The idea of having a baby is one of the most important and personal decisions in many women’s lives. But what happens when medical diagnoses seem to get in the way of that desire? One of the most common questions in fertility clinics is: “Can I get pregnant if I only have one fallopian tube?”
The answer is yes, it is possible to achieve a pregnancy with only one functional fallopian tube, although it depends on several factors that we will explain in this article. If this is your case, we invite you to learn more about how this condition affects your fertility, what alternatives exist, and how at Ingenes we have helped thousands of women become moms, even in scenarios that once seemed impossible.
What Are the Fallopian Tubes and What Is Their Function?
The fallopian tubes are two thin, tube-like structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Their main function is to transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus, and they are also the place where fertilization occurs—that is, where the egg and sperm meet.
When one of these tubes is absent, damaged, or blocked, the chances of a natural pregnancy may be reduced—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
In What Cases Can a Woman Have Only One Tube?
There are several reasons why a woman may have only one fallopian tube, including:
- Previous surgeries, such as salpingectomy (removal of a tube due to ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, or other issues).
- Congenital malformations: some women are born with only one tube.
- Severe pelvic infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Previous surgical sterilization that was later reversed.
- Cysts or tumors that required removal of reproductive structures.
Depending on the cause, the remaining tube may be in perfect condition… or may also require evaluation.
What Do I Need to Get Pregnant with Just One Tube?
Having only one tube is not a definitive sentence. To achieve a natural or assisted pregnancy, several key conditions must be met:
- The remaining fallopian tube must be healthy and open
This means it must allow the egg to pass from the ovary to the uterus. A test called hysterosalpingography (HSG) can help assess the tube’s functionality. - Ovulation must occur from the ovary on the same side
This may seem like a challenge, but the human body is more flexible than we think. Although ovulation alternates between ovaries each month, it has been shown that a healthy tube can sometimes “catch” the egg from the opposite side. - Your partner must have a normal semen analysis
Or in the case of treatment with donor sperm, the genetic material must be in optimal condition. - There must be no other infertility factors
Issues like endometriosis, fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or low ovarian reserve can affect the chances and must be assessed comprehensively.
What Are My Options If I Can’t Get Pregnant Naturally?
If after trying for a reasonable period (12 months if you’re under 35, or 6 months if you’re 35 or older), you haven’t achieved pregnancy, it’s time to consider assisted reproduction alternatives.
a) Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
If the tube is functional and there are no other infertility factors, insemination may be performed, which involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. This treatment requires monitoring to ensure ovulation occurs on the correct side.
b) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
This is the most effective technique when there is only one tube, especially if there are additional difficulties. In IVF, the egg and sperm are fertilized in a lab, and the resulting embryo is transferred directly into the uterus—no tubes involved.
At Ingenes, we offer an exclusive tool for cases with multiple factors that could make pregnancy difficult, such as a history of a single fallopian tube, ovulatory problems, low ovarian reserve, or advanced age: the IVF MORE® technique.
MORE®, which stands for Magnetic Ovulatory Restoration, is a patented procedure that combines the best of regenerative medicine, genetics, cellular micromanipulation, and magnetic field stimulation. Its goal is to improve egg quality in women who have had multiple failed IVF attempts or face complex diagnoses.
Through a carefully designed process, the egg’s metabolism is analyzed and enhanced with healthy cytoplasm from a young donor, revitalizing its ability to divide and form viable embryos. This is complemented by the use of a magnetic field that boosts the cellular response. All of this happens under highly controlled lab conditions, supervised by embryology experts.
Thanks to this technology, many women with a history of only one functional tube have been able to fulfill their dream of having a baby—even when other options seemed limited.
When Should I See a Specialist?
The general recommendation is not to wait more than 6 to 12 months before seeking help if you’re not getting pregnant. However, in cases where it’s already known that there’s only one fallopian tube, it’s important to see a specialist as soon as possible—every month counts.
At Ingenes, we carry out a complete medical evaluation starting from the first appointment. We analyze your case in detail: prior tests, lifestyle, age, ovarian reserve, treatment history, your partner’s health (if applicable), among other factors. All with the goal of mapping out a clear and effective path to your baby.
What Do the Statistics Say?
A woman with one functional tube may have slightly lower natural pregnancy rates—but not zero.
Clinical studies have shown that 85% of women with one healthy tube get pregnant within two years, as long as there are no other contributing factors.
With assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF, success rates can match—or even surpass—those of women with both tubes, as long as there is a proper ovarian response.
Inspiring Testimonials
At Ingenes, we’ve welcomed women who’ve gone through difficult surgeries, complex diagnoses, or failed treatments. Some came to us with only one tube and very little hope… and today, they hold their baby in their arms.
The key was giving them an accurate diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan, and—above all—the confidence that it can be done.
How Can I Get Started?
You only need to schedule your first consultation at any of our 19 locations in Mexico or the United States. At this appointment, our specialists will listen to you, review your tests, and let you know if you need any additional ones. We’ll give you a personalized diagnostic and treatment plan, with real options and full medical support.
Remember: having only one tube doesn’t take away your chance of becoming a mom. And we’re here to show you that it is possible.
Because Your Story Isn’t Written Yet
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been told no, how many attempts you’ve made, or how long it’s been. If your desire to have a child is still there, there are still paths you can take.
At Ingenes, our commitment is to give you the tools, the science, and the emotional support to turn that desire into a reality. Because it is possible. Because many others have done it. And because you can too.