Guide | The IVF Twin Debate: Risks and Expectations
Twins through IVF? Although some couples want them, doctors advise against trying
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has prompted debate among people with infertility. Many couples hope to have twins in one IVF cycle because of high treatment costs, advancing reproductive age, and frustration after prolonged infertility. Doctors, however, warn that this approach carries significant risks.
1. IVF Costs and Insurance
Many IVF patients do not directly request twins, but mention hoping for them. This is especially common in states where insurance does not cover IVF and patients must pay high costs themselves. The average IVF cycle in the United States costs about $12,500, a major financial burden for many people.
2. Medical Risks of Multiple Births
Compared with singletons, twins and higher-order multiples are more likely to experience serious or life-threatening health problems, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. Studies indicate that twins are five times more likely than singletons to die in the first month after birth. Preterm birth is also much more common among twins. According to CDC data, 60% of U.S. twins were born preterm in 2006, and 12% were born before 32 weeks.
3. Is Education the Key?
After learning about these risks, IVF patients often reconsider their desire for twins. Education is important: doctors have found that information about the risks of multiple births can significantly reduce expectations for twins. Even after understanding the risks, however, some patients still find them difficult to accept.
Guide | The IVF Twin Debate: Risks and Expectations
Guide | The IVF Twin Debate: Risks and Expectations
Twins through IVF? Although some couples want them, doctors advise against trying
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has prompted debate among people with infertility. Many couples hope to have twins in one IVF cycle because of high treatment costs, advancing reproductive age, and frustration after prolonged infertility. Doctors, however, warn that this approach carries significant risks.
1. IVF Costs and Insurance
Many IVF patients do not directly request twins, but mention hoping for them. This is especially common in states where insurance does not cover IVF and patients must pay high costs themselves. The average IVF cycle in the United States costs about $12,500, a major financial burden for many people.
2. Medical Risks of Multiple Births
Compared with singletons, twins and higher-order multiples are more likely to experience serious or life-threatening health problems, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. Studies indicate that twins are five times more likely than singletons to die in the first month after birth. Preterm birth is also much more common among twins. According to CDC data, 60% of U.S. twins were born preterm in 2006, and 12% were born before 32 weeks.
3. Is Education the Key?
After learning about these risks, IVF patients often reconsider their desire for twins. Education is important: doctors have found that information about the risks of multiple births can significantly reduce expectations for twins. Even after understanding the risks, however, some patients still find them difficult to accept.
Source:
Collected online