From the Research
Having one fallopian tube can decrease fertility, but many women with a single tube can still conceive naturally, with fertility rates decreasing by approximately 30-50% compared to women with two healthy tubes. This reduction occurs because ovulation alternates between ovaries each month, and if an egg is released from the ovary without a corresponding tube, it cannot be captured and fertilized. However, the remaining fallopian tube can sometimes migrate to capture eggs from both ovaries, a phenomenon called "transperitoneal migration" 1.
Key Considerations
- Women with one tube who wish to conceive should try naturally for 6-12 months before considering fertility treatments.
- If conception doesn't occur within this timeframe, treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended.
- IVF can be particularly effective as it bypasses the need for fallopian tubes entirely by directly fertilizing eggs in a laboratory.
- Women with one tube should also ensure their remaining tube is healthy and patent through tests like a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) if they experience difficulty conceiving.
Factors Affecting Fertility
- The presence of hydrosalpinx, myomas, and abnormal sperm test results in the male partner can significantly increase the risk of tubal occlusion 1.
- Tubal pathologies, including anomalies and diseases, can contribute to reproductive issues and negatively impact fertility outcomes 2.
Recommendations
- Women with one fallopian tube should prioritize maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical attention if they experience difficulty conceiving.
- Healthcare providers should consider the latest advancements in tubal disease research and evaluate the most effective medical conducts for achieving the best fertility outcomes 2.