Getting pregnant with only one fallopian tube is feasible for many women, because you only need one functioning ovary and tube to get pregnant. If you only have one fallopian tube and have not been able to get pregnant, there are a number of fertility options for women with one tube, as we will explore below.‍

Role of the Fallopian Tubes

‍Each woman has two ovaries and two fallopian tubes. Each month, one of the ovaries ovulates an egg, which then travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If sperm reaches an egg while is is in the fallopian tube, the egg can be fertilized. If the egg makes it to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining, pregnancy occurs.

It is possible to get pregnant with only one tube. This can happen in two ways. First, if ovulation occurs from the ovary on the same side as the tube - the chances are highest. Second, when ovulation occurs on the opposite side from the tube, it is still possible for the tube to capture the egg - though this is less efficient. As a result, some women with only one tube do have trouble getting pregnant, in which case treatment can be considered.

‍Causes of Having Only One Tube

‍Having only one functional fallopian tube can be caused by a number of problems. In most cases, the defunct fallopian tube is still present in the body, but non-functional due to blockage. Blockage can be caused by issues such as:

• Endometriosis - During endometriosis, the uterine lining grows in places other than the uterus, which can block off one or both tubes.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - PID is a state of inflammation caused by uncontrolled infection of the reproductive tract, which is commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia but can also be caused by other types of infection. PID can block the fallopian tubes. Blockage is most likely in cases where more than one episode of PID has occurred.
• Ectopic pregnancy - During an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, most commonly the fallopian tubes. This can block the fallopian tubes, especially if the pregnancy progresses for longer than a few weeks.

Fertility Options for Women with One Tube

The fertility options for women with one tube are very similar to the options for women with both fallopian tubes. The use of fertility medications such as Clomid or Follistim can result in multiple eggs developing. This will increase the likelihood for eggs developing on the side with the fallopian tube and ths increase the chance for pregnancy. IVF does not require any fallopian tubes and is therefore highly effective in women with only one tube. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about your fertility options for women with one tube. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.