What should you know about follicular growth scan?

Follicles are small fluid-filled structures in the ovary; one may contain an egg that can mature and be released. A clinician uses an ultrasound, often from inside the vagina, to view the ovaries and measure developing follicles and the uterine lining. Monitoring may involve more than one appointment because follicles change during the cycle. The scan does not by itself confirm egg quality, fertilisation or pregnancy. Results are interpreted alongside your cycle pattern, medicines and other fertility information.

Follow the clinic's instructions about when to attend and whether you need a full bladder; preparation depends on the scan method. Tell the team about bleeding, pelvic discomfort, medicines and any chance of pregnancy. Wear clothing that allows easy access and ask how results will affect the next step. The team may use the measurements to advise when intercourse, insemination or another treatment should be timed. A standard [Growth Scan](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/growth-scan/) is a different pregnancy ultrasound that assesses fetal growth, not ovarian follicles.

Contact your fertility team if you cannot attend a scheduled monitoring visit or develop concerning symptoms after fertility medicine. Seek urgent help for severe or worsening pelvic pain, marked abdominal swelling, repeated vomiting, fainting, breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding. These symptoms can need prompt assessment and should not be judged by the scan result alone.

Ask: How many scans might I need this cycle? What follicle and lining changes are you looking for? When will I receive the result? How could the measurement change medicine timing? Which symptoms should prompt an urgent call?