BF and fertility with one ovary

[orangebuccaneer]

Have already posted this elsewhere with no luck so thought I'd try here.

I had two ovaries when we conceived DC1.

I EBF for a year (with weaning obviously) and it was only when I totally stopped BF my periods restarted.

I then had an ovary and tube (same side) removed for medical reasons.

We then conceived DC2 (first cycle trying, so no issues).

DC2 is also now EBF and I intend to continue this.

However I was wondering if anyone knew whether only having one ovary will delay the return of my periods even longer than first time around (due to fewer hormones??). We'd like DC3 asap, but not at the expense of stopping BF earlier than I'd like.

Or will it not make a difference? I've read varying opinions about hormone levels with only one ovary - some saying it makes no difference, others saying it does...

[scaevola]

I think it's no/not much difference.

You should get a sufficient amount of hormone from one ovary to re-establish menstruation. But it can take longer to conceive as it is likely that up to 50% of your cycles will be anovulatory.

The bit of MN that is likely to have the most helpful posters, possibly with similar experiences, is 'Conception'.

[orangebuccaneer]

Thanks - I'll try them there.

[DifferentClass]

I only have one ovary, my periods re-started when DD was 4 months old and she was exclusively breastfed.

Also what scaevola says about it taking longer to conceive is untrue.

Your remaining ovary should produce an egg every month.

The only difference it could make to your fertility is:

• you might go through menopause slightly earlier
  
• you may have scarring from the operation to remove your ovary

[orangebuccaneer]

Thanks Different - that's really reassuring. I was having regular periods with one ovary before conceiving DC2 (which I assumed were ovulatory since they were so regular) so good that wasn't a fluke. And the scarring hopefully isn't an issue re fertility since no related issues arose during DC2's conception/pregnancy.

Not sure I want to ttc when DC2 is only 4m (!) but good that it won't necessarily take longer than last time...

[DifferentClass]

My periods are ridiculously regular too. My consultant told me that one ovary will take on the job of two, produce all the hormones you need to maintain ovulation and release an egg each month.

But as you have only half the number of eggs than normal, you can go through menopause slightly earlier. But only maybe a couple of years earlier, so it's not as bad as you might think.

My fertility has been extensively tested and the results showed I ovulate each month.

I don't blame you for wanted to wait a while if your DC2 is only 4 months old, but don't see any reason why you'd have difficult conceiving again once your periods come back :)