach is not to focus on limitations, but rather on how to make the most of the reproductive potential that exists today. The Emotional Impact of This Diagnosis Beyond the medical aspects, living with one ovary can carry a significant emotional burden. Many women experience fear, anxiety, or constant pressure related to the passage of time. At Ingenes, we understand that fertility is not only a clinical process. It is a deeply human experience. That is why emotional support is part of the journey from the very first contact. Feeling heard, understood, and supported is also part of moving forward. Why Is It Important Not to Delay an Evaluation? One of the most common mistakes is assuming that “it will happen eventually” without having clear information. In fertility, time truly matters. An early evaluation does not force you to start treatment, but it does allow you to understand your current situation and make informed decisions. Waiting without information can close options that are available today How Can Ingenes Help You? At Ingenes, we have more than 20 years of experience supporting women with a wide range of diagnoses, including complex fertility scenarios. Our approach is based on comprehensive evaluation from the first consultation, personalized plans, and close, human-centered support. This is not about empty promises, but about building a realistic path toward the goal of having a baby. Your Next Step Can Make the Difference Having one ovary does not define
