Women with one ovary in in-vitro fertilisation

Pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and ectopic pregnancy are some of the causes that may lead to unilateral oophorectomy. Women with one ovary compose a group of specific interest in assisted reproduction. Several researchers have tried to answer whether these women have lower pregnancy rates in in-vitro fertilisation compared to women with both ovaries. Most of the available studies include single ovary women following conventional in vitro fertilisation programs, with various stimulation protocols. Only a few studies include single ovary women following intracytoplasmic sperm injection/embryo transfer programs. The reported results are usually conflicting. The present review deals with the following aspects of this subject: The response of single ovary women to external stimulation. The implantation and pregnancy rates of single ovary women. The correlation of the in-vitro fertilisation outcome of single ovary women with the location of the ovary.