Risks and my options
Most forms of fertility treatment increase the risk of multiple pregnancy. Understanding the risks involved in your particular treatment and knowing how your risk can be minimised are vital in ensuring you receive the treatment that is right for you.
Fertility drugs
Drugs given to increase your chances of becoming pregnant fall into two groups: hormone treatment, such as gonadotrophins; and anti-oestrogens, such as clomifene citrate (Clomid) or tamoxifen.More about fertility drugs>>
IVF
At present, receiving IVF treatment can increase your risk of a multiple pregnancy by as much as 20 times compared with natural conception. However, you can minimise your risk while maintaining your chances of becoming pregnant.More about IVF>>
IUI
Stimulated IUI (intrauterine insemination where fertility drugs are used) can increase your chances of a multiple pregnancy by over 20% compared with natural conception.
More about IUI>>
GIFT
These days, gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) is rarely used, but it can increase your chances of a multiple pregnancy under certain circumstances.
More about GIFT>>
Multiple birth factsheet for patients
Are you going through fertility treatment and want to know more about the risks of multiple births? The Infertility Newtork UK (INUK) have published a factsheet that addresses a number of common concerns and questions that fertility treatment patients have.
Download the factsheet (pdf 116Kb)
Support groups
If you are concerned about any issues connected with multiple pregnancy and birth, you can get help and advice from a number of sources.
Find out more>>