Gynaecologists have dispelled the rumour that women born with one ovary or those who have lost an ovary due to surgery or other medical conditions are unable to conceive or give birth to many children.
According to the maternal health experts, having one ovary does not affect a woman’s fertility or her ability to carry a pregnancy to term.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the physicians explained that the female reproductive system was designed to function with one ovary, and the remaining ovary could produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of conception.
It was gathered that there have been common misconceptions about women with one ovary, particularly the belief that they have a significantly reduced fertility potential.
Many people assume that having only one ovary means a woman is less likely to conceive or that she cannot carry a pregnancy to term. This assumption is based on the idea that a single ovary cannot produce enough eggs or that the loss of an ovary severely impacts the body’s reproductive function.
Reacting to the misconception in separate interviews with PUNCH, the reproductive experts noted that some women were born with one ovary, a rare condition that affects about one in 11,240 women, and still go on to lead normal reproductive lives.
They also stated that women who had undergone surgery to remove one ovary, due to conditions such as ovarian cysts or cancer, could still conceive and give birth to healthy babies.
The gynaecologists further revealed that women with one ovary could even give birth to twins, just like women with two ovaries.
They attributed this to the fact that the remaining ovary could release multiple eggs during ovulation, increasing the chances of multiple pregnancies.
A gynaecology oncologist at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Kayode Ajenifuja, noted that gonadal dysgenesis is the condition of being born with or having only one ovary.
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According to him, it is a spectrum of disorders in which there may be complete or partial absence of the reproductive organs. It occurs in one out of every 2,500 live female births. Some are male but have external features of females, that is they are phenotypical females. It is a wide spectrum of disorders.
Ajenifuja stated that women with one ovary could conceive and give birth to multiple children if the remaining ovary is functional.
While stressing that giving birth for those with gonadal dysgenesis depends on the degree of abnormality, the don noted that there may not be any noticeable symptoms or signs that can indicate if a woman has only one ovary, especially if the remaining ovary is functional.
He explained further:
“What usually brings such women/girls to the hospital is when they fail to menstruate, especially the first menses. These women, even if there is partial development of the ovary, tend to have early menopause, which we call premature menopause.”
Regarding concerns about infertility or conception, the fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, stated that if the ovary was functional, the women involved will give birth like others with two ovaries. He added:
“If the ovary is not functional, then she will not be able to menstruate. There are usually no problems if the remaining ovary was not as a result of dysgenesis”.
The reproductive expert also revealed that women with one ovary could have twins if the ovary was normal. He revealed:
“There are many women who have had oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovary for medical reasons). They can reproduce with the other ovary. In most cases, one ovary ovulates at a time during the menstrual cycle.”
The gynaecologist emphasised that having one ovary does not necessarily affect a woman’s fertility, reproductive health, or overall well-being.
On his part, a consultant gynaecologist at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adeyemi Otunuya recommended that women with one ovary should educate themselves about their condition, establish a relationship with a healthcare provider, and seek support from their partners, family, and friends.
The physician also urged women with one ovary not to panic or feel anxious about their condition. He stressed that having one ovary is a common condition that can be managed with proper medical care and support.
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While noting that the presence of one ovary does not reduce a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, the gynaecologist explained that ovulation occurs when the pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the ovary to release an egg.
According to him, with one ovary, the process remains the same, and the remaining ovary can still produce multiple eggs.
The maternal health expert stated that women with one ovary can still experience a normal menstrual cycle.
He explained that the menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones produced by the pituitary gland and the ovaries.
He stressed that having one ovary does not increase the risk of other health problems, such as osteoporosis or heart disease.
He, however, recommended that women with one ovary should have regular pelvic exams, Pap smears, and other health screenings to monitor their reproductive health.
On the potential impact of having one ovary on a woman’s sex life, Otulana said having one ovary does not affect a woman’s libido or sexual function.
He stated that sexual function is controlled by a complex interplay of hormones, nerves, and blood vessels, and having one ovary does not disrupt this process. He said,
“Women with one ovary can still experience orgasm and sexual pleasure. Orgasm is a complex physiological response that involves the brain, nerves, and blood vessels, and having one ovary does not affect this response.
“Women with one ovary should not hesitate to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms or concerns related to their condition. But having one ovary does not necessarily affect a woman’s fertility, reproductive health, or overall well-being.”
Jumoke Simi
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