Key Facts
- Women can experience multiple LH surges in a cycle, with studies showing up to 57% may have more than one peak.
- Double ovulation can occur, leading to the release of two eggs, which can result in fraternal twins if both are fertilized.
- Factors like age, hormonal disorders, and fertility treatments can influence the likelihood of hyperovulation and double ovulation.
Do you ovulate twice in a month? Can you get ovulation discharge twice a month? Why am I ovulating twice? These questions are frequently asked by couples trying to conceive and will hopefully be answered in this article. 
What is an LH surge, and how often does it happen?
A surge in Luteinising Hormone (LH) is often an indicator of ovulation during your cycle. For many women, testing for their LH peak with an ovulation test reveals a single peak in a 24-hour window. That said, it is not uncommon to see more than one peak in an LH test lasting over a couple of days. If you see this result, does it mean you ovulate twice? Several recent studies indicate three types of gradual onset of the LH surge, which may last anywhere from 2-6 days. Such surges can lead to positive ovulation tests for more than one day during your cycle. If that happens, you are not alone. Studies have found that up to 57% of women experience multiple LH surges. This is where the Fertility2family ovulation predictor kits (OPK) can come to your rescue to detect if you are having multi L H surges and potentially ovulating twice in the same cycle. It is possible to release two eggs, one from each ovary, in the same 24 hours. This is how fraternal twins are conceived. However, this is still considered only one ovulation process. It is a myth that you can ovulate twice on two different days in the same cycle. 
Ovulate Twice & Surges & Peaks:
Single peak
The most common LH surge consists of a single peak. LH levels increase gradually until they reach their peak value and then gradually decline to baseline. In this case, ovulation occurs just after the LH reaches the maximum value. Such a single peak or spike is observed in around 42% of women.
Plateau
If you observe that your LH levels are high for several days in a row, such a pattern is called a plateau . You are advised to continue testing until you see a decline in LH levels. You will be most fertile the day the LH levels drop to their baseline. In other words, ovulation occurs after the last spike in LH levels.
Biphasic peaks (Multiple peaks)
Several ups and downs of LH during your cycle can confuse you . It is important to recognise the correct peak in such a situation; otherwise, you stand a chance of missing your fertility period. Fertility2Family can help you find this correct peak so that you can be sure about the time of ovulation during your cycle. Testing several times after the last predicted peak is highly recommended to ensure you have no more peaks in a row. The bigger question here is, why does it happen in the first place? Well, there are many reasons for it happening, most related to your lifestyle. A lot of stress, a prolonged illness, or even hormonal changes and fluctuations can lead to multiple peaks in LH levels. A consequence of two LH surges can be multiple follicular stimulations and ovulating twice in the same cycle, and this is why you are seeing a positive ovulation test twice in one month.
What are Multiple Follicular Stimulations?
At the start of each menstrual cycle, hormonal signals trigger the development of several small ovarian follicles. Although many follicles grow simultaneously, a natural competition decides which one will dominate. Usually, one follicle responds more strongly to these signals and matures fully, while the others gradually shrink through atresia, a programmed regression.
In a typical cycle, this process ensures that only one egg is released. However, due to genetic factors, hormonal variations, or fertility treatments, more than one follicle may avoid atresia. This can lead to the maturation and release of two eggs in the same cycle, potentially resulting in fraternal twins.
Understanding this balance in ovarian follicle recruitment and atresia shows how double ovulation, though rare, is a natural variation in the reproductive cycle.
Is it possible to be fertile for more than a few days per cycle?
A group of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan experimented with answering this very question. They observed 63 women with regular periods and found two waves of LH surges during their cycles. According to the study’s lead scientist , Dr Roger Pierson, as many as 40% of women in the study could produce more than one egg during their cycle. Hence, assuming you will be fertile longer during your cycle than the previously assumed few days is safe. Ultrasound techniques might allow the doctor to observe the follicle. However, when it comes to eggs, we still don’t have the technology to visualise the released egg as it is microscopic. You can keep track of your ovulation by measuring the LH surge using a quality ovulation kit . An ovulation test can help you determine if you have a biphasic LH surge or multiple peaks. It is even more important to keep track of your LH surges if you expect multiple LH peaks within a cycle. The measurement will allow you to keep close tabs on your ovulation, ensuring you do not miss out on your fertility window. 
Hyperovulation and twins
If two different sperms fertilise two eggs at the same time, there is a dual pregnancy, and we get fraternal twins. This happens due to hyper-ovulation, in which your ovary releases two eggs during the same cycle. If these eggs happen to get fertilised, you get twins.
Fraternal vs Identical Twins
Both types of twins are conceived in a single pregnancy, but their origins differ. Fraternal twins result when the ovaries release two separate eggs, often due to hyperovulation, in one cycle, each fertilised by its own sperm cell. Fraternal twins share about 50% of their DNA, like regular siblings, and their characteristics can differ significantly.
Identical twins develop from a single fertilised egg that splits into two embryos. This results in genetically identical individuals, unaffected by ovulatory patterns that release multiple eggs. This distinction shows that hyperovulation is directly linked to forming fraternal twins, as it involves releasing and fertilising two separate eggs.
Factors causing hyperovulation
- One of the most common causes of hyperovulation is jumpstarting your ovulation cycle. It can happen if you were on birth control pills for a long time and suddenly stopped taking them. This can stimulate your body to produce more than one egg in a given cycle through the ‘Twinning Effect.’
- There is also a genetic component to hyperovulation. The trait of hyperovulation runs on the mother’s side of the family, and hence, we can see women with multiple sets of twins in their extended families.
- A hormonal disorder called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can also cause hyperovulation and irregular cycles.
- In vitro fertilisation ( IVF ) techniques can also have a similar effect , significantly increasing the chances of multiple pregnancies .
Genetic Factors Influencing Hyperovulation
Recent scientific studies have shown that molecular variations—especially in genes for hormone receptors—affect how ovaries respond to gonadotropin signals. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FSH and LH receptor genes can increase follicular sensitivity, leading to the development of multiple mature follicles in one cycle.
Research also shows that these genetic variations differ among ethnic groups, indicating that genetic diversity may influence the likelihood of hyperovulation. While these genetic markers affect ovarian response, they are just one part of a complex reproductive profile. Ongoing studies aim to clarify how these genetic factors interact with other physiological and environmental influences to shape individual ovulatory patterns.
A better understanding of genetic contributions not only advances knowledge about hyperovulation but also supports more personalised approaches in reproductive health management.
Role of Age in Double Ovulation
Age is a significant factor that can influence the occurrence of double ovulation . As women approach their late 30s and early 40s, their bodies may start to release more than one egg each cycle to increase the chances of conception. This phenomenon is due to the body’s response to decreasing fertility with age. The body compensates by occasionally releasing more than one egg during a cycle, increasing the probability of fertilisation and conception. However, this also raises the likelihood of conceiving twins , especially fraternal twins, when two separate eggs are fertilised by two different sperm. Understanding the impact of age on ovulation can help women better navigate their fertility journey and manage their expectations when trying to conceive.
Medical Conditions in ovulating twice in one month
Certain medical conditions can influence the likelihood of double ovulation. For instance, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience irregular ovulation, which can sometimes result in the release of more than one egg. PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, and it can lead to prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to release eggs regularly. If you have a medical condition that could impact ovulation , discussing this with your healthcare provider is crucial. Understanding how these conditions affect your ovulation can help you manage your fertility journey better.
Use of Fertility Treatments and ovulation twice in a month
Fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or medications that stimulate ovulation, can increase the chances of double ovulation. These treatments often aim to stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg to increase the chances of successful conception. However, this also increases the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, which come with their own set of risks and considerations. If you’re considering fertility treatments, discussing the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider is important. They can provide the necessary information and guidance to make an informed decision. 
Egg White Cervical Mucus: A Key Fertility Indicator
Egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) serves as a natural indicator of your fertile window. During the late follicular phase, rising estrogen levels cause cervical mucus to become clear, stretchy, and more abundant, similar to raw egg whites. This change typically occurs two to three days before ovulation, creating an ideal environment for sperm to move and survive.
After ovulation, increased progesterone makes the mucus thicker and less permeable, signalling the end of the peak fertility period. By tracking these changes over several cycles, you can accurately identify your most fertile days and make informed decisions when planning intercourse.
Pairing careful observation of EWCM with other fertility tracking methods offers a practical, cost-effective way to understand your menstrual cycle—an approach supported by science and trusted by reproductive health experts.
Fertility2Family is here to guide you.
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Evan Kurzyp
Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.