What is an antral follicle count?
This is something we look for when doing an ultrasound scan to check a woman’s fertility. It is a count of the number of little follicles on each ovary. These appear as little dark, roughly round areas about 2-9mm in size.
Why is it useful?
The antral follicle count (AFC) is an important indicator of your probable “ovarian reserve”. This is the number of eggs in the ovaries. The other most important markers as to the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries are your age and the AMH blood test (anti-mullerian hormone). The size and volume of your ovaries is a less used tool. No one thing will give a definite predictor of ovarian reserve, but each acts as a clue or piece of a jigsaw to help your fertility nurse or doctor estimate it.
The AFC gives information about whether your ovarian reserve is likely to be similar to the usual range for your age, or especially low or high. This can help you decide how long to keep trying to conceive naturally, before choosing fertility treatments. But most importantly, it helps predict your probability of successful fertility treatment. The AFC also helps your fertility team decide the most appropriate dosing of ovarian stimulation medications to optimise the growth of eggs for collection at IVF, balanced with minimising risks of over-stimulation.
How and when is an AFC measured?
This is done at an internal (vaginal) pelvic ultrasound scan. An abdominal scan does not get close enough or clear enough views of the ovaries, which are small, roughly 2-3cm structures located deep in the pelvis. Vaginal scans are not painful and your sonographer will be very experienced in making sure you are comfortable throughout the scan.
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