Follicle size is an indicator of the maturity of the egg. It is a crucial factor in determining the success of IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) treatment. A diameter of 18 to 22 mm makes an ideal follicle that will help with the success of the treatment.
Fertility doctors use ultrasound scans to check the size of the follicle often. If it’s part of the IUI process, they do this to start the ovarian induction phase.
Follicle Size and IUI
A mature follicle helps with increasing the chances of fertilization of the egg with the sperm. Also, monitoring the size of the follicle ensures that the IUI treatment does not go to waste by taking chances on a follicle that is not of an ideal size.
In the ovarian induction procedure, doctors give medicine to make the ovaries produce more eggs. When the eggs grow to the right size, which is between 18 and 22 mm, the doctors help the eggs to be released. At least four eggs are expected to develop into the ideal size before induction.
What is the Exact Follicle Size to Get Pregnant?
There is no exact follicle size but an ideal range of size that makes a follicle qualify for successful fertilization.
A follicle between the size ranges of 18 mm to 22 mm in diameter can turn into a qualifying follicle. Follicles of this size contain mature oocytes. Follicles above 22mm may contain post-mature oocytes that do not qualify for fertilization.
So, a follicle size between 18 to 22 mm in diameter can help with providing mature oocytes essential for fertilization.
What is the Normal Follicle Count for IUI?
There is no exact follicle count pre-determined for IUI success. The number of follicles required depends upon factors such as age, fertility medications, and so on.
Younger women can succeed with a lower count of follicles as less than three follicles too. For women over 40 years of age, at least 4 mature follicles will help enhance the treatment success chances. But with multiple numbers of eggs, there is a possibility for multiple pregnancies too.
At times, even one mature follicle will do the miracle too!
| Age Range | Ideal Follicle Size for IUI |
|---|---|
|
Under 35 |
18 to 22 mm |
|
35-40 |
18 to 22 mm |
|
Over 40 |
18 to 22 mm |
How to Increase Follicle Size
There is no direct way to increase the size of your follicles. But you can improve your ovarian health to have an impact on the health of your follicles.
Some ways to help increase follicle size include
- Maintaining a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Eating a balanced diet
- Moderate and regular exercising
- Managing stress
- Leading a healthy lifestyle, etc.
Foods to Eat to Increase Follicle Size
Once again there are no prescriptions for foods that could have a direct impact on the size of your follicle.
Yet you can include the following foods that will improve your overall reproductive health
- Fish: Fatty fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as sardines, salmon, and tuna.
- Citrus Fruits: Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit.
- Avocados: Avocados contain healthy fats, Vitamin E, and fiber that contribute to better egg quality.
- Eggs: Eggs contain protein and choline that help in the development of cell membranes.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich sources of calcium, protein, and vitamin D that help with ovulation.
Conclusion
For IUI, it’s helpful to have many mature follicles, but even just one good follicle that’s between 18 and 22 mm can lead to a successful pregnancy.
Yet it is to be noted that the size of the follicle is not the sole determiner of IUI success. Factors such as endometrial thickness, sperm quality, age, and overall physical health also play a role.
Doctors take keen note of the importance of follicle size during the IUI process. So take a deep breath and trust your physician to take you through a successful IUI treatment journey.
If questions persist and you want to be sure about the ideal follicle size for IUI, contact a fertility specialist.
FAQs
Age, hormone levels, PCOS, endometriosis, and other things can affect how well follicles grow. Talk to your fertility doctor and follow their advice on diet, medicine, or lifestyle changes to help your follicles grow better.
Follicles around 20 to 22 mm in diameter usually rupture and release oocytes. These oocytes are usually mature enough to successfully fertilize with the sperm.
