What Are Twins With Different Fathers Called
Twins with different fathers are called superfecund twins. This happens when a woman releases more than one egg during the same cycle and each egg is fertilized by sperm from different men.
How Heteropaternal Superfecundation Happens
Heteropaternal superfecundation occurs when sperm from two separate acts of intercourse survive long enough to fertilize different eggs. The woman must ovulate more than once in a short window, and each egg must be fertilized by a different man's sperm.
How Rare Are Twins With Different Fathers
Superfecundation is rare in humans but documented in medical literature and case reports. It is more common in species that release multiple eggs, such as some mammals and certain fertility treatments involving multiple embryos.
