There is a higher rate of multiple births for women treated with fertility drugs than in the general population. The actual rate depends on the type of drugs used and the chosen procedure. There are many strategies to minimize the risk of multiple births, but it is always a risk to some degree.

There are three basic types of therapy that increase the risk of multiple births. They are:

Ovulation induction with Clomiphene
2. Ovulation induction with gonadotropins
3. IVF procedures with fertility drugs

They are discussed below:

1. Ovulation Induction with Clomiphene

The most commonly used "fertility drug" is clomiphene (Serophene or Clomid). It is an oral tablet usually taken days 5-9 of the menstrual cycle. The overwhelming majority of births are to a single baby. The multiple birth rate for clomiphene is between 5% and 10%. The vast majority of these multiples are twins. There are periodic reports of triplets or more, but these are rare and limited with proper monitoring.

2. Ovulation Induction with Gonadotropins

The next most common use of fertility drugs is for ovulation induction with gonadotropins (Pergonal, Gonal-f, Fertinex, Follistim, Repronex and Humegon). This is sometimes called a stimulated IUI cycle. Again, the majority of the births with the help of these drugs are to a single baby. Although multiple pregnancies are more common with these drugs than clomiphene, they can be limited with careful monitoring.

3. In vitro fertilization procedures with fertility drugs

The last use of fertility drugs is for assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF. At Advanced Reproductive Health Centers, Ltd the overwhelming number of deliveries is to a single baby. Twins happen with some frequency, but triplets and quadruplets are rare. The risk of multiple births is significant. Proper monitoring can minimize your risks, but not eliminate them.

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