What is Follicular Study Test or Follicular Monitoring
Follicular Monitoring is the procedure of serial ultrasonic monitoring performed on Ovarian Follicles. The ultrasound helps to determine the maturity status of the eggs. It is beneficial as it helps in assessing the follicle growth which aids the development of eggs. It also helps to determine the thickness of Uterine Lining.
For the women undergoing fertility medication, follicular study helps in diagnosing the response to treatment. For safe progress, it is important to ensure the count of eggs that will ovulate. It ensures that the level of estradiol, produced by eggs range between 150 – 200pg/ml.
In case of inadequate response, the treatments of fertility medications changes. If estradiol level increases, there are higher chances that women may develop Ovarian Hyper-stimulation Syndrome.
Ultrasound monitoring helps the doctor to determine the status of endometrium, uterus, and ovaries. Any abnormality in the results assists the doctor to state the difficulties that the woman may face while conceiving. It also helps in identifying the pelvic collection, ovarian cyst etc.
Dr. Anmol Sethi conducts all follicular monitoring ranging from baseline scan conducted on the 2nd Day followed by 6th and 9th Day, after which patient is prepared for further management.
Follicular study scan procedure :
- You will lie down on a table with your knees bent. Your feet may be held in stirrups.
- You will be given a probe, called a transducer, to place into the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and a gel.
The probe sends out sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture.
The test is usually painless, although some women may have mild discomfort from the pressure of the probe. Only a small part of the probe is placed into the vagina.
Ultrasound also provides valuable information about the following aspects of the reproductive process:
- Thickness of the endometrial stripe (the lining of the uterus). Eight to 10 mm is optimal.
- The successful rupture of the follicle and the formation of a corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
- The presence of fibroids and polyps within the uterus that may alter the blood supply to the endometrium and hence an implanting pregnancy.
Results of Follicular Scan
The following can be the probable results of Follicular testing:
-It provides the counts of developing follicles in the Ovary.
-The test report provides the rate of development of follicles.
-Determines Endometrial Thickness at various stages.
-Ensure the process of Ovulation takes place.
Ultrasound test for predicting success rate of IVF
The IVF studies are performed after ovaries are induced using ovulation inducing agents. In such cases, the determinants of success include:
-Ovarian Volume
-Stromal Blood Flow in Ovary
-Antral Follicle count
Ovarian volume can be measured easily, but it is not the only predictor of IVF outcome. This means low ovarian volume will not always result in anovulatory cycle. Still, it is necessary to understand the polycystic ovarian pattern. The follicle forming necklace shape and 10 or more follicles measuring less than 9 mm reveal the polycystic pattern.
Anstral follicle count under three signifies the possibility of failure of reproductive therapy.
Ovarian stromal blood flow is stated as an indicator of ART success.
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