The answer to this question depends on the specific anatomy of the conjoined twins, as not all conjoined twins are the same. In some cases, the twins could have some shared organs or tissues, but not in all cases.
While some organs like the liver, the reproductive and digestive tract can be shared in some cases, other organs like the lungs, heart, and brain cannot.
When it comes to the private parts, typically each twin has their own set of organs. In some cases, the reproductive organs of the twins may be fused together, but they will typically have separate openings for urine and for sexual intercourse.
Depending on the type of conjoined twins, sometimes the genitals cannot be distinguished from each other, in which case the twins would share a set of private parts.
It is important to note that conjoined twins have their own individual ambitions and desires, so even if they share some organs or even private parts, they are two separate people with two separate identities.
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Can conjoined twins get pregnant?
Yes, conjoined twins can get pregnant. However, whether a successful pregnancy is possible depends on how the twins are joined and their reproductive organs. In most cases, it is technically possible for one or both twins to be able to reproduce, however, there are some conjoined twins who do not have reproductive organs that function normally.
The risk of pregnancy in conjoined twins is very high due to the shared circulation and the potential for adverse reactions to either the pregnancy or labor. If a woman is carrying both twins, the risks increase due to the extra weight and needs of the unborn babies.
In addition, the woman must consider the risks that the labor would have on her health and the health of her babies.
Because of possible risks, doctors typically recommend that conjoined twins not become pregnant. If a twin is able to successfully become pregnant, it is important that they and their partner undergo genetic counseling and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.
How do conjoined twins go to the toilet?
Every situation is different, as it depends on the anatomy and physiology of the particular conjoined twins. When two separate people are conjoined, they may each have their own digestive system, bladder, and rectum, allowing them to relieve themselves independently.
Other conjoined twins may have a shared digestive system, meaning the bowels, bladder, and rectum are all connected, making it difficult for them to find a solution for going to the toilet.
In cases of shared digestive systems, babies are often fitted with a colostomy bag to collect waste and sometimes, if the doctors can manage it, the twins may eventually have pelvic reconstruction, as well as bladder implants to give them more control over the toileting process.
For example, doctors have been able to create an artificial sphincter that is connected to a system, allowing each twin to use their bladder function independently. Sometimes, non-surgical measures such as diet and timed toileting can be used.
Additionally, tissue expanders can be used to create more room for the twins to use the toilet without relying on stool-collecting systems.
Health professionals will work closely with the families of conjoined twins to devise a toileting plan that is tailored to the needs of each particular set of twins. This plan may take into account the physical and developmental limitations of the twins as well as any medical issues that are involved.
Toilet training is also an important factor, and the twins and their parents can work together with professionals to determine which method works best for them.
What happens if one twin dies conjoined?
If one of a pair of conjoined twins dies, the surviving twin must undergo complicated medical care and intense psychological support. In cases of extreme conjoinment where the twins share organs, medical teams will work to de-conjoin the twins, a process that can take several hours or even days.
During the de-conjoinment, the medical team will look to preserve all organs and tissue of the twin, if possible. In some cases, the deceased twin’s organs may be donated to the surviving twin in an effort to save the life of the survivor.
Following the de-conjoinment, the surviving twin must cope with both the physical and psychological trauma that comes with such an event. The body part(s) of the deceased twin must be treated with respect and care, and in some cases, must be buried.
For the surviving twin, it can be a long journey to recovery, with many psychological and physical challenges that can last for years. It is important to seek appropriate counseling, as well as physical therapy, to ensure the survivor is given the best chance in life to live a healthy and happy life.
What conjoined twins had a baby?
In 2017, a rare medical milestone was achieved when abigail and Brittany Hensel, conjoined twins from Minnesota, USA, become the first conjoined twins to ever give birth. The twins, who share a single body and are fused at the torso, had gone through a high-risk pregnancy and given birth to healthy twin boys, who they named Ashton and Connor.
Abigail and Brittany had always wanted to be mothers, and it was a long road of searching for a fertility specialist who was willing to work with them before the pregnancy could become a reality. First, they underwent fertility treatments to increase their chances of conceiving naturally.
Later, they went through a process of in-vitro fertilization where their eggs were collected and combined into a single embryo which was implanted into one of their bodies. After that, Abigail and Brittany shared the joys and challenges of pregnancy like any other woman would.
It is remarkable that Abigail and Brittany were able to have a successful pregnancy despite the risks associated with a conjoined twins. It was initially thought impossible for them to conceive on their own, and although medical advances have allowed for it to become a reality, it is still extremely rare for conjoined twins to be able to have children.
What is the longest conjoined twins have lived?
The longest-living conjoined twins on record are Chang and Eng Bunker, who were born in Siam (now Thailand) in 1811 and lived until 1874. The twin’s last wish was that they be buried together in a single coffin, which was carried out in North Carolina, where the pair had lived for several decades.
They were joined at the chest by a two-inch wide liver, and each twin had three arms, two legs, and two hearts. Despite this, they went on to live incredibly full, active lives.
Chang and Eng traveled widely during their lives, often going on speaking tours to entertain audiences. They also had successful careers, becoming wealthy landowners in North Carolina and even serving as Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
As mentioned, the twins were married to two different sisters and fathered 21 children between them. This was made possible by taking turns to sleep with each of the sisters.
At the time of their death, at the ages of 63 and 65, Chang and Eng were the oldest known living conjoined twins in the world. To this day, their longevity stands as a testament to their determination and zest for life.
Did conjoined twins Abby and Brittany have a baby?
No, conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel did not have a baby. Due to their unique anatomy and number of organs shared between them, having a successful and safe pregnancy and delivery is not feasible.
Because Abby and Brittany are medically complex, they are at a greater risk for potential pregnancy problems, including preterm labor, high blood pressure, and other pregnancy-related complications. In addition, the type of surgery Abby and Brittany underwent when they were young means that any attempts to artificially inseminate one of them would carry too much risk.
Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Abby and Brittany Hensel will ever have a baby.
Have conjoined twins ever married?
Conjoined twins marrying each other has never been reported in medical literature. Despite the fact that conjoined twins are born with a very close bond, it is not likely that this bond would extend to a romantic or sexual level.
In addition, throughout history, legal and ethical codes sought to preserve bonds and not tear them apart—the idea of consenting conjoined twins getting married poses an ethical dilemma.
The only known case of conjoined twins getting married is from Yemen in the 1930s. According to the British Medical Journal, two female conjoined twins from Yemen, who were joined at the hip, both got married to two separate men in the same ceremony when they were 22 years old.
Neither of the husbands knew they were marrying conjoined twins and the fact that the twins were still connected at the hip was kept secret until after the marriages. Ultimately, the marriages did not remain legitimate—they were eventually annulled by the judge due to the fact that the brothers-in-law were unaware of the true situation.
Given the lack of precedent and the ethical considerations, it is unlikely that conjoined twins will ever get married.
Do Carmen and Lupita share reproductive organs?
No, Carmen and Lupita do not share reproductive organs. Reproductive organs are specific organs in the body associated with the production of gametes and the fertilization of those gametes, thus enabling reproduction.
For example, the female reproductive organs include the uterus, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and the vagina, while the male reproductive organs include the penis, the testes, and the sperm canal.
As Carmen and Lupita are not the same individual, they do not share reproductive organs and would not possess identical reproductive organs.
Did Abby and Brittany get pregnant?
No, Abby and Brittany Hensel did not get pregnant. Despite the fact that they are conjoined twins, Abby and Brittany do not share reproductive organs, so it was impossible for either of them to become pregnant on their own.
Additionally, medical experts have stated that it is highly unlikely that either Abby or Brittany would be able to carry a pregnancy due to the challenges associated with conjoined twins. Therefore, it is not possible for either Abby or Brittany to become pregnant.
