If you have been trying to conceive, you may have heard of ovulation. Your fertile period, or ovulatory days, is crucial in planning your baby. These are the days your ovary releases an egg. However, can you ovulate twice a month? It is universally proven that women ovulate only once a month or cycle. You ovulate around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, and your most fertile days are days 12, 13, and 14. However, recent research shows that this may not be the case (1). According to a recent study conducted in the United States, women tend to ovulate more than once a month. This could provide a better window of opportunity to conceive, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. Read on to know more about multiple ovulations, including their causes, factors, ways to track double ovulation, and some useful basic ovulation metrics.
How Ovulation Works ?
Ovulation is an important part of woman’s menstrual cycle, where a mature ovarian follicle discharges a viable egg, also known as an ovum, oocyte or female gamete (2).
On release, the egg travels down the Fallopian tubes where fertilization may take place if it meets a sperm. Most women plan conception based on their ovulation calendar as it helps them identify their most fertile days.
Timeline Of A Typical Ovulation
Ovulation is the most fertile period when your cervix produces a thin cervical fluid that lubricates and empowers the sperm to travel towards the egg faster. A typical ovulation happens once in every menstrual cycle.
The ovaries will produce egg-carrying cells or ‘follicles’.
These follicles enable the production of a fertile egg.
Once the sperm reaches the egg, fertilization takes place resulting in pregnancy.
Recent Findings Over Fertility Treatments
Is it possible to ovulate more than once a month? Well, real-time trials at fertility clinics declare the possibility of women ovulating more than once a month (6-10% only). (3).
The trial involved evaluation (via high-resolution trans-vaginal ultrasound) of 60 women between the age group of 18 and 40 years.
Measurement of the follicles of the subjects over a time-span of six weeks revealed that at least six subjects ovulated twice.
Causes For Multiple Ovulations
According to an animal study, researchers are now of the opinion that the hormone progesterone acts as a catalyst for multiple ovulations in a cycle and that a drop in the hormone’s level may induce more than one ovulation (4). Corpus luteum produces progesterone which normally suppresses LH secretion and that in turn suppresses ovulation in a normal cycle. However, in certain rare situations, 2 waves of ovulation may occur.
Corpus Leuteum may at times secrete a reproductive hormone called luteinizing hormone.
The hormones secreted, i.e. progesterone and luteinizing hormone decide the frequency of ovulation.
Experts also opine that if the reproductive system produces a dominant follicle during a single cycle, it may trigger dual conception by enabling two waves releasing eggs in a single month.
Factors That Increase The Probability Of Dual Or More Ovulation
Can you ovulate more than once a month? The process of ovulation is as unpredictable as pregnancy. There is no guarantee as to when you are likely to ovulate more than once in a single cycle.
Physical, emotional and lifestyle factors contribute to the possibility.
There are high chances of ovulating more than once if you are undergoing infertility treatment (5). In IVF, we sometimes do double stimulation to retrieve more eggs where ovarian reserve is poor Image: Shutterstock
Family history also predisposes to multiple ovulations.
Keeping Track Of Dual Ovulation
If you are keen on tracking the chances of dual ovulation in a single month, you should consult a reputed fertility specialist. You will need an expert who will analyze your ovulation pattern thoroughly in order to help you conceive.
General Measures To Apply During Ovulation
The below measures can help you understand your ovulation cycle and plan your pregnancy better:
The cervix will produce a clear thin liquid that stretches between the index finger and thumb.
Calculate your fertile days based on the onset of your monthly periods.
Keep track of the body temperature while ovulating. Image: Shutterstock
Boost chances of pregnancy with a timely intercourse with your partner.
