Surviving Cancer: Understanding Fertility in Women with One Ovary

Despite the challenges posed by cancer and the procedures required to treat it, many women can maintain their fertility post-cancer. A woman may undergo an ovary removal, or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, as a treatment for cancerous growths. For these women, the remaining ovary takes over the important functions, including menstruation and ovulation. However, fertility levels can be affected by factors such as adhesions and prior surgeries. This article explores the fertility landscape for women who have one functional ovary after an ovary removal due to cancerous growths.

Understanding Ovary Removal and Fertility

When one ovary is removed due to cancerous growths, the remaining ovary often compensates for the loss. The ovary continues to function, releasing eggs and regulating menstruation. This means that ovulation and menstruation continue to occur, but the process relies solely on the one remaining ovary.

For some women, this may not impact fertility significantly. However, there are several factors that can influence fertility levels in this scenario:

Adhesions: Adhesions are abnormal bands of tissue that can form around the ovary, Fallopian tube, or other pelvic structures. These adhesions can lead to scarring and blockages, affecting the ability of the remaining ovary to function properly. Surgery to remove the cancerous growths may increase the likelihood of adhesions, further complicating fertility.

Prior Surgeries: Prior surgeries can affect the remaining ovary. If the removal of the cancerous growth involved significant manipulation of the remaining ovary, it can lead to inflammation or other complications that might impact fertility.

Age: Women who have undergone ovary removal due to cancer are often at an age when they are closer to menopause. This can naturally affect fertility levels due to a decrease in the number of eggs remaining in the remaining ovary.

Assessing Fertility Post-Ovary Removal

After undergoing an ovary removal due to cancer, women may wish to assess their fertility levels. This can be done through a variety of methods:

Ultrasound Scans: These can help to evaluate the size and quality of the remaining ovary. A smaller ovary or one that has been significantly affected by the cancer or surgery may have reduced fertility.

Hormone Tests: Blood tests can measure hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are important for fertility. Elevated levels of these hormones can indicate a reduced number of eggs and decreased fertility.

Ovarian Reserve Tests: These tests measure the number of eggs remaining in the remaining ovary. Reduced ovarian reserve can indicate a lower likelihood of sustaining pregnancy.

Ovarian Cysts: During the post-surgery period, ovarian cysts can form. While not always a concern, they may indicate inflammation or other complications that could affect fertility.

Options for Women with One Ovary

For women who have only one ovary and are concerned about their fertility, there are several options to explore:

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): This procedure involves retrieving eggs from the remaining ovary and fertilizing them in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus, bypassing the need for the Fallopian tubes, which may be damaged or removed due to cancer.

Donor Eggs: If the remaining ovary has a significantly reduced ovarian reserve, a woman may consider using donor eggs. This can still result in a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Freezing Eggs: Prior to ovary removal, some women opt to freeze their eggs, allowing them to later use these eggs to have a biological child.

Conclusion

Living with one ovary after an ovary removal due to cancer is not uncommon, and the remaining ovary takes over the important functions of menstruation and ovulation. However, prior surgeries, adhesions, and the age of the woman can affect fertility levels. By understanding the factors involved, women can make informed decisions about their fertility options and pursue the best possible outcome for their own health and reproductive goals.

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