How to Increase Chances of Having Twins
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
The question of how to increase the chances of having twins is one I am asked occasionally in my fertility clinic, usually by women who have a family history of twins or who would welcome the idea of completing their family in one pregnancy. It is worth being honest about what the evidence shows — the factors that reliably influence twin conception are limited, and most are not within easy control. That said, there is genuine information worth knowing.
Types of Twins
Identical (monozygotic) twins occur when a single fertilised egg splits spontaneously — this is a random event that cannot be meaningfully influenced. Non-identical (dizygotic) twins result from two separate eggs being released and fertilised in the same cycle — this is the type where biological and lifestyle factors play a role.
Factors That Influence Dizygotic Twin Rates
Family history — a maternal family history of non-identical twins indicates a genetic tendency towards hyperovulation (releasing more than one egg per cycle). This is the strongest natural predictor.
Age — twin rates rise with maternal age up to about 37, as FSH levels increase and can stimulate multiple follicle development. This is one reason why women in their mid-thirties have a higher natural twin rate than younger women.
Height and weight — taller women and those with a higher BMI have slightly higher rates of dizygotic twinning, possibly due to higher circulating IGF-1.
Diet — some research has associated consumption of dairy products with higher twin rates, attributed to the presence of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in cow's milk. West African populations, who have the highest natural twin rates in the world, consume large quantities of a specific yam variety (Dioscorea) that contains phytoestrogens thought to stimulate hyperovulation.
Assisted reproduction — IVF with double embryo transfer is the most reliable way to increase twin likelihood, though most clinics now favour single embryo transfer to reduce multiple pregnancy risks.
The TCM Perspective
In traditional Chinese medicine, the release of multiple eggs in a single cycle relates to kidney jing and the abundance of yin essence available to develop follicles. Women with strong kidney yin and robust blood tend to have better follicular development overall. While TCM treatment is not designed to induce twinning, optimising kidney yin, blood, and qi creates the best possible conditions for follicular development and the release of high-quality eggs — whether one or more.
An Honest Note
It is important to be aware that twin pregnancies carry significantly higher risks than singleton pregnancies, including premature birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and complications during delivery. While the desire for twins is understandable, the goal of fertility treatment is always a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby — and that outcome is statistically best achieved with a single embryo or egg.
For support with fertility and optimising your chances of conception, get in touch or book a consultation in Wokingham.
