Fallopian tubes: Is pregnancy possible with only one?

Pregnancy is possible with only one fallopian tube — as long as you have one or both ovaries, you still ovulate, and the remaining fallopian tube is healthy.

Normally, a single egg is released each month by one of the ovaries. The egg travels to one of the fallopian tubes — typically the adjacent tube — where a sperm may fertilize it. The fertilized egg then travels to the uterus.

Ovulation tends to alternate between the ovaries. If you have only one fallopian tube, you're most likely to conceive on a month in which the egg is released from the ovary nearest your fallopian tube. Although it may be possible for an egg released from one ovary to travel to the fallopian tube on the opposite side, this is rare. Instead, any eggs released from the ovary on the opposite side typically won't have a chance to be fertilized. The egg will simply break down, and you'll have your next period as usual.

Keep in mind that fertility may be affected by other factors as well. You're less likely to conceive if one of your fallopian tubes was removed due to a tubal pregnancy or infection. In such cases, the remaining fallopian tube may not be normal. Conception is also less likely if you have only one ovary and it's on the opposite side of your only fallopian tube.