What is a Follicular Study?
Follicular study or folliculometry is a series of ultrasound where the gynecologist closely monitors the follicles from the beginning till a dominant follicle matures.
Once the dominant follicle matures, a shot of HCG injection is given to rupture the dominant follicle also called the egg to induce ovulation.
Follicular Study at Jammi Scans
How is a Follicular Study Performed?
Usually, follicular study is done between day 8 to day 20 of the menstrual cycle. It is a series of ultrasound where the follicles are closely monitored.
Once a dominant follicle matures and becomes 20 mm in size, a shot of HCG injection (Human chorionic gonadotropin) is given to rupture the egg and induce ovulation.
Ovulation ideally happens 24 to 48 hours after taking the HCG shot. The average time is 36 hours after HCG shot.
What is the Size of the Follicle to Get Pregnant?
Once the dominant follicle becomes 20 mm in size, the follicle is ready for rupturing.
Why is Follicular Monitoring Necessary?
Follicular study is a baseline fertility treatment for couples trying to get pregnant and also for those undergoing other fertility treatments including IUI and IVF.
Follicular study, as the name suggests, is used to study the follicles closely and to get to know about the time of ovulation in order to increase the chances of conception.
Preparation for a Follicular Study
There is no special preparation needed for a follicular study. You can eat food and drink water as usual and go for the scan. Fasting or filling up the bladder isn't required.
Benefits of a Follicular Study
- Monitoring the follicles closely
- Predict ovulation better
- Increase the chances of conception by timing intercourse with ovulation
What are the Side Effects of a Follicular Ultrasound Scan?
Interpretation of Follicular Study Results:
Follicular study is usually performed between day 9 to day 20 of the menstrual cycle depending upon the growth of the follicle.
The number of ultrasounds is also based on the growth of the follicle and there can be anywhere between 4 and 6.
The ovaries contain multiple small follicles also called MSF. Of these small follicles, one follicle grows and becomes dominant. This dominant follicle is closely monitored in each and every scan until it becomes around 20 mm in size.
Once it matures, a HCG shot is given to induce ovulation. The follicular study report has all these details.
Follicular Study Vs. Ovulation Prediction Kits
Although both ovulation prediction kits and follicular study are used to predict ovulation, follicular study is more accurate as a healthcare expert uses a series of ultrasound to monitor the follicles.
Ovulation prediction kits are urine test kits that are similar to urine pregnancy test kits. But the ovulation prediction kits are sensitive to the hormone LH (Luteinizing hormone). Around the time of ovulation, the LH in the body surges. This shows two lines on the kit indicating ovulation.
Ovulation prediction kits or OPK usually come in a pack of 5 kits. When the T line is darker, it means that LH is rising. It is recommended to have unprotected intercourse during this time to increase the chances of conception.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is follicular study painful?
No. A follicular study is a safe and painless procedure.
2. How many days after menstruation is a follicular study done?
Follicular study usually starts from 9th or 10th day of the menstruation cycle.
3. Can a follicular study detect pregnancy?
No. A follicular study does not detect pregnancy. But it tracks ovulation and increases the chances of conception.
4. Is a follicular study expensive?
Generally, a follicular study is not expensive. The cost may vary based on your location and the clinic.
5. Is a follicular study necessary for everyone trying to conceive?
No. A follicular study is needed for women who experience irregular menstrual cycles and are not successful in pregnancy and for those who undergo fertility treatment.
