In some cycles, both ovaries can release an egg cell. This is called multiple ovulation or hyperovulation. When both eggs are fertilized, fraternal twins are conceived.
When does multiple ovulation happen?
Multiple ovulation always happens in a short window, and both eggs are released within 24 hours on ovulation day. After this, levels of the hormone progesterone rise, which inhibits ovulation from happening again and prepares the body for a potential pregnancy.
What causes multiple ovulation?
There are a few things that can cause multiple ovulation to happen:
- Recent use of hormonal birth control. Hormonal birth control often works by stopping ovulation. When you come off hormones, you’re more likely to experience multiple ovulations as the body readjusts.
- Genetics. Some people are genetically prone to multiple ovulations and will carry the gene for this. For these people, it can be common to have fraternal twins running on the mother’s side of the family.
- Medical conditions. Having certain medical conditions, such as PCOS, can also lead to multiple ovulation. If ovulation is skipped in a cycle, multiple ovulation may happen in the next cycle.
- Fertility treatments. Some fertility treatments can cause multiple ovulations as hormones are given to stimulate ovulation.
Can Natural Cycles tell if I had multiple ovulations?
The NC° algorithm cannot detect multiple ovulations because the temperature rise that happens after ovulation is the same whether one or multiple eggs are released, so you won’t know if you’ve had multiple ovulations.
Regardless of the number of eggs released, the algorithm allocates at least one Red Day after your ovulation happens. Most often, you need several days of high temperatures for the algorithm to confirm ovulation and give you Green Days, by which time the egg (or eggs) have deteriorated and can no longer be fertilized.
Read more about ovulation here.