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Follicular Imaging in Assisted Reproduction in Mukundapur

Follicular Imaging in Assisted Reproduction

Follicular Imaging - Assisted Reproduction in Mukundapur

Follicle monitoring, also known as follicular study or follicular imaging, is the method by which the physician tracks the development of the ovarian follicle from the start of the menstrual cycle until it is prepared to release an egg. The scheduling and evaluation of IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) treatments cannot be done without this essential component. It investigates the process leading up to ovulation and employs a straightforward method for periodically evaluating ovarian follicles.

Healthcare providers monitor the development of follicles within the ovaries and forecast when the next egg will be released. Pregnancy chances increase significantly if a couple intends to engage in sexual activity during that period. Follicle imaging also facilitates the early modification of treatment regimens by assisting in the identification of any anomalies or problems that may affect the results of fertility treatments. All things considered, follicular imaging is a useful tool for maximising the outcomes of assisted reproductive treatments and assisting people in realising their dream of starting a family.

FAQ's

The doctor can view the follicle's growth inside the ovary with a painless procedure called a follicle scan. Sonographers can use tiny plastic probes inserted into the vagina to see how the egg develops inside the follicle. Follicle monitoring should be considered for the following reasons:

  • Assuming you are under the age of 35 and have been actively attempting to become pregnant for a year, this marks the first step in identifying any potential problems with ovulation

  • If you are over the age of 35 and have been unable to conceive in the last six months, you might be experiencing fertility problems

  • Unusual ovulation and irregular menstruation are possible symptoms of PCOD. It is also possible that you are not ovulating during your period 

  • If fertility drugs don't work for ovulation induction or to produce multiple follicles through IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF

The sonographer or doctor will suggest scans on days 6 or 7 of your cycle. This is based on a 28-day cycle. If the results are inconclusive, they'll ask you to come in for scans every two to three days.

During each menstrual cycle, around 10–15 antral follicles develop. As fluid accumulates around the egg within these follicles, they take on a cyst-like appearance. Each follicle is composed of one egg, which is surrounded by granulosa cells. These cells play a role in nurturing and producing fluid and oestrogen for the egg. By growing at a rate of 2 mm per day, the antral follicles reach their maximum size, but by the fifth or sixth day of the cycle, most of them regress, leaving only one to continue growing. This growth process is monitored through daily transvaginal ultrasounds during the follicle study days.

Different follicular scan types and their importance:

  • Baseline Scan: This scan, conducted within the initial three days following menstruation, assesses the ovary's dimensions, pre-antral follicle count, and the uterine lining's quality. It provides insight into ‌ovarian reserve and overall fertility status.

  • Serial Scans: Throughout the menstrual cycle, these scans are performed every two to three days to monitor the growth and progress of follicles. This data is used to determine the optimal start time for fertility treatments such as ovulation induction or assisted reproduction.

  • Rupture Scan: This scan, performed around the expected time of ovulation, verifies ovulation by observing the disappearance of the dominant follicle and the presence of fluid in the ovary. This allows for more accurate timing of conception attempts.

The follicular study is important in various aspects. Some of them are listed as: 

  • Ovulation Tracking: Determining the precise timing of ovulation is the main goal of a follicular study, as it greatly enhances the likelihood of pregnancy, whether it occurs spontaneously or through assisted reproductive methods.

  • Cycle Irregularities: It aids in the diagnosis of menstrual cycle irregularities and the identification of problems such as ovulation or the absence of ovulation.

  • Medication Response: A follicular study evaluates the ovary's response to fertility medicines in patients receiving therapy for infertility.

  • Improving Fertility Treatments: It helps determine the best time to do certain operations, such as IVF, egg retrieval, or IUI insemination timing. 

A certified sonographer will perform the procedure by first applying conductive gel to your abdominal area. The vaginal insertion of small plastic probes will allow for the examination and imaging of the ovarian follicles and internal organs. The probes used will be thoroughly sanitised and sterile. The images from the ultrasound machine will be displayed on a monitor, and the entire procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will be in a lying position with your feet in stirrups and covered with a sheet during the scan. The probes emit sound waves at an ultrasound frequency, which are used to capture images. By observing the behaviour of the egg's walls, the sonographer can accurately predict the timing of ovulation. 

Hormone level tracking combined with follicle development tracking provides a comprehensive picture of the fertilisation window. While this alone cannot prove pregnancy, it does offer useful information about the likelihood of a successful impregnation.

The doctor measures the size of the follicles during testing and evaluation. He also estimates the endometrium's thickness, which is the inner wall of the uterus. In addition, the physician could perform a further scan to assess blood flow to the endometrium and follicle. He will also discuss the positive and negative outcomes with you.

In addition, the scans can detect further problems with the follicles. This includes identifying follicles that do not adequately expand before rupturing. Thickening of the uterine lining during egg release and follicles that do not mature or rupture at the appropriate time.

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