Folliculometry

When the menstrual cycle becomes irregular or there is a suspicion that ovulation does not occur in every cycle, it is important to understand how to assess ovarian function. Folliculometry helps to trace these changes throughout the cycle and obtain more information.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, the examination is performed on modern expert-class ultrasound equipment, which ensures high diagnostic accuracy. The doctor assesses changes over time and explains the results of each stage of the examination in detail, after which further tactics are determined.

Folliculometry is an ultrasound examination that helps assess the maturation of follicles in the ovaries, the condition of the endometrium, and signs of ovulation. It is prescribed as part of gynecological diagnostics when it is necessary to understand whether a dominant follicle is forming and whether the changes in the body correspond to the phase of the menstrual cycle.

During folliculometry ultrasound, the doctor does not simply examine the pelvic organs, but assesses the processes related to ovulatory function. That is why the examination is often used when it is necessary to obtain more information about ovarian function than the cycle calendar, ovulation tests, or subjective sensations can provide. Ultrasound folliculometry helps assess a woman’s reproductive health more accurately and determine whether additional examinations, observation, or correction of treatment are needed.

Folliculometry helps to understand how the ovaries work throughout the menstrual cycle and whether conditions arise for the release of the egg cell and the development of pregnancy. During the examination, not only the follicles are assessed, but also the endometrium — the inner layer of the uterus, which should change according to the phase of the cycle.

During follicle ultrasound, the doctor can assess:

• whether there is a dominant follicle in the ovary;
• what size it reaches before the expected ovulation;
• whether the development of the follicle corresponds to the day of the menstrual cycle;
• whether there are signs that the follicle has ruptured and the egg cell has been released;
• whether the corpus luteum forms after ovulation;
• what the thickness and structure of the endometrium are;
• whether there are no functional cysts or other changes that may affect the cycle.

Such follicle ultrasound helps not only to approximately determine favorable days for conception, but also to understand whether ovulation actually occurs. For example, a follicle may grow but not rupture, or the endometrium may not correspond to the expected phase of the cycle. These data are important for further assessment of reproductive health.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: the results of folliculometry are not assessed separately from the general clinical picture. The duration of the cycle, existing complaints, and the results of tests and other examinations are taken into account in order to determine further steps.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: the dates of folliculometry are determined individually depending on the duration of the menstrual cycle, the purpose of the examination, and the clinical situation. This is exactly what makes it possible to obtain the most informative results.

There are no absolute contraindications to folliculometry. The examination is safe, is not associated with radiation exposure, and can be performed as many times as needed to assess the menstrual cycle.

In most cases, folliculometry is postponed only temporarily if performing the examination may be difficult or cause discomfort. For example, this is possible with acute inflammatory diseases of the vagina or external genital organs, pronounced pain syndrome, or bleeding that makes performing the examination more difficult.

Doctors of Oxford Medical recommend informing the gynecologist about any complaints or changes in well-being before the examination. This will help determine whether folliculometry should be performed on the planned day or whether it is more appropriate to move it to another stage of the cycle.

The day of starting folliculometry is determined during a consultation with a gynecologist. The doctor takes into account the duration and regularity of the menstrual cycle, as well as the purpose of the examination. According to the recommendations of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), with a regular cycle, the first examination is most often performed on days 9–10, however the scheme may change depending on the clinical situation.

Usually the doctor recommends:

• with a regular menstrual cycle — to start the examination on days 9–10;
• after the first ultrasound — repeated examinations are performed at an interval of 1–3 days in order to assess follicle development and confirm ovulation.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: if one of the planned visits is missed, it may be more difficult to assess follicle maturation or accurately determine the moment of ovulation. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended examination schedule.

Special preparation for folliculometry is usually not required. It is only important to follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding the day of the examination.

Before the procedure, it is recommended to:

• perform usual intimate hygiene;
• empty the urinary bladder immediately before the examination if folliculometry is performed transvaginally.

Following these simple recommendations helps to perform the examination comfortably and obtain the most informative results.

In most cases, ultrasound monitoring of ovulation is performed by the transvaginal method, because it allows the ovaries, follicles, and endometrium to be assessed in detail. The examination is painless and usually takes 10–15 minutes.

During the procedure, the doctor uses a special ultrasound probe, on which a disposable protective cover is put and gel is applied for better transmission of ultrasound waves. The probe is carefully inserted into the vagina, after which the doctor examines the ovaries, assesses the development of follicles and the condition of the endometrium.

If follicle monitoring needs to be performed, the patient is prescribed several examinations during one menstrual cycle. Based on the results of each visit, the doctor assesses the changes and determines the date of the next examination. Such follicle monitoring allows ovulation to be confirmed or possible disorders of its course to be detected.

Doctors of Oxford Medical explain: all repeated examinations should preferably be performed on the same ultrasound machine and, if possible, by the same specialist. This helps to correctly compare the results and more accurately assess the changes that occur throughout the cycle.

For folliculometry, the price depends on the number of ultrasound examinations that need to be performed during the menstrual cycle. The doctor determines the final scope of the examination individually depending on its purpose and the results obtained. The current cost for folliculometry in Kyiv at the Oxford Medical medical center can be viewed here.

To have folliculometry done, you can make an appointment for one convenient for you — call the contact center or use the feedback form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
• PubMed