Superfecundation (Noun)
Meaning
Fertilization of two or more ova released during the same menstrual cycle by sperm from separate acts of coitus (especially by different males).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- In a remarkable example of superfecundation, the twins born to the couple had two distinct sets of DNA, with one father's sperm fertilizing one egg and the other father's sperm fertilizing the second egg.
- Research has shown that superfecundation is a relatively rare phenomenon, occurring in approximately one in every 13,000 twin births.
- Superfecundation occurs when multiple eggs are released from the ovaries and fertilized by different sets of sperm during the same menstrual cycle.
- Studies have documented cases of superfecundation in animals, such as horses and dogs, as well as in humans, and highlight the complexity of reproductive biology.
- While extremely uncommon, superfecundation is possible, even with instances where one fertilization event occurred with intercourse in the same menstrual cycle.