What is multiple ovulation?
A woman can have multiple ovulations in a single cycle. This means that several eggs (most often two) are released from the ovaries. However, both eggs will be released within 24h from the first one. This is also known as hyperovulation.
When does this occur?
As stated above, the eggs will be released within 24h from each other. There are no exceptions on this unless you have a second uterus. This is since after ovulation the body produces the hormone progesterone, which has two purposes:
• Inhibits your body from ovulating again (for example, the mini pill has progesterone in it to prohibit you from ovulating)
• Promote fetal growth during the first trimester (if conception took place).
What happens in the ovaries?
In most women, the ovaries take turns in the releasing of an egg. When hyperovulation occurs, both of the ovaries release an egg in the same cycle.
What causes it?
There are 4 common causes of why hyperovulation occurs:
• Genetics. It is common that fraternal twins run in the family on the mother's side. This is due to the fact that some women are prone to hyperovulation.
• Medical conditions. Women with PCOS may not always have periods. The following cycle may very likely have hyperovulation.
• Medical treatments. When women are undergoing IVF treatment or want to donate her eggs, she is given hormonal stimulants to have hyperovulation. The eggs are then removed to either be fertilized or donated.
• Recently been on hormonal contraception. Hormonal contraception mainly works to prohibit ovulation from occurring, so when the woman’s body is trying to get back to ”normal”, she’s more likely to have hyperovulation.
How will the algorithm know if I had multiple ovulations?
The algorithm will not detect if you have hyperovulation as your temperature work in the same way regardless. Hyperovulation is only detected by ultrasound and/or when pregnant with fraternal twins.
However, it does not matter for the algorithm if you have hyperovulation or not, since it will give you at least 1 red day after your ovulation is confirmed. Most often, it is your second or third high temperature that confirms ovulation and gives you green days, and by then the egg(-s) have already died since they have a 24h lifespan.