What Is A Follicular Study?
The follicular study is a series of transvaginal ultrasound scans that studies the growth of follicles in a woman’s ovaries to identify the exact ovulation window in her menstrual cycle.
Let’s zoom in to understand more on a follicular scan. A woman is born with millions of immature eggs waiting to be released from the ovary. During ovulation, a mature egg is released through the fallopian tube, and becomes available for fertilization. Since an egg and a sperm fuse to form a baby, the uterine walls thicken in anticipation to prepare for the same. In the event that no conception occurs, both the uterine lining and blood will be shed by the body as the monthly process of menstruation.
An egg is available to be fertilized by a sperm for only 12-24 hours, and at a given ovulation cycle, it is just one mature egg that is released. If the patient is trying for pregnancy, this is the time to have an intercourse to get favorable results.
Most women who have regular menstrual cycles will ovulate between day 11th and 21st day of the cycle, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. However, this is not the same for all, and many women may ovulate at different times or days each month. In such cases, some women may find it hard to keep in track of their menstrual cycle and need medical assistance in this regard. This is where they need to consider undergoing a follicular study scan.
The female reproductive system has small tissues called ovarian follicles that contain and release eggs for fertilization during ovulation. A follicle is a fluid area in which the eggs grow. The follicle increases in size as the egg grows.
The follicular study involves scanning the ovaries regularly during the menstrual cycle and observing the follicles as they increase in size. It is a series of vaginal scans to help determine when the patient will ovulate, the number of mature eggs that will ovulate and ensure that this is accomplished safely.
When the eggs are mature, patients are advised to have timed intercourse or Intrauterine Insemination or proceed with egg collection in case of an In-Vitro Fertilization Cycle.
Generally, these scans will start around day 9 of the cycle and continue till day 20. It is a vital process for getting pregnant including through fertility treatments like IVF.
Best Follicular Study Scan in Chennai
Chennai Women’s Clinic at T.Nagar is the best place to get your Follicular Study Scan done in Chennai. Getting your anomaly scan at Chennai Women’s Clinic means you can entrust your baby’s welfare to the hands of an award-winning Obstetrician and Gynecologist in the city, Dr. Deepthi Jammi.
How is a Follicular study done?
Performed via an transvaginal ultrasound, a follicular study examines the ovarian follicles and takes pictures of the internal organs which are further analyzed.
A follicular scan is done by inserting a small probe into the vagina to examine the tissues containing eggs and the endometrial lining thickness to determine when the patient is likely to ovulate. With this study, the doctor can suggest couples plan for intercourse during these days to maximize the chances of conception.
How long does a Follicle Scan take?
A follicular study procedure will generally take about 5 minutes to complete.
What Is The Use Of A Follicular Study?
How Many Scans Per Cycle Are Carried Out?
Who Should Get A Follicular Study Done?
Is there anything else that Follicular Scan can help with?
Frequently Asked Questions
A follicular scan is not painful. In general, the gel used in a transvaginal scan can be cold and might cause some discomfort but should not cause pain.
A follicular study has no side effects on your physical health. In fact, this procedure helps you resolve your conception issues to live a contented life.
Follicular study is the best way to find your fertile window to assist you in planning the best time for intercourse to maximize the chances of conception.
The number of antral follicles varies every month. A woman with a count of 6-10 antral follicles is considered to have an adequate or normal ovarian reserve.
When your follicles have reached around 18-20mm in diameter, they are deemed ready for egg collection.