What is a Follicular Study with AFC?

A Follicular Study with AFC (Antral Follicle Count) is an advanced ultrasound-based fertility assessment that tracks the growth and development of ovarian follicles while also measuring the number of small resting follicles (antral follicles) in the ovaries. This test is crucial for evaluating a woman’s ovarian reserve (egg supply) and predicting her fertility potential.

  • Follicular Study: Monitors the maturation of follicles (which release eggs during ovulation) through a series of ultrasound scans.
  • Antral Follicle Count (AFC): Assesses the number of small follicles (2-10 mm in size) present in the ovaries at the beginning of a menstrual cycle.

Why is a Follicular Study with AFC Important?

✅ Helps determine ovulation timing for natural conception or fertility treatments.
✅ Evaluates egg reserve and ovarian health in women facing infertility issues.
✅ Guides doctors in assisted reproductive techniques (IUI, IVF, etc.).
✅ Assists in diagnosing conditions like PCOS or premature ovarian failure.

Process of Follicular Study with AFC

1. Initial AFC Scan (Day 2 or 3 of Menstrual Cycle)

  • A transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is performed to count the number of antral follicles in each ovary.
  • This helps assess ovarian reserve and fertility potential.

2. Serial Follicular Monitoring (Day 9-21 of Cycle)

  • Multiple ultrasound scans are done on specific days of the cycle to track follicle growth.
  • A dominant follicle should grow 2-3 mm per day and reach 18-22 mm before ovulation.
  • The endometrial lining is also measured to ensure a suitable environment for implantation.

3. Ovulation Prediction and Triggering

  • When the follicle reaches maturity, ovulation occurs naturally, or a trigger injection (hCG) is given to induce ovulation.
  • Timed intercourse, IUI, or IVF may be planned accordingly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.1. Who should undergo a Follicular Study with AFC?

Women experiencing irregular cycles, difficulty in conceiving, or undergoing fertility treatments should consider this test. It is also useful for assessing egg reserve in women over 35 or those considering IVF.

No, the scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure. A transvaginal ultrasound may cause slight discomfort but is well tolerated.

AFC is one of the best indicators of ovarian reserve. A higher count suggests a good number of eggs, while a lower count may indicate reduced fertility potential. However, egg quality is also a crucial factor in conception.

While AFC reflects natural ovarian reserve, certain lifestyle changes, hormonal treatments, and supplements (like DHEA and CoQ10) may help optimize egg health. Your doctor will suggest the best course of action based on individual results.

Yes, AFC helps estimate the response to ovarian stimulation in IVF. A good AFC count usually indicates better egg retrieval outcomes, while a very low count may require alternative fertility treatments.