What is the prevalence of twins in the overall population?
In the overall population, the statistics of identical twins occurring are 1 in every 250 births. That equates to 0.45% of births if you like to use percentages. Anyone can have twins, but the odds of a woman conceiving twins is about a 3% chance.
Genetics and age are factors
Twins are genetic. If twins run in the mother’s family she has a higher chance of having fraternal twins. Age is also a factor, while an older woman’s overall chances of conceiving are lower, her chances of conceiving twins will be higher due to a higher production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).
Does undergoing fertility treatment increase your odds of having twins?
Yes, undergoing fertility treatment increases your chance of twins. This is because fertility medications like Gonal-F are designed to elevate the production of hormones like FSH. Twin births conceived through the use of fertility treatments are generally fraternal twins, although the probability of producing identical twins goes up as well.
It isn’t just the IVF medications. Undergoing IVF treatments and procedures raises the likelihood of conceiving twins too, as more than one of the fertilized eggs that are implanted in the uterus can produce an embryo.
What are some natural factors of twin births?
Being a twin yourself intensifies the chance of having twins. Women of African heritage are prone to twin births. If you have already had twins then the ability of conceiving twins a second time is higher than average.
If you have previously been pregnant 2 or more times, the potential of having twins is tripled. These are some natural factors that may boost your odds of having twins, but if you really want to have a set of twins fertility medications are your best bet.
For more information on IVF medications that can maximize your chances of having twins, check out our IVFPrescriptions.com blog and online pharmacy information pages for a complete list of the fertility medicines we carry.