Antral follicle count is one way to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve
Dallas IVF offers comprehensive ovarian reserve testing to help patients take a proactive approach to their fertility. In addition to Day 3 FSH testing and AMH testing (blood tests), our DFW fertility doctors also offer antral follicle count to assess the number of eggs a woman has in her ovaries, as well as her overall reproductive potential.
Antral follicle count involves a transvaginal ultrasound evaluation
To conduct an antral follicle count, our DFW fertility doctors perform a transvaginal ultrasound of the ovaries. This procedure occurs at the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle, and it counts the number of resting or unstimulated follicles on both ovaries.
The number of unstimulated follicles indicates how many eggs a woman has available for potential fertilization each cycle, and it is a reflection of a woman’s long-term ovarian reserve. A woman with a lower ovarian reserve will mature fewer follicles each cycle, as a way to conserve eggs and delay menopause.
- A high antral follicle count indicates that a woman has a larger number of eggs.
- A low antral follicle count suggests that a woman has a lower ovarian reserve and her response to fertility medications may be decreased.
Antral follicle count relates to another measure of ovarian reserve
Our DFW fertility doctors can also perform AMH testing to give patients a clearer picture of their ovarian reserve. AMH testing involves a blood test that assesses a woman’s level of anti-mullerian hormone. Since AMH levels do not vary throughout the month, AMH testing can occur at any time during a woman’s cycle.
Much like antral follicle count, low AMH levels indicate a decline in ovarian function and high levels suggest a healthy ovarian reserve. However, that’s not the only tie between AMH and antral follicle count.
- Think of AMH as a savings account and antral follicle count as a checking account. At the beginning of each cycle, a pre-determined number of eggs from the savings account (AMH) is transferred to the checking account (antral follicle count) for use during that cycle.
- Factoring in a woman’s age, FSH, AMH and antral follicle count provide a clearer picture of ovarian reserve.
If you have additional questions about antral follicle count or other methods of ovarian reserve testing, please contact Dallas IVF. Our DFW fertility doctors are here to help you take control of your reproductive health.