Follicular Monitoring

Follicular Monitoring is the process of serial ultrasonic monitoring of the ovarian follicles used to identify maturation status of eggs. It is useful for assessing the size of the follicle that supports the growing egg and for determining the thickness of the uterine lining.

In women taking fertility medication, follicle monitoring is essential to assess her response to treatment. In order to safely proceed, it is important to know how many eggs will ovulate and how high the estradiol level is. Each mature egg should produce between 150 and 200 pg / ml of estradiol. Therefore, by using the hormone levels in conjunction with the ultrasound exam, a more accurate determination of a woman’s response to treatment can be made.

Additionally, the dose of the fertility medication can be adjusted during treatment if there is an inadequate response or if too many eggs start to mature. If the estradiol level gets very high, a woman may be at an increased risk for developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

The goal of follicle monitoring is to provide information about the number of mature eggs that will ovulate and to ensure that this is accomplished safely.

When the eggs are mature, patients are advised to have planned relations or Intrauterine Insemination or proceed with egg collection in case of an In-Vitro Fertilization Cycle.

Ultrasound Monitoring enables the Doctor to understand present status of the uterus, endometrium and ovaries. Abnormalities in these findings could help to explain why a woman may have difficulty conceiving. It also identifies ovarian cysts, pelvic collection, hydrosalpinx etc.

Dr. Kaushal Kadam reviews all follicular monitoring at Corion, starting from baseline scan on day 2 followed by Day 6 & Day 9 after which patient is ready for further management. Thus patient needs to come to the clinic for a maximum of 3-4 visits.