Follicle Tracking Scan / Antral Follicle Count (AFC) / Ovulation Tracking Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan

What is a follicle tracking scan?

Follicle tracking scans are used to check on the eggs that are getting ready to be released from your ovaries. We usually perform this type of scan to assist with fertility treatment, so you may be visiting us after a referral from your IVF clinic or Consultant.

Why this scan?

• Results can help with IVF treatment
• Find out when you’re ovulating
• Check that your ovaries are healthy

What you will receive

• A detailed scan report to share with your fertility clinic
• Scan pictures for your medical records

When Should You Have a Follicle Tracking Scan?

A follicle tracking scan is an ultrasound of your ovaries that enables us to check that they are working properly. We will be able to see the eggs developing in your ovaries or watch as a mature egg is released during ovulation. The scan can check for certain kinds of fertility problems, tell us when you are ready to conceive, or assist with fertility treatments like IVF.

If you’re undergoing treatment at a fertility clinic then your doctor may recommend a follicle tracking scan. The fertility specialist will provide a referral letter explaining why the scans are needed and telling us all about your needs. We can then perform the scan for you and send the report to your fertility doctor. This type of scan is usually performed when you are taking medication to stimulate egg production. The scan can show when the mature eggs are ready to collect for IVF.

During the scan we will:

• Check whether you are ovulating and see if you’re ready to conceive or have your eggs collected
• Measure the follicles and track them as they develop to ensure everything is progressing well
• Look for any issues affecting your reproductive system, such as polyps or cysts

What to Expect

• Follicle tracking scans need to be timed according to your menstrual cycle. We usually recommend having the first scan on the 9th day of your cycle (as counted from the first day of your period). You will usually need several scans 1-2 days apart so that we can follow the follicles as they mature.
• We will need to perform an internal ultrasound in order to get a clear look at your ovaries. You will need to remove the lower half of your clothes so that we can insert the trans-vaginal ultrasound probe. It is necessary to empty your bladder just before the scan, which you can do at our comfortable Cheshire clinic.
• You might also need a blood test to check your hormone levels, which can affect ovulation.

Arranging Follicle Tracking Scans

If you need to have follicle tracking scans as part of your IVF treatment, then you can arrange them at our clinic in Alderley Edge. Your fertility specialist will tell you when you’re ready for the scans as you’ll need to take medication to stimulate your ovaries first. We can also perform scans to check for fertility problems.

Are you ready to arrange follicle tracking scans in Cheshire? Use our simple online system to book an appointment.

What is a transvaginal ultrasound scan?

Gynaecological ultrasound and some early pregnancy ultrasound scans are routinely performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. 
There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during menstruation and episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
The transducer will be introduced with a latex / non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy.
If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.   

Please note that we use OptiLube lubrication for Transvaginal Ultrasound Scans.This is to meet with governing body guidelines regarding infection control. If you have a preferred lubrication that has been recommended to enhance fertility, please bring it with you on the day. Our Specialist Sonographer will be happy to use your preferred lubrication. It is possible to perform a transvaginal scan with no external gel on the probe cover. You can discuss this with the Sonographer on the day of your appointment.

Contraindications 

If you are a virgin (virgo intacta), guidance determines that transvaginal ultrasound scans are clinically contraindicated. If you have discussed this with your referrer and still wish to proceed with a transvaginal ultrasound scan, we can perform this type of examination for you.

Useful Information Links

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority