I Only Have One Ovary And...

Updated on November 17, 2009
H.L. asks from Oakwood, TX
14 answers

Okay I am 14, and I just had my left ovary and fallopian tube removed about a month ago because I had a 10 pound tumor growing off of it. And I was just wondering if any of you know since I only have one ovary will I have a period every month?

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So What Happened?

okay, thanks!! This helped alot, but I did ask my doctor and he said he wasn't sure.. But I really appreactiate everything! :)

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C.D.

answers from Norfolk on

You may have one every month or it may alternate months sometimes. The ovaries do sometimes do that (alternate sides) but not always. The body is unpredictable that way. Glad you got treatment and are better now. Good luck.

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M.L.

answers from Dallas on

Hi H.,
When I was 15 I had my right ovary removed due to infection from cysts. I have always had normal periods, which may be due to being on the pill for medical reasons (like you probably are) until I decided to have a baby (at the age of 34).
You are born with more eggs than you can ever possibly release, so even if one of your ovaries is removed, the other one keeps on ticking. You should continue to have regular periods. But remember, at your age "regular" can be spotty, just because you are still going through a lot of hormonal changes.

When I had this surgery, I didn't ask many questions because I felt stupid and embarrassed. It took me 10 years to request my medical records and start looking at it. I really hope you will be more brave than I was, and ask the questions. Your doctor should be able to explain these things to you. Thanks for being brave enough to ask here!

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P.G.

answers from Washington DC on

All answers from this site will simply be spectulation. Everyone's body reacts differently to this surgery; some have periods, some not, some intermittently. Your other ovary produces eggs however, if your real concern has to do with later fertility. Ask your doctor direct questions. Ask if you should have endocrine (hormone)levels drawn for awhile to evaluate your hormonal and ovulatory status regardless of whether you actually have periods. You will also need careful advice when you are a little older and become sexually active as well as when you wish to start a family. Physicians are best for this sort of questioning, not websites, not friends and sometimes not even your parents. Be sure to ask a gynecologist and not only your regular pediatrician. Having one ovary is not uncommon. I am glad to learn your growth/tumor was removed in a timely way and you will now enjoy full health!

1 mom found this helpful

C.W.

answers from Lynchburg on

Dear H. -

I am glad you had this situation addressed...and as many of the ladies have noted...every 'body' is different, and it would be a good idea to bring your specific questions and concerns to your doctor.

I did want to share that as an adolescent, I had regular (but very heavy) periods. I was on the pill for a long time on and off to help regulate my menses. I got married at 27...and went off the pill immediately...and we could not seem to get pregnant! After just over a year, we became pregnant, and during an ultra sound, found a cyst on my left ovary. Long story short, our son was delivered via c section, and they had to take my left ovary/tumor at that time. They were not sure if I would conceive again...

Apparrently that right ovary was something ELSE!! It took over the WHOLE function...and I had monthly periods.

I now have seven children...to include a set of twins...all in the span of seven years! (oldest is 20 now...and on down the line!)

Apparently, my tumor had been there for a while (size of a melon) and was NOT ovulating. Once it was removed...the other became a 'font' of life!! lol

Please DO address all questions/concerns with your doc...

Best of luck to you!

Michele/catwalk

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T.H.

answers from Norfolk on

Shouldnt your doctor explain this to you? My guess is yes or at least every other month. Your period is to rinse out the lining not just because an egg dropped. Even if you dont drop any eggs you still have a period every month.

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R.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Your doc will have a better idea, but in this case, it partly depends on how quickly, and how exactly your body adapts to the change. You may be irregular, it may be closer to every other month, or your body could try to increase hormone production with one and stay regular.

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R.H.

answers from Norfolk on

I had my right ovary removed when I was 12 1/2 weeks pregnant with my first child. I did not think I would have periods every month because of it and also thought getting pregnant again would be a challenge. I was wrong on both accounts. I do have one every month and I now have 2 wonderful children. I can tell which side I am ovulating from now as my left side is more painful than my right and my periods are not as heavy or long on the right as they are on the left. I told the doctor this and he said that was a very good observation. As someone else mentioned, everyone is different so you may have different things happening with you. For example, my periods are not regular therefore when having children the hospital never thought I was in labor because my contractions were not regular. This is not typical for most women. Make sure you discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor. I would say you still will have one every month but make sure you talk to your doctor about this and any other questions you may have.

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K.R.

answers from Danville on

Yes, you will still have your period every month. I had to have one of my ovaries removed when I was pregnant with my second child, b/c they discovered a tumor. Everything went fine w/the surgery except for the fact they had to remove my ovary. Hope everything is working out for you.

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T.B.

answers from Norfolk on

I am hoping that you will ask your doctor these questions.

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R.H.

answers from Norfolk on

Yes you will have your period every month just like normal. I hope this has fixed your prob. and things on well for you in the future. Good luck

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S.M.

answers from Roanoke on

From what I understand, you should still have your period every month.
S.

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R.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Definately. I have only one ovary and I have a period every month.

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D.M.

answers from Norfolk on

You should still have a period every month, and every other month, your good ovary should still produce an egg, so one day you should still be able to have babies. I say should because I don't know your full health history, but if just the one ovary is removed then everything else should be okay.

So, that being said; if and when you start having sex, always use protection, until you're ready to have a baby. Also, if your stomach was cut for the operation, remember to give those abdominal muscles time to heal. Sweeping, vacuuming, raking leaves-all of these work your abs, so take it easy and good luck.

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi

I have just looked this up on the internet as I was curious and apparantley you will , the remaining ovary takes on the job of the other and you will get a period every month.

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