For women undergoing fertility treatment
Click on a question or scroll down to read more.
What is a Follicle Tracking Scan?
Why is a Follicle Tracking Scan useful?
When can I have a Follicle Tracking Scan?
How many Follicle Tracking Scans will I need?
How is a Follicle Tracking Scan performed?
Must I have an internal scan for the Follicle Tracking Scan?
Who will perform my Follicle Tracking Scan?
What will I see at my Follicle Tracking Scan?
Is the Follicle Tracking Scan performed in 3D/4D?
My specialist has asked me to have some blood tests performed. Can you do these also?
Must I see my Gynaecologist or Fertility Specialist before having a Follicle Tracking Scan?
Do I need a referral to have a Follicle Tracking Scan at your clinic?
When will I receive the results of my Follicle Tracking Scan?
How is the Follicle Tracking Scan reported?
Will I get a picture from my Follicle Tracking Scan?
What are the risks of having a Follicle Tracking Scan?
Do I need a full bladder for the Follicle Tracking Scan?
Is there anything else I should know about Follicle Tracking Scans?
Why should I have my Follicle Tracking Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?
How do I book a Follicle Tracking Scan?
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What is a Follicle Tracking Scan?
A Follicle Tracking Scan is a gynaecological ultrasound examination to measure the size of any active follicles - fluid filled sacs of the ovaries that can contain an egg.
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Why is a Follicle Tracking Scan useful?
This type of scan is useful to estimate when ovulation is likely to occur.
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When can I have a Follicle Tracking Scan?
These scans are normally done at 1-2 day intervals from about Day 9 of your menstrual cycle (Day 1 being the first day of bleeding).
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How many Follicle Tracking Scans will I need?
You will often have three Follicle Tracking Scans performed in one cycle.
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How is a Follicle Tracking Scan performed?
Follicle Tracking Scans are performed internally for maximum clarity and accuracy.
A long, narrow probe is inserted a small distance into the vagina and the ultrasound signal is focussed on the ovaries.
The operator will measure the size of your growing follicles inside your ovaries.
When the follicles measure a certain size* we are able to estimate when you are likely to ovulate. You can then accurately calculate the best time for sexual intercourse or fertility treatment prior to ovulating in order for fertilization to occur.
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Must I have an internal scan for the Follicle Tracking Scan?
Yes. The clearest images are obtained via an internal scan and the operator will almost certainly want to perform the examination in this way so as to provide you with the best, most accurate assessment.
Your examination may be less accurate or unreliable if it is not performed internally
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Who will perform my Follicle Tracking Scan?
This scan is usually performed by one of our highly qualified expert sonographers. Alternatively you may be seen by one of our consultant doctors if you wish.
Please tell us your preference at the booking stage and also if you'd prefer a female clinician.
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What will I see at my Follicle Tracking Scan?
Follicle Tracking scans are performed with conventional 2D ultrasound so the images you will see may not be immediately recognisable.
You may be able to make out the shape of an ovary and the operator might also point out the follicles to be measured.
Rest assured that our team at The London Ultrasound Centre are all expert gynaecological scanners and are trained in Follicle Tracking.
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Is the Follicle Tracking Scan performed in 3D/4D?
No. There is currently no advantage nor greater accuracy in using 3D or 4D ultrasound for Follicle Tracking.
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My specialist has asked me to have some blood tests. Can you do these also?
Yes. We are happy to provide the following fertility blood tests at additional cost:
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Must I see my Gynaecologist or Fertility Specialist before having a Follicle Tracking Scan?
Usually yes. Your Gynaecologist or Fertility Specialist will be best placed to advise you on the correct timing and also be able to interpret the results of our clinical report.
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Do I need a referral to have a Follicle Tracking Scan at your clinic?
No. You do not need a referral from your Gynaecologist or Fertility Specialist to attend our clinic.
We will provide a detailed medical report addressed to your Gynaecologist or Fertility Specialist.
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When will I receive the results of my Follicle Tracking Scan?
The results from your ultrasound examination will be available immediately after your appointment. A comprehensive medical report will be prepared with a copy addressed to your Gynaecologist or Fertility Specialist and one to yourself.
Results from the blood tests will be available within 24 hours. We will call you with the results and forward a hard copy of the report to you. We are also happy to forward the results of the blood tests on to your Gynaecologist or Fertility Specialist.
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How is the Follicle Tracking Scan reported?
The ultrasound component is detailed in a written medical report. A gynaecological survey will be completed with clinical diagnostic information on the following:
- Uterus
- Endometrium
- Right Ovary
- Left Ovary
The size of any follicles will be measured and the particular ovary will be identified.
Not all of these follicles will develop into mature follicles, only one or two will continue to grow to become dominant.
We will also check to see if you have any fibroids or polyps present that may cause complications with embryo implantation.
A detailed gynaecological scan is performed on the first appointment during your cycle. Subsequent follow up appointments in the same cycle focus on the ovaries and are lower cost.
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Will I get a picture from my Follicle Tracking Scan?
No. Not unless it is specifically requested.
The reason is that Gynaecologists or Fertility Specialists aren't interested in examining pictures from your Follicle Tracking Scan, they simply want to know our measurements.
However we are happy to supply a complimentary glossy thermal print from your Follicle Tracking Scan if you wish. Please ask the operator during your appointment. The remaining images can be purchased if required.
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What are the risks of having a Follicle Tracking Scan?
There are no known risks in having a Follicle Tracking Scan
Ultrasound has been safely used to assist in conception for over 20 years.
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Do I need a full bladder for the Follicle Tracking Scan?
It is useful to arrive with a slightly full bladder so that the operator may perform a mapping scan via your tummy.
You will then be asked to empty your bladder so that an internal scan can be performed.
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Is there anything else I should know about Follicle Tracking Scans?
While we are able to provide you with an accurate and reliable Follicle Tracking Scan our clincal staff are not fertility specialists and so cannot prescribe medication nor recommend an appropriate course of action.
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Why should I have my Follicle Tracking Scan at The London Ultrasound Centre?
At the London Ultrasound Centre our staff are experts in Follicle Tracking Scans.
We have the latest, highest resolution ultrasound machine currently on the market to enable clear imaging of the ovarian follicles.
At the London Ultrasound Centre, we have sucessfully monitored the cycles of many women being supervised by treatment centres all over the world.
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How do I book a Follicle Tracking Scan?
For prices and to make a booking please see our online booking website or call us on 020 7935 4450.
Please note: specialist staff trained in Follicle Tracking are not available every day.
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*Optimal follicle size varies between clinics and due to individual circumstances.
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