Twins a commonality due to rise in IVF cases

Stating that the country has been witnessing a ten-fold rise in the number of twins born over the past two decades, Dr Meenakshi M, a Fertility expert, said, “This is mostly due to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), hormonal drugs to boost ovulation, and the increased maternal age - with women delaying their pregnancy.”  Over 30% of the twins born in Tamil Nadu alone are due to IVF, she added. 

Explaining the same, Dr Shaanty Gunasingh, former director of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (IOG) in Egmore, said, “Ogecians also prefer to play safe. Generally, the promotion is a single embryo transfer for IVF pregnancy. However, since couples are spending a lot and the psychological factor comes to play, we do not know how many will survive. Therefore, though single embryo transfers are the ideal factor, doctors tend to put in two to three embryos as the couples too want a result.”

Besides, she said, “The mushrooming of IVF centres can also be the reason why many feel that there is a rise in the number of twin births.” 

It may be noted that since December last year, around 7000 births had taken place at IOG, of which, over 150 were twin births. “Hectic work schedules and factors like irregular food habits leading to obesity are responsible towards growing cases of infertility,” said a doctor at IOG, adding, “Around 30 patients come in for fertility treatment on a daily basis. A woman is in her most fertile phase until the age of 35. However, most women today tend to get married at a much later age, which reduces their chances of conceiving.”