Follicle Tracking Scan
A follicle tracking scan is a gynaecological survey which helps to predict when ovulation will occur by measuring the size of any active follicles.
Why have a follicle tracking scan?
The purpose of this scan is to check the thickness of the endometrium (lining of the womb). This needs to reach 7mm or more to be suitable for a pregnancy and to assess follicular growth and ovulation. For ovulation to occur the follicle needs to reach between 18-20mm.
A follicle is a small cyst in the ovary that contains an egg.
When to have this scan?
The scans usually begin around the 10th day of the menstrual cycle (day 1 is the first day of your period) depending on the length of your cycle. It is common to have two or three scans in total on alternate days.
What are the benefits of this scan?
- Optimises chance of natural fertilisation or intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Assists fertility treatment
- Surveys the uterus, endometrium, adnexae and ovaries