Although ovulating twice in a single menstrual cycle is impossible, you might be shocked to learn that you can ovulate twice in a single calendar month if your cycle is shorter.

In this post, we’ll share key facts about ovulation and answer whether it's possible to ovulate more than once throughout a menstrual cycle.

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation occurs when a fully matured egg leaves the ovary and passes through the fallopian tube, ready to be fertilized by sperm. A mature egg is released from one of your ovaries every month. Your uterine lining thickens in preparation for a fertilized egg at the same time.

The lining of your uterus is shed during your period if fertilization fails.

In a normal menstrual cycle, usually one egg is released from an ovary. If your cycle is around 28 days, ovulation typically happens around day 14.

Related: How Do I Know When I'm Ovulating?

Can You Ovulate Twice in a Month?

The answer is a big NO. Ovulation cannot occur twice within a single menstrual cycle. After ovulation, the empty sac that holds the egg in your ovary becomes a gland called the corpus luteum.

This gland starts releasing the hormone progesterone, which stops your body from ovulating again during that cycle. You can only ovulate again after your next period when a new cycle begins.

In other words, the corpus luteum gland releases progesterone to stop the body from ovulating again until the next cycle.

However, if you have a shorter cycle, you will ovulate twice in the same calendar month.

Given that your menstrual cycle is often 28 days or less and calendar months typically last 30 to 31 days, you may ovulate at the start of the month and again at the end, particularly if your cycles are shorter.

How Did the Idea of Ovulating Twice a Month Start?

Research published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility in July 2003 examined hormone trends during the menstrual cycle in 63 women. The study focused on follicle development and maturation.

According to the study, women did not ovulate more than once per cycle. Instead, 68% of women had more than one follicular wave during their cycle.

While follicle counts fluctuated, this did not mean multiple ovulations occurred.

The study suggested that many women have multiple eggs that mature during each cycle, but only one is usually released.

Another source of confusion is ovulation prediction kits, which may show multiple positive results by detecting LH hormone surges before ovulation.

What is Hyperovulation?

When two or more eggs are released, it is called hyperovulation. These eggs are usually released within 24 hours of each other, not days or weeks apart.

If two eggs are released and fertilized, it can result in non-identical twins.

If only one egg is fertilized, the other breaks down and is absorbed by the body, resulting in a single pregnancy.

Identical twins occur when one fertilized egg splits into two embryos.

Causes of Hyperovulation

• Age: Teenagers may experience hyperovulation due to immature hormone regulation, while older women may release multiple eggs due to rising FSH levels as ovarian reserve declines.

• Genetics: Hyperovulation often runs in families, especially those with a history of twins.

• Hormonal Birth Control: Stopping hormonal contraception can temporarily increase FSH levels, leading to hyperovulation.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalances can cause irregular ovulation and release of multiple eggs.

• Ovulation Induction: Fertility medications used to stimulate ovulation can result in the release of multiple eggs.

Symptoms of Hyperovulation

Hyperovulation usually feels the same as normal ovulation and often has no noticeable symptoms. However, it may include:

• A shift in basal body temperature

• Increased cervical mucus

• Clear, stretchy egg-white-like discharge

• Pelvic pain or discomfort

• Breast tenderness

Difference Between Ovulation and Hyperovulation

Ovulation: The normal process where one egg is released from the ovary in a cycle.

Hyperovulation: More than one egg is released in a single cycle, increasing the chance of twins or multiple pregnancies.

Risks of Hyperovulation

While hyperovulation can increase the chance of conception, it also carries risks:

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

• Increased risk of multiple pregnancy

• Gestational diabetes

• Preeclampsia

• Miscarriage

• Premature birth

Bottom Line

You cannot ovulate more than once in a single menstrual cycle, but you can release more than one egg during a single ovulation. To understand your fertility better, track ovulation using calculators or consult your gynecologist for personalized guidance.