Ovarian ultrasound: What you need to know

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ta Quoc Ban - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

Follicular ultrasound is the use of a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound to monitor ovum development. This is one of the first steps to take when examining infertility.

Follicular ultrasound is the use of a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound to monitor the development of an egg (follicle) during a menstrual cycle. When ultrasound, we will know such problems as: Ovaries on both sides have follicles or not; how many follicles are there, what are the sizes of the follicles; how does the development of the follicle take place; Is the follicle mature and shed?

Follicular ultrasound is used to monitor follicular growth. This is one of the first steps to take when examining infertility. Follicular ultrasound helps predict ovulation, thereby increasing the chances of conception, or can also be a form of contraception if intercourse is avoided around the days when ovulation is expected. Follicular ultrasound helps to assess the status of diseases such as ovulatory disorders or polycystic ovaries, thereby providing the right and timely treatment solution. In the case of needing to use ovulation-stimulating drugs, it is advisable to have regular ultrasound examination of the follicles to know the exact time of injection. When in vitro fertilization (IVF) is needed, an ultrasound scan of the follicles is an important tool to help doctors choose a date for egg retrieval.

Your menstrual cycle is divided into 2 phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. Normally, the beginning of the follicular cycle is only about 2-3mm small (basal follicle). On the 7th and 8th day of the menstrual cycle, the follicle is about 10-12mm in size. On average, the dominant follicle will grow 1-2mm per day. Around the 14th day of the cycle, the follicle reaches the size of 17-18mm, is called a mature follicle and is about to be released. If the size of the follicle reaches 20-22mm, the egg will be of the best quality.
Normally should start the egg broth ultrasound on the 2nd, 10th day, then every 2 days until the average diameter of the follicle reaches about 15mm, then once a day until the egg is mature. and ovulation. For those of you who are slow to have children, ultrasound is usually performed on the 2nd day of the cycle to count the number of secondary follicles, thereby helping to diagnose the condition.

If the ultrasound is transabdominal, the patient needs to drink enough water to wait until the urine is in order to do the ultrasound. With transducer ultrasound, the patient must urinate first. Transvaginal ultrasound is preferred because it gives the most accurate results. Normally, the dominant follicle develops into a mature follicle and ovulates midway through the menstrual cycle. But in some cases, ovulation occurs later in the menstrual cycle or at the beginning of the next menstrual cycle. At the time the egg is about to ovulate, an "ovum edge" can be observed, some authors suggest that if the ovum is not seen at the time of ovulation, it could be an important factor in infertility. Established in November 2014, Vinmec IVF fertility support center has provided fertility support to more than 1000 infertile couples with a clinical pregnancy rate of over 40%. This is the same rate as developed countries such as the US, UK, Australia...
Located in Vinmec Times City International General Hospital, Vinmec IVF Reproductive Support Unit receives technical support from many people. many other departments such as the Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, the Center for Pediatrics, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, etc., should constantly update and develop new techniques in infertility treatment.