Interactive FAQs Tubal Infertility Question: I had ectopic pregnancy in Oct 99 which resulted on removal of one tube. Realistically how long should it take to become pregnant with one tube? Is it true that the right and left ovaries take "turns" ovulating every other month? How can someone in my situation maximize conception? I am irregular and also work nights so BBT doesn't work. Alisa F. Florida Answer: While on average you will ovulate half the time from one ovary and half from the other, ovulation does not alternate from side to side each month. By the end of the year, you would likely have ovulated about six times from each ovary. In general, women with only one fallopian tube will have a pregnancy rate similar to a woman with two tubes. Pregnancy can still occur when you ovulate on the opposite side, but the chances are much lower. This means that you will likely still be fertile, but it will generally take longer to conceive. Quite often there is no obvious cause for the past ectopic pregnancy. One possible cause is prior infection with chlamydia. These infections are usually asymptomatic. This can be determined by a chlamydia IgG blood test looking for antibodies that would have developed while you had the infection. If this is the case, one has to wonder whether the infection also affected the remaining side. Did the fallopian tube on the remaining side look normal at surgery? Did your MD consider an HSG to evaluate that tube? If you have had one ectopic pregnancy, the likelihood of a second one is increased. So, your physician will want to know immediately once you conceive. Blood hCG levels can be measured 48 hours apart to see if the pregnancy is progressing normally. These levels will also help your physician determine the appropriate time to schedule a transvaginal ultrasound to determine the site of implantation making sure you do not have another ectopic pregnancy. The use of clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) will often stimulate follicular development on both sides. This can increase the odds of pregnancy in a given month. Dr. Perloe FAQ archives: IVF PCOS Clomiphene Ovulation Ovulation Induction Injections Age Related Infertility Endometriosis Donor Egg Donor Sperm Male Factor Infertility Fallopian Tube Reanastomosis Unexplained Infertility Endometrial Factor Miscellaneous Return to the IVF Homepage This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 2003 by IVF.com, Atlanta, GA, USA.