When it comes to fertility management, follicular monitoring is one of the most reliable techniques for tracking ovulation and assessing ovarian health. This ultrasound-based procedure is especially critical for individuals undergoing ovulation induction or assisted reproductive treatments such as IUI or IVF.
However, how many times is a follicular study needed in a cycle? The answer depends on various factors, such as individual ovulation patterns, treatment protocols, and medical history. Understanding the frequency and purpose of follicular monitoring can help you prepare for the journey ahead with clarity and confidence.
Take a glance at the upcoming sections to understand such things in detail.
What is a follicular study?
It is a series of ultrasound scans that track the follicle development in the ovaries. A doctor watches the follicle growth from the beginning of the menstrual cycle to the ovulation phase that is until the release of an egg.
An ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina for getting a clear view of the uterus and ovaries. The process of follicular study includes 4 different stages, baseline scan, monitoring phase, identifying ovulation, and post-ovulation scan.
Follicular Monitoring Process
Baseline Scan is the very first step of follicular study that is performed on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. It provides information about the uterine lining and identifies any cysts or follicles.
As per the doctor’s advice and the patient’s health condition and cycle, they can undergo subsequent scans every 1 to 3 days. The sonographer will measure the follicle size and assess the pattern and thickness of the uterine lining.
Then, they will identify the ovulation phase, doctors will track the dominant follicles that reach about 18 to 22 mm in diameter. During this phase, you can easily measure the hormone levels, so any hormonal imbalances can be easily treated to support pregnancy.
As the last step, the post-ovulation scan will also be carried out. Sometimes, doctors do the scan after the expected date to confirm whether the rupture takes place or not.
Number of times follicular monitoring can be done
Generally, 5 to 6 scans can be done in a single menstrual cycle. As per your gynecologist’s recommendation, patients will undergo monitoring and usually, it starts around the 9th or 10th day of the cycle and continues until reaching the ovulation phase.
Women can undergo ultrasounds every 2 to 3 days during the early stage of menstruation. However, this frequency of scans increases as the ovulation approaches and can even take place daily.
Importance of follicular monitoring
Still, why is it so important? Because follicular monitoring helps with pregnancy through natural and assisted reproductive techniques. Yes, whether it is to optimize natural pregnancy or track the ovulation phase and follicle growth for IVF and IUI, the follicular study can create a huge impact on the results.
What is the success rate of follicular study?
When it comes to statistical data, the success rate of the follicular study is only 10%. Some data suggest that these scans could put the couples under extreme stress as they show every step of a woman’s follicular development.
Anyhow, it can have potential impacts on the optimal outcomes of natural yet assisted reproductive technology pregnancies.
Who needs to undergo follicular study?
Generally, couples need to optimize the natural pregnancy and women expecting successful results through ARTs, particularly IVF need to take follicular monitoring. There are some other important reasons also available to undergo follicular study, such as:
- Women with irregular periods and PCOS or PCOD.
- Couples facing infertility issues for a long period without knowing the reason.
- Women over 35 years old to assess the ovarian reserve, egg quality, and ovulation timing, which is a better choice if they are trying to conceive after 35.
- Women with frequent or history of miscarriages, which help them to identify the exact cause of miscarriage and prevent such incidents in the future.
- Couples who want to optimize or witness successful pregnancy results in their first try can also undergo follicular monitoring and improve the success rate.
- Follicular monitoring becomes a mandatory and the highest priority when it comes to fertility treatments. So, patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and Intrauterine Insemination will surely undergo follicular monitoring and also it increases the chance of successful pregnancy.
However, these reasons may vary as per the health condition of every individual. So, consulting your fertility expert is very important in monitoring your follicular development.
Wrapping up
The frequency of follicular studies is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It varies depending on your ovulation patterns, response to medications, and the type of fertility treatment the patient is taking. For some, a few sessions per cycle might be enough, while others may require more monitoring to ensure precise timing and optimal outcomes.
So, prioritize open communication with your fertility specialist as they can assist you according to your body needs. Stay informed and proactive, you can go through this critical step in your fertility journey with greater assurance.
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No, you can’t confirm pregnancy through follicular monitoring. It helps to track the follicle growth and conception can’t be confirmed, only ovulation is detected. If you experience any of the pregnancy symptoms, then taking a blood test is important.
Yes, the follicular study can help you conceive at the right time because one of the primary purposes of this process is to track and find the exact time of ovulation. Having intercourse around or at the ovulation increases the chances of conception.
ET means Endometrial Thickness, which refers to the uterus lining. The size of ET is very important for optimal embryo implantation.
MSF indicates Multiple Small Follicles, which means the presence of several small follicles in the ovaries. It is often seen in women with PCOS, which can also be a reason for delayed conception.
