Follicle Tracking

When a woman is ovulating normally, an egg is released from one or other ovary during each cycle. Eggs develop inside fluid filled sacs, called follicles. These follicles reach a size of approximately 20mm prior to ovulation and can thus be seen with ultrasound scanning. Ultrasound can therefore be used to monitor and time ovulation. As practiced in most fertility centres, MFC use vaginal ultrasound scanning to monitor the growth of follicles. Most women find vaginal scanning quite comfortable.

Follicle tracking and TSI (timed sexual intercourse) are reliant upon the following; the ovaries producing their own follicles, the sperm being normal, the fallopian tubes and pelvis also being normal. We are monitoring the cycle to judge the best time for intercourse. As the ovaries rarely produce more than one egg per natural cycle, there is a negligible chance of a multiple pregnancy.

Tracking is useful for couples who desire the minimal amount of assistance in becoming pregnant. However, it is not suitable for most infertility pathologies.