Twin and multiple births have become much more common in recent years, and the rising use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), particularly in vitro fertilisation (IVF), is one of the main causes of this trend. "Does IVF increase the chances of having twins?" is a question that patients frequently ask me as a practicing gynaecologist and IVF specialist. Yes, however there are some significant peculiarities that merit more investigation.
Understanding IVF and Twin Pregnancies
“IVF is the process of fertilising an egg with sperm in a lab environment, away from the body. One or more embryos are placed inside the uterus once they have developed. A healthy, successful pregnancy is the main objective of IVF, and embryo transfer is an essential part of this procedure,” explains Dr Mannan Gupta- Gynecologist & IVF Specialist, MD & CEO at Elantis Healthcare.
“To improve the chances of implantation and pregnancy, IVF enables the transfer of multiple embryos, in contrast to natural conception, which normally releases only one egg per cycle. The larger likelihood of twins or even higher-order multiples enters the picture at this point,” he adds.
Why IVF Increases the Chances of Twins
Twins can be classified as either dizygotic (fraternal) or monozygotic (identical). The possibility of dizygotic twins, two distinct embryos implanting and growing simultaneously increases with IVF.
This occurs primarily when:
- Several Embryos Are Transferred: In the past, transferring two or more embryos was frequently done to increase success rates. Given the possibility of both embryos implanting successfully, this procedure greatly raises the likelihood of a twin pregnancy.
- Ovulation Induction: In certain IVF cycles, drugs are used to encourage the ovaries to produce more than one egg. Even during intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, these drugs, like gonadotropins, can cause the release of numerous eggs, raising the likelihood of multiple fertilisations.
- Embryo Splitting: Identical twins can be produced when an embryo transplanted through IVF splits, albeit this is uncommon. This phenomenon, which is marginally more prevalent in IVF pregnancies than in natural ones, is not entirely understood.
Current Trends Toward Single Embryo Transfer (SET)
According to Dr Gupta, “Single Embryo Transfer (SET) procedures have become more popular in reproductive clinics worldwide, including ours, in recent years, particularly for younger patients or those with high-quality embryos.”
This is because more people are aware of the dangers of having several pregnancies, such as:
- Premature birth and labour
- Low birth weight
- Elevated risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes
- An increased risk of caesarean delivery
- Difficulties in neonatal care
By using cutting-edge embryo selection methods like blastocyst culture and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), we hope to lower these hazards while preserving high pregnancy success rates by transferring a single, high-quality embryo.
Also Read: Multiple Pregnancies: Expert Explains The Causes, Risks, And Tips For Management
What are your chances of having twins with IVF?
IVF twin rates are statistically greater than those of normal conception. The odds of having twins in a natural pregnancy are roughly 1 in 80. Depending on the quantity and quality of embryos transferred, the age of the mother, and the usage of fertility drugs, the chances can rise to 20–30% or higher with IVF, particularly in cycles where numerous embryos are transplanted.
Personalized IVF planning is Key-The reproductive journeys of each patient are unique as well. We at our IVF centre think that treatment programs should be customised to meet the needs and risk profile of each individual patient. It is typically advised to transfer just one embryo if the patient has a fair prognosis. On the other hand, with close medical supervision, transferring two embryos can be an option for people who have had several unsuccessful attempts or whose embryos are of poor quality.
It's critical to realise that although having twins may appear like a "two-for-one" advantage, there are increased health concerns for both the mother and the offspring. As experts, our goal is always to achieve successful results while maximising safety.
Conclusion
The likelihood of having twins is increased via IVF, especially when numerous embryos are transplanted. But as technology advances and patient safety becomes more important, the profession is moving more and more in the direction of single embryo transfers. Discuss the number of embryos to transfer and the implications for your health and the future of your family with your fertility specialist if you're thinking about IVF.