Follicular monitoring is a type of ultrasound tracking used in women who are trying to conceive (naturally or with treatments like ovulation induction or IVF). It helps doctors follow the growth and development of ovarian follicles (which contain eggs) and predict ovulation.
🧬 What happens during follicular monitoring?
A transvaginal ultrasound scan is done at intervals during your menstrual cycle to observe:
Follicle size (growing sacs in the ovary containing eggs)
Number of follicles
Dominant follicle (the one likely to release the egg)
Endometrial thickness (uterine lining)
📅 When is it done?
Usually starts around Day 8–10 of your cycle
Repeated every 1–3 days until ovulation occurs
Ovulation typically happens when the follicle reaches 18–24 mm
🎯 Why is it important?
Determines exact ovulation timing
Helps plan intercourse or IUI timing
Monitors response to fertility medications
Identifies issues like:
Delayed ovulation
No ovulation (anovulation)
Poor follicle growth
Thin uterine lining
⚕️ Who needs it?
Women trying to conceive for a long time
Those with irregular periods
Patients on ovulation induction drugs (like letrozole, clomiphene)
During IUI or IVF cycles
