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£149
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£139
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What's included in the Follicle Tracking Scan
Ultrasound of ovarian follicle size and endometrium (lining of the womb)
Trans-vaginal (internal) scan is our preferred examination method for this scan
We can accept referrals from Fertility doctors/clinics in the UK and abroad
The Scan Clinic is the place of choice for many fertility clinics across UK, Europe and Internationally
We can send reports direct to fertility clinics/specialists with your consent
Formal written ultrasound report in 24 hours
Expert Care by HCPC & GMC Clinicians
About the Follicle Tracking Scan
A follicle tracking scan checks the size of the ovarian follicles during a given time in your cycle. A number of follicle tracking scans are needed to check the growth of these follicles and may help to determine if you are ovulating and producing eggs. The scan also checks the womb lining for thickness.
Our follicle tracking scan can be used to monitor your fertility treatment and confirm the best time to conceive. When your eggs are nearing maturity, it helps to know when the ovulation occurs and helps the fertility clinic predict the best time for IVF clinicians to perform an egg pick-up.
The scans should be timed according to your menstrual cycle as this will determine when you are most likely to ovulate. The number of scans will vary from person to person.
Typically the first follicle tracking scan is performed on day 8 of your menstrual cycle, however, this may vary if you are having fertility treatment and timed according to your fertility clinic requirements. Further scans will be conducted at specific intervals, usually 1-3 days, to track the size of your follicles.
Tip – It may be useful to have our fertility scan prior to follicle tracking scans which is usually performed by the 5th day of your menstrual cycle.
Objective of the scan
The ultrasound scan allows us to see what is happening inside your ovaries. The scan will check the size of the largest follicles or ‘eggs’ in the ovaries to check that your eggs are maturing properly. This can help you or your fertility clinic provide information about when you may ovulate. The scan will also measure the womb lining (endometrial thickness).
In some instances, it may also be used to check for signs to see whether your ovary has ovulated or not, depending on when the scan is performed.
The follicle tracking scan or Follicular tracking is the simplest form of assisted conception. There is no stimulation of the ovaries with any drugs or medicines, and it is the most natural form of assisted conception. The pregnancy rate for this type of assisted conception is around 10%.
Why choose us for your Follicle Tracking Scan
What brought you here?
Pick the closest match. We'll show what the scan looks for and what usually happens next.
What the scan looks for
The size of the leading follicle in each ovary and the womb lining, to judge how close you are to ovulating.
What happens next
A verbal summary before you leave and a written report within 24 hours, so you can time intercourse or insemination. We can send the report to your fertility clinic if you ask.
What the scan looks for
Whether a follicle is growing across the cycle, and later signs that it has released, such as follicle collapse or free fluid.
What happens next
Each scan is reported within 24 hours so the series can be read together. The pattern goes to your GP or fertility clinic for review.
What the scan looks for
How many follicles are responding, their sizes, and the thickness and pattern of the womb lining at that point in treatment.
What happens next
We report the measurements within 24 hours and send them to your prescribing clinic, who decide on timing and any dose changes.
What the scan looks for
Follicle counts and diameters in both ovaries at each visit, plus endometrial thickness, repeated every one to three days as your clinic requests.
What happens next
Measurements are sent to your IVF clinic within 24 hours, usually the same day if you need them faster, so they can plan your egg collection.
What the scan looks for
Whether follicle growth is happening at all and when it peaks, since ovulation may fall outside the usual mid-cycle window.
What happens next
You get a verbal summary at each visit and a written report within 24 hours for your GP or fertility specialist to interpret alongside any blood tests.
Please note: Follicle tracking needs a series of scans timed to your cycle, so a single visit can show how your follicles look that day but can't confirm whether you ovulated.
Why do I need a Follicle Tracking Scan?
You may be asked to have a follicle tracking scan for several reasons including;
- Find out when you are ovulating so you can time your sexual activity to maximise your chances of conceiving naturally.
- Check that your eggs are maturing and being released for fertilisation to rule out certain fertility problems.
- Check to see when your eggs are ready to be harvested if you are undergoing IVF treatment.
Tracking timed intercourse
Follicles can be tracked in a natural cycle: Find out when you are ovulating so you can time your sexual activity to maximise your chances of conceiving naturally. When a leading follicle is seen, then intercourse may be appropriately timed. In some instances, your doctor or fertility clinic may provide drugs to induce ovulation.
Ovulation Check
Check that your eggs are maturing and being released for fertilisation to rule out certain fertility problems.
Tracking for IVF
In most IVF treatments, your ovaries will be artificially stimulated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which produces multiple mature follicles, which are then harvested after the administration of luteinising hormone.
In such instances, your follicular development is followed closely with 2 to 4 ultrasound scans. The timing of your egg collection is based on the ultrasound and any blood test results.
A follicular scan is needed for women who do not ovulate, those who are unsure when they ovulate, women prescribed fertility medication and couples who are not conceiving after 6-12 months of trying. The scan can check the size of the follicles and to see when your eggs are ready to be harvested.
Why do I need a Follicle Tracking Scan?
You may be asked to have a follicle tracking scan for several reasons including;
- Find out when you are ovulating so you can time your sexual activity to maximise your chances of conceiving naturally.
- Check that your eggs are maturing and being released for fertilisation to rule out certain fertility problems.
- Check to see when your eggs are ready to be harvested if you are undergoing IVF treatment.
Tracking timed intercourse
Follicles can be tracked in a natural cycle: Find out when you are ovulating so you can time your sexual activity to maximise your chances of conceiving naturally. When a leading follicle is seen, then intercourse may be appropriately timed. In some instances, your doctor or fertility clinic may provide drugs to induce ovulation.
Ovulation Check
Check that your eggs are maturing and being released for fertilisation to rule out certain fertility problems.
Tracking for IVF
In most IVF treatments, your ovaries will be artificially stimulated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which produces multiple mature follicles, which are then harvested after the administration of luteinising hormone.
In such instances, your follicular development is followed closely with 2 to 4 ultrasound scans. The timing of your egg collection is based on the ultrasound and any blood test results.
A follicular scan is needed for women who do not ovulate, those who are unsure when they ovulate, women prescribed fertility medication and couples who are not conceiving after 6-12 months of trying. The scan can check the size of the follicles and to see when your eggs are ready to be harvested.
What we check
The areas examined in one appointment. Open any section for detail.
endometrium
ovarian follicle sizeWhat can the Follicle Tracking Scan detect?
It will assess the endometrial thickness (womb lining) and measure the largest follicles, if any. This information can be useful for your fertility clinic to monitor the progression of any treatment and egg development, and to plan future treatments.
The scans provide useful information to your clinic that could help determine the time when you are most fertile.
Benefits of the Follicle Tracking Scan
A follicle-tracking scan provides many benefits, especially among women with fertility difficulties. The scan optimises the chance of natural fertilisation or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
The scan is also vital in assisting fertility treatment. It can be used to track follicle development and collection of eggs.
The scan also helps your clinician survey the endometrium and ovaries.
You can choose to have your scan at a private follicular tracking scan clinic. Some of the benefits of private follicular tracking in London include the following;
Accurate results
Private scan clinics in London invest in the latest technology and scan equipment to provide the best services and results. The clinics also have the best sonographers and supporting staff to ensure you get the best experience and produce reliable and clear results that can help your healthcare provider make the best decisions for the best results.
Timely
Follicle tracking mainly focuses on fertility, so the scans must be done within a short window and the results delivered quickly to allow for quick and efficient interventions. Most private scans allow you to make appointments on short notice and deliver the results shortly after the test. Considering that time is a factor with some of these scans, a private scan clinic might be the best option.
Comfort
Some follicular tracking scans are done transvaginally, which can be uncomfortable for some women. Private scan clinics offer a specialised and personalised experience that helps to make the experience more comfortable and predictable for the patient.
Convenience
A private follicular tracking scan is more convenient than going to a public facility. In most cases, the waiting times are long in the NHS, however with private scans, the timelines are much shorter. You can have your scan done in a few hours. Our private scan clinic are open on the weekends, which makes them more flexible and convenient for people who want to take the scan on the weekend.
How to prepare
Arriving with the right preparation is important as failure to do so may result in us not being able to perform the scan.
Internal (transvaginal) scan
An internal (Transvaginal) scan is recommended or may be mandatory for specific services instead of the scan over your tummy as it often provides greater detail and better information, please ask our customer care team for more information.
For internal scans you do not need to have a full bladder and will be asked to empty your bladder if full. Also please do arrive in clothing that can allow easy and comfortable access to your pelvic area.
- For scans over your tummy (Transabdominal) then we recommend you arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Please drink 0.5 litres of clear fluid approximately 30 minutes or so before your scheduled appointment and kindly try your best not to empty your bladder before the examination.
- Please refer to the patient information guide by clicking here.
On the day
During the scan, you will be asked to uncover the area being scanned, hence we advise to wear suitable loose clothing and a small amount of ultrasound gel will be placed over your skin.
An ultrasound camera (‘probe’) will then be placed on top and moved along and around the area. This results in a picture appearing on the ultrasound monitor and patient TV which will be translated by the clinical specialist/ medical practitioner.
The ultrasound scan itself usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. At the end of the scan, a verbal summary of the results will be provided, as well as your opportunity to ask any questions.
Internal
Transvaginal
chaperone availableA slim, sheathed probe gives much clearer views of the womb lining and ovaries. Your bladder should be empty. It only goes ahead with your agreement and you can stop at any point.
Right after
Your clinician talks you through a verbal summary and answers your questions.
Within 24 hours
A formal written report arrives by email, ready to share with your GP.
If anything needs follow-up
We explain what was seen, the options and who to speak to next.
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Common Questions
What is a follicle?
A follicle is a small sac filled with fluid found in the ovaries. Each follicle is an immature egg which grows and increases the sizes of the follicle as it grows. The egg is released when the follicle reaches the optimum size, which is when ovulation occurs. The number of follicles in the ovaries present tells much about the state of fertility.
How successful is follicle tracking?
Follicle tracking is a technique that gives couples a great chance of achieving pregnancy. The tracking helps to determine when women are ovulating. For a woman to ovulate, the egg must be released from a follicle and travel along the fallopian tube.
Studies suggest that follicle tracking is only 10% successful. The success rate also varies from patient to patient and depends on many variables, including hormone levels and other underlying fertility issues.
Is follicle tracking painful?
Follicle tracking is a painless procedure. However, when done transvaginally, it can be uncomfortable and feels like something pressing against your cervix. The discomfort might also vary depending on the angle of the small plastic probe inserted in the vagina.
When should a follicle scan be done?
A follicle scan should be done several times during a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is usually done from 8-20 days.
What is the follicle size for ovulation?
The follicle size for ovulation varies but should have an average diameter of 18 to 24mm. However, the follicle’s growth doesn’t always mean a mature egg.
Will I get the written results the same day?
Your ultrasound clinician will go through your results verbally following your scan and a written report is sent to you within 24 hours. However, if you require the results sooner we can expedite the results so you receive them on the same day for a small additional fee.
Will the scan images be included?
If you require the images of the scan, they can be sent on a secure PDF document for a small additional administration fee.
Book your Follicle Tracking Scan
Same-day and weekend appointments at The Scan Clinic London East in Gants Hill, with a verbal summary before you leave.
Standard price£149
Off-peak price£139
Off-peak discount is applied automatically at checkout. Verbal summary and written report included.
How to find us
Address
The Scan Clinic London East
635A Cranbrook Road
Gants Hill IG2 6SX
Free parking spaces directly in front of the clinic, plus a paid public car park opposite.
Important notes
- We will require details of your GP / Health Care Professional, which may be requested before or at the time of the scan.
- This scan requires access to the area of interest; therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- Study images are not typically included with the scan but may be requested, further information can be found by clicking here.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 18 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.
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More about the Follicle Tracking Scan
Learn more about this scan, the areas it covers and ultrasound in general in our Health Hub.
Go to Health Hub
Medically reviewed by
Mr. Mohammad Usman
Clinical Lead and Consultant Sonographer