IVF is a medical treatment for infertility that is used in a wide range of circumstances. It is, after all, one of the key and popular medical treatments for infertility. That said, you do have to note that IVF has its own set of perks. It has a high success rate, is safe, can improve the health of the baby when combined with PGT, and even has a slightly higher chance of multiple pregnancies. Among these aspects, we shall discuss the final aspect here as one of the frequently asked questions about IVF is if one can have twins with IVF.
In this blog, we cover various aspects regarding the possibility of twins with IVF, including the twin's pregnancy rate, possible chances of IVF twins, if you can choose twins in IVF, and more. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!
How Does IVF Work? Understanding the IVF Process
Before we go into the deep aspects of IVF and twins, let's first understand what IVF is and how it works. In simple words, IVF is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) where the ovaries are stimulated, and the eggs are extracted before being fertilized and implanted back into the uterus. Following is a simple breakdown of how IVF works.
IVF Process Steps:
1. Ovarian Stimulation This is the first step of IVF, and in this step, you are provided with hormone injections for stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval Once the ovary produces the eggs and they mature, the eggs are collected from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure.
3. Sperm Collection At the same time as egg retrieval, the sperm sample is collected from either the partner or the donor.
4. Fertilization The eggs and sperm are then combined in a petri dish in a lab. Depending on the circumstances, the sperm can also be injected directly into the egg.
5. Embryo Culture Following the fertilization process, the embryos are left to culture for a specific period of time.
6. Embryo Transfer In this step, one or more healthy embryos are placed into the woman’s uterus.
7. Pregnancy Test After around 10 to 14 days of embryo transfer, the experts conduct blood tests to check if the embryo has been implanted and the pregnancy has begun or not.
IVF Twins Possibility
IVF is one of the popular forms of infertility treatment. That said, you do have to note that there is a slightly high possibility of multiple pregnancies, including having twins when compared with natural conception. Some of the key reasons as to why twins happen in IVF include:
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Multiple Embryo Transfer: During IVF, more than one embryo can be transferred into the uterus to increase the overall chances of IVF, which, although it increases the chances of IVF, also increases the overall chances of multiple pregnancies.
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Ovarian Stimulation: At times, even if a single embryo is transferred, the ovary can continue to become stimulated because of the medication and release mature eggs, which can combine with the fertile egg to create twins. Depending on the circumstances, there are multiple types of twins which can occur because of IVF. Some of the key types of twins include:
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Fraternal Twins: this is the most common type of twinning in IVF, and it occurs when two separate embryos implant and grow together.
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Identical Twins: Identical twins are less common, and they occur when a single embryo splits after implantation and forms two separate babies during pregnancy.
IVF Twins Pregnancy Rate
Now, one of the most asked questions regarding twins and IVF is: what is the IVF twin's pregnancy rate? Well, there is no fixed rate for this, as the specifics depend on the type of IVF process used. That said, we can provide you with an average estimate regarding the various twin rates as per the IVF. The average estimation of the rate is as follows:
Multiple Embryo Transfer This is the type of IVF with the highest twin rates. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine states that the IVF twin rate in this form of IVF is around 33.1%. This is partially because the chances of twins are increased with each additional egg present.
Single Embryo Transfer (SET) and Twin Rates In this IVF procedure, only a single egg is transferred, and because of this, the chances of twins are significantly lower when compared to multiple embryo transfers. As per PubMed, the chances of multiple pregnancy rates are below 10% in this form of IVF procedure.
Now, this is the average estimation of the twin rates in IVF. Given that the natural occurrence of twins is around 1 to 2 percent, it may seem that the risk of twins is indeed higher. But do note that even if you choose multiple embryo transfers, the chances of having a twin in IVF is only 33.1 out of every 100 cycles, which, given this perspective, is not all that much.
Possible Risks of IVF Twins
From the information we provided earlier, it should be somewhat clear that having a twin is a relatively rare occurrence and as a result, human bodies are not really built for that. It is possible but not the ideal form of pregnancy. Because of this, there are some risks associated with twins, specifically IVF twins for both baby and mother. The question here is - what are the possible risks of twins for baby and mother? Following are some of the key risks of twins for the baby and mother.
Risks Of IVF Twins For Babies
- Twins are more likely to be born before 37 weeks, which can lead to complications.
- Twins can sometimes weigh less than 2.5 Kg, which can lead to risks of health issues.
- The twins born from IVF also often require time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for breathing and feeding support.
- There is a slightly higher chance of long-term health and developmental problems.
Risks for Mother
- Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure are more common with twin pregnancies.
- Mothers can also suffer from Preeclampsia, which is a serious condition involving high blood pressure.
- Twins often require C-sections, which can be somewhat risky
- There is an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage after the birth of the twins.
Top IVF Doctors in Nepal for IVF Success
At this point, we have already gone through the key aspects of this topic. Now, let's talk about the experts who can aid you in your journey of IVF and guide you through the twin aspects of IVF. The question at this point is with whom should you consult to get the best consultation and services. Among the many choices you have, some of the top IVF doctors in Nepal for IVF success are:
Dr. Archana Shakya
- MBBS, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology (KU)
- Fellowship in IVF, India
- Observership, Japan Dr.Archana Shakya is a highly qualified fertility specialist with a deeply entrenched obstetric and gynecologic foundation. She is MBBS and MD from Kathmandu University and completed a fellowship in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) specialization in India, where she received thorough training in newer methods of fertility treatments. Exposure during observership in Japan provided her with hands-on exposure to best practices in international reproductive medicine.
Renowned for her patient-focused practice and clinical accuracy, Dr. Shakya is particularly adept at fertility preservation, such as egg freezing. Her compassionate care and meticulous attention to detail make her a first choice for individuals and couples looking for expert fertility solutions. She currently offers specialized treatment and consultation at Hardik Fertility Center, where she is widely respected for her dedication and results-driven care.
Dr. Nesuma Sedhain
- MD (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
- MBBS, Bangladesh
- NMC Registration Number: 13218 Dr. Nesuma Sedhain is a well-established academic and clinical expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with a focused interest in reproductive medicine and fertility care. She did her MBBS from Bangladesh and MD with subspecialization in fertility-focused treatments, both surgical and medical. Her approach integrates strong clinical experience with evidence-based, ethical practices.
With her NMC No. 13218 license granted by the Nepal Medical Council, Dr. Sedhain is highly sought after for personalized fertility preservation treatments, especially egg freezing and IVF. As a notable specialist at Hardik Fertility Center, she is celebrated for compassionate care, methodical treatment planning, and enabling patients to achieve their reproductive objectives with confidence and clarity.
Can You Choose Twins with IVF?
The simple answer to this question is “No.” If you want to completely avoid the chances of getting twins in IVF, it is next to impossible, as regardless of what you do, there is always a slight risk. That said, if you are on the other side of the spectrum and want to increase the chances of twins in IVF, you can do so; although it too is not foolproof, you can increase the embryos transferred and use fertility medication to stimulate ovulation for a higher chance of multiple pregnancies. That said, you do have to note that the risk of issues during the delivery increases with the increased chance of multiple pregnancies, such as twins. Therefore, doctors usually aim for single embryo transfer despite its lower chances of successful pregnancy when compared to multiple embryo transfer.
The key point here is that there is no Sureshot to both avoid and ensure that you have multiple pregnancies. However, there are ways to increase (multiple embryo transfer) or decrease (single embryo transfer) the chances of twins in the IVF process.
Is It More Expensive to Have Twins with IVF?
When one compares the cost of IVF with twins and IVF without twins, the latter is actually slightly more expensive than the former. This is largely attributed to the relatively higher cost of the increased number of embryos being implanted and the injection of fertility medication to stimulate ovulation. The cost is also added due to the need for more medication visits and treatment after the pregnancy. Additionally, the higher cost can also be attributed to the increased risk of complications that are more likely to happen in multiple pregnancies, i.e., premature labor or more frequent monitoring. A few IVF clinics also charge more for the procedure when they're implanting more than one embryo, as it involves more resources and time. It's important for couples to discuss with their doctor the potential financial impact and risk before deciding how many embryos to transfer.
Therefore, although having twins with IVF does not directly cost more than all forms of IVF, it is indeed more costly when compared to traditional forms of IVF.
Contact Hardik IVF For The Best IVF Treatment In Nepal
Whether you want to increase the chances of twins in IVF or reduce it, you must choose only the best IVF centers with expert doctors. The question here is - what is the best IVF Center in Nepal? Out of numerous IVF centers in Nepal, Hardik IVF and Fertility Center is one of the finest IVF centers in Nepal. But why is Hardik one of the finest IVF centers in Nepal? Some of the distinguished reasons are:
- State-of-the-Art Technology: State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and latest IVF technology.
- Personalized Treatment: Personalized treatment plans as per each patient's individual needs and medical history.
- High Success Rates: IVF treatment with high and consistent success rates.
- Comprehensive Service: Offering a wide range of fertility treatment under one service umbrella.
- Direct and Honest Treatment: Open about costs and honest, empathetic counseling from the start.
- Stress-Free Environment: Compassionate counselors and stress-free services offering a relaxed and stress-free environment. Keeping all these factors in mind, the question is not why choose Hardik but why not.
Conclusion
Having a twin is a rather unusual occurrence in nature for humans. But when it comes to IVF, you do have a slightly higher chance of twins and multiple pregnancies. Naturally, with every uncommon medical occurrence, there are some aspects of risks associated with IVF twins. The good news here is that depending on your wishes, you can increase or decrease the chances of IVF twins rather safely as long as you contact the ideal doctors and IVF centers.
In this blog, we provide you with various aspects of IVF twins including its chances, risks, and the best doctors to consult. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights into the various other aspects of IVF, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best IVF center in Nepal, look no further than Hardik IVF and Fertility Center. Thank you for reading till the end.
FAQs on IVF Twins: Risks and Possibilities
How successful is IVF for twins?
IVF can result in twins, especially if multiple embryos are transferred, though the success rate depends on factors such as the woman’s age, overall health, and the quality of embryos. On average, the success rate for IVF twins is relatively high, but it varies between clinics and individual circumstances. It’s important to discuss the options with a fertility specialist to assess the best approach for the individual.
Is normal delivery possible in IVF twins?
A normal delivery is possible with IVF twins, but there may be an increased likelihood of complications that could require a cesarean section. Factors such as the position of the babies, the mother's health, and the progression of labor play a role in the type of delivery. Doctors typically monitor closely to determine the safest delivery option for both mother and baby.
Is IVF twins risky?
Having twins through IVF does carry some risks, such as a higher chance of preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. Additionally, there’s an increased risk of complications during delivery, including the need for a C-section. However, with proper prenatal care, many women have healthy pregnancies and successful deliveries.
Are IVF babies normal?
Yes, IVF babies are generally normal and healthy, though there may be a slightly higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or certain health concerns. Advances in IVF technology and medical care have significantly improved the outcomes of IVF pregnancies. Each baby’s health will depend on various factors, including the individual’s overall health and prenatal care.
In which week of pregnancy are twins formed?
Twins can form early in pregnancy, typically between the first and second weeks after fertilization. If the pregnancy involves fraternal twins, they usually result from two separate eggs being fertilized by two sperm cells. Identical twins, on the other hand, form when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos, often occurring within the first few days after fertilization.
