Multiple ovulation / Hyperovulation

In order to reproduce, the human species needs the following things: a uterus, sperm and an egg. But the exception proves the rule and so it happens that sometimes not just one, but two or more eggs mature in one cycle.

When this is the case may be scientifically clearer than the spontaneous division of a single egg into two identical ones, but the phenomenon of hyperovulation is still not fully understood. Genes, weight, size, environmental factors and nutrition can all contribute to a woman’s hyperovulation, i.e. the maturation of two or more eggs per cycle and their release into the fallopian tubes. It is possible for several eggs to mature in only one ovary or simultaneously in both. Usually, several ovulations happen within 24 hours, but there can also be a few days in between. Hyperovulation can also accompany polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and, like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), it can be problematic.

In most cases, women do not feel whether they are hyperovulating or ovulating at all. In self-assessments, however, a few women have reported symptoms such as more severe ovulation pain and heavier discharge than usual. A clear sign of hyperovulation can only be obtained by ultrasound. The individual follicles in which the eggs grow can be made visible.

After puberty, a healthy woman loses about 1,000 (immature) eggs every month. Science is not sure what triggers this process, but we do know that it seems to be a natural process that is not influenced by most things we have control over. Of course, a healthy, balanced diet and an optimal supply of nutrients can promote good fertility.

What negatively affects your egg cells: Smoking significantly accelerates the loss of eggs. Certain chemotherapies and radiation also do this.

During each cycle, several follicles, each containing one egg, begin the maturation process. However, usually only one of these follicles reaches maturity and therefore only one follicle is selected to grow to a stage where it is ready to release the egg. This usually happens mid-cycle in healthy, regular cycles.

Normally, ovulation occurs in almost every cycle. This is then the only egg that goes through the whole process of ovulation: The follicle is activated, the egg grows and matures, and then – when it reaches maturity – it detaches from the ovary and begins its journey through the fallopian tubes.

Fertilization and implantation of two eggs results in the pregnancy of twins. From three eggs to triplets and so on. Multiple pregnancies are more common with in vitro fertilization because the ovaries are stimulated more by adding hormones to produce more eggs. These are then artificially fertilized and implanted.  The hope is that this will increase the chances that at least one of these eggs will implant. However, it is not uncommon for several eggs to implant, resulting in multiple pregnancy.  In naturally occurring multiple pregnancies, hyperovulating women are found to have elevated levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). They are also more common in women who become pregnant shortly after stopping hormonal contraceptives.