How to Have Twins: Get the Truth from a Fertility Expert

Here at Surrogacy4All, we receive many questions from couples wondering how to increase their chances of having twins. Let’s explore the science and clarify the common misconceptions, offering a clear guide on the factors that may influence twin births.

Types of Twins

There are two main types of twins: identical and fraternal.

• Identical Twins:
  Identical twins occur when a single embryo splits shortly after fertilization, resulting in two embryos with identical genetic material.
• Rarity: Identical twins are rare, accounting for only about 3–4 of every 1,000 births.
• Genetics: Generally, identical twins don’t run in families, although rare cases suggest a genetic link.
• Fertility Treatments: The only proven factor that increases the likelihood of identical twins is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The longer embryos are cultured in a lab (especially when reaching the blastocyst stage at 5–6 days), the higher the chances of a split. Additionally, techniques like Assisted Hatching, which involves creating a small opening in the embryo’s shell, can also slightly increase the probability.

Fraternal Twins:

Fraternal twins arise from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells. Here, a few factors can play a role:

• Geography: Twin rates vary globally, with Sub-Saharan Africa seeing about 23 per 1,000 births, while Asian countries report around 5 per 1,000.
• Body Type: Taller women and those with a BMI over 30 have a higher chance of fraternal twins. Conversely, women with a BMI below 20 tend to have a lower likelihood.
• Genetics: Fraternal twins can run in families, particularly on the mother’s side.
• Age: Women in their late 30s and early 40s have a significantly higher chance of releasing multiple eggs, increasing their odds of twins.
• Diet: There is limited evidence suggesting that certain diets, such as those high in dairy or yams, might influence twin rates, though the connection remains weak.

Fertility Treatments and Twin Chances

Fertility treatments can play a crucial role in influencing the likelihood of having twins. Here’s a look at some common medications and procedures:

• Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate): Often prescribed for ovulation induction, Clomid increases the chances of twins to about 10%.
• Letrozole (Femara): Used similarly to Clomid, with about a 10% twin rate.
• Injectable Medications (Follistim, Gonal F): These drugs are more potent, with a twin rate of approximately 25–30% and an increased risk of higher-order multiples (triplets, quadruplets).
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): The likelihood of fraternal twins is closely related to the number of embryos transferred. In top-tier IVF programs, transferring two embryos can lead to a twin pregnancy rate exceeding 60%.

Begin Your Journey with Surrogacy4All

At Surrogacy4All, we’re committed to providing guidance, information, and connections to professionals who can help you achieve your dreams of parenthood. Our counselors and affiliated physicians are here to support you in every step. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (212) 661-7673 or email info@surrogacy4all.com.