Antral follicles ~: the reserve of the ovary
Antral follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries that contain developing eggs. They play a crucial role in female fertility and can serve as indicators of ovarian reserve, influencing your chances of conception naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Here's a breakdown of their key features:
Size and appearance:
• They measure between 2 and 10 millimeters in diameter, visible on ultrasound but too small to feel during a pelvic exam.
• They appear as black, round structures on ultrasound scans due to the fluid-filled cavity called the "antrum."
Development and Role:
• Each ovary starts with thousands of primordial follicles at birth, most of which remain dormant throughout life.
• At the beginning of each menstrual cycle, a few primordial follicles are activated and begin to grow.
• As they grow, they develop a fluid-filled cavity, becoming antral follicles.
• Only one or two antral follicles will typically mature, ovulate, and release an egg each cycle.
• The remaining antral follicles either continue to grow for a while or undergo a natural process called atresia, where they shrink and disappear.
Importance and Clinical Use:
• The number of antral follicles counted on an ultrasound scan (called an Antral Follicle Count or AFC) is a valuable tool for assessing ovarian reserve.
• A higher AFC generally indicates a larger pool of remaining eggs and potentially better fertility potential.
• Conversely, a low AFC may suggest diminished ovarian reserve and potentially lower chances of natural conception or needing higher doses of medication during fertility treatments.
Additional Points:
• AFC is generally not the only factor considered in fertility evaluation. Other tests like Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels and age also play a role.
• While low AFC doesn't necessarily mean pregnancy isn't possible, it's best to discuss your individual situation and options with a healthcare professional specializing in reproductive health.
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