Follicular study or follicular monitoring
A female reproductive tract consists of several organs such as the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vaginal canal. The ovaries are two almond-shaped structures that produce and store eggs and secrete hormones. Inside the ovaries, there are thousands of ovarian follicles, which are small sacs containing fluids and immature eggs or oocytes. They also secrete hormones that influence the menstrual cycle.
Follicular study or follicular monitoring is the process through which a doctor watches a follicle develop from early in the menstrual cycle, till the time it is ready to release the egg. The monitoring is done with the help of ultrasound scans.
Follicular studies involve a series of ultrasound examinations to evaluate a woman’s ovulation and fertility. They include monitoring the growth and development of the follicles in the ovaries, which contain the eggs, and tracking changes in the thickness of the uterine lining.
What will the doctor look for in the follicular scan?
Follicular studies can help identify potential issues with ovulation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and can guide treatment for infertility and dosage adjustment of medication if needed. In addition, this allows tracking the growth and development of the follicles and identifying the optimal time for ovulation induction or timed intercourse.
How long should I continue getting these follicular scans?
The scans will start between day 9-11 of your cycle and will continue till ovulation. In all, about 5-6 scans may be required. After each sitting the interval between the next scan will be determined by your gynecologist. Usually scans are done on alternate days.
Ovulation normally occurs between day 13 – 17 but in some cases it can be delayed.
“Each ultrasound takes 5-10 minutes
Is follicular monitoring painful?
No, it is not. When the scan is done externally over the abdomen, it’s just like any other ultrasound. The gel used might be cold and a bit uncomfortable but not painful.
When it’s done transvaginally, a probe will be placed inside the vagina by the ultrasound doctor using a lubricant. It might cause some discomfort but should not cause pain.
What are the advantages of folliculometry?
A follicle scan is done several times during a woman’s menstrual cycle, usually between days 9-20. The scan detects when does a follicle rupture and release the egg. Follicle scans have several other uses listed below are some of them:
● Follicles which do not grow till the time of rupture can be diagnosed.
● Some follicles do not grow at all. The scans help in detecting them.
● Some dominant follicles do not rupture.
● The endometrial lining might not be good enough in either thickness or quality.
● Scans can help to predict the time of ovulation for assisted pregnancy.
● They help to guide treatments with ovulation-inducing drugs or injections.
● To detect complications like OHSS and others.
● Lastly, follicular scans help in detecting luteal phase deficiency.
