Superfecundation
Superfecundation
Superfecundation (pronunciation: soo-per-fee-kun-day-shun) is a rare biological occurrence in which two or more eggs, released during the same menstrual cycle, are fertilized by sperm from separate acts of sexual intercourse.
Etymology
The term 'superfecundation' is derived from the Latin words 'super' meaning 'over, above' and 'fecundare' meaning 'to make fruitful'.
Definition
Superfecundation most commonly happens within hours or days of the first instance of fertilization, with two (or more) eggs being fertilized by sperm from separate acts of sexual intercourse. This can result in twins or multiple births where the children are of different fathers, a phenomenon known as heteropaternal superfecundation.
Related Terms
- Heteropaternal Superfecundation: This occurs when two different males father fraternal twins.
- Superfetation: This is the simultaneous occurrence of more than one stage of developing offspring in the same animal. In humans, it refers to the formation of a fetus while another fetus is already present in the uterus.
- Fraternal Twins: Twins that are not identical, but are born at the same time.
- Multiple Births: The birth of more than one offspring from a single pregnancy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Superfecundation
- Wikipedia's article - Superfecundation
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