Who gets treatment to get pregnant is more likely to have twins?

Expert answer:

Yes, anyone who does treatment to get pregnant is more likely to have twins, mainly identical. Treatments for infertility that stimulate ovulation may favor the birth of twins, triplets or more babies.

Among the main medicines and treatments for pregnancy which increase the chances of having Gemini, They are:

  • Clomid and Femara: The use of these drugs is less likely to generate a pregnancy of twins, varying between 5 and 12%; the chances of triplets or more multiples is less than 1%;
  • Gonadotrophins (Gonal-F, Follistim), also known as injectables: They present the highest probability of twins, and can reach 30%, regardless of whether they are used with or without intrauterine insemination; the chance of a triple or more pregnancy can reach 5%;
  • Intrauterine insemination, when done together with medicines for infertility;
  • In vitro fertilization ("test-tube baby"): This treatment for pregnancy is the primary source of twins in women under 35 years of age, with rates as high as 33%; already the chances of having triplets or more is about 3.5% for women between the ages of 35 and 40.

It is important to remember that chances of having twins not only depend on the treatment or the medicinal product but also family history, race (black women are more likely to have twins), age (greater probability for women over 30), and many other factors. Even fertility clinics have different rates.

The obstetrician may better clarify your doubts about the chances of having twins while getting a pregnancy treatment.