Every woman has a pair of fallopian tubes on either side of the uterus. This slender tube helps to connect the ovary to the uterus.
It plays a vital role in capturing the ovulated egg, allowing itsfertilisation with the sperm and then transports the growing embryo into the uterus. Fallopian tubes play a vital role in the function of the female reproductive system, especially conception. But can a woman conceive with a single fallopian tube? Wait, how can there be just one fallopian tube?
To understand if a woman can conceive with just a single fallopian tube and causes of having one fallopian tube, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Sumana Gurunath, Consultant Infertility and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru.
According to Dr Gurunath, having a single fallopian tube is not uncommon and couples are often apprehensive about their chances of conception.
Causes of Having Single Fallopian Tube
Dr Gurunath explained,
“There are various reasons for having a single fallopian tube – a) blockage of one fallopian tube because of pelvic infection b) surgical removal of one tube usually because of ectopic pregnancy or damage (hydrosalpinx) c) pelvic adhesions due to pelvic infection or endometriosis d) some women are born with a single fallopian tube.”
Can You Get Pregnant With Single Fallopian Tube?
Answering this, Dr Gurunath said,
“A woman can definitely conceive with one fallopian tube. Nonetheless, certain facts must be borne in mind. Chances of conceiving naturally are entirely dependent upon the condition of the existing tube. If undamaged, the possibility of natural conception is highest.”
However, Dr Gurunath said that some underlying conditions such as pelvic infection or endometriosis often affect both tubes equally or to a varying degree.
Explaining the possibility, she said,
“Chances of getting pregnant in one month is usually 25-30% in women less than 30 years. Hence, it often takes a few months for any couple to conceive naturally. Since all women have two ovaries, and a single egg ovulates every month, the side on which ovulation occurs is random. Women with a single open fallopian tube have a chance to conceive only in the month when ovulation occurs on the same side as the open tube.”
Consequently, such couples take longer to get pregnant as they lose the months when ovulation occurs on the side of the blocked tube. Ability to conceive is dependent on many other factors – age of the woman, ovarian reserve, semen parameters and a normal uterus.
“Ovarian reserve assessment is extremely important to make the right reproductive decision for any couple. Younger age 30 years, good ovarian reserve, normal semen parameters and a normal uterus increase the probability of success,” said Dr Gurunath.
She advised, prior to attempting natural conception, couples will benefit from an assessment with a fertility specialist to understand their odds of getting pregnant and guidance regarding when to seek help if unsuccessful.
When to Seek Help and the Way Forward?
According to Dr Gurunath, women who fit the criteria to try naturally should try for a period of one year (if less than 35 years) or six months (if over 35 years). If unsuccessful, the couple should consult a fertility specialist for further evaluation and possible treatment. Explaining how it can be treated, Dr Gurunath said,
“Treatment options include surgery to open the tubal block, intrauterine insemination (IUI) when ovulation occurs on the side of the open tube or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). If surgery is an option, it must be performed by a laparoscopic surgeon who has good experience in fertility surgery. If surgery is unsuccessful, or if you have multiple factors such as low ovarian reserve or poor sperm quality, IVF is recommended.”
