Follicle tracking is performed when patients are undergoing an IVF cycle, intrauterine insemination or monitoring for timed intercourse.
It involves performing a pelvic ultrasound to track the development of egg-containing follicles within the ovary.
During the ultrasound, the follicles in each ovary are counted and measured. This information is then relayed to the IVF/fertility clinician and nurse. Knowing when the eggs are nearing maturity helps in the timing of either egg collection, insemination or timed intercourse.
Follicle tracking is done in conjunction with monitoring a patient’s hormone blood levels.
The ultrasound takes approximately 10 minutes. Further information regarding a pelvic ultrasound can be found here.
