Fertility Testing for Women
Ovarian Testing > Day 3 Antral Follicle Count
This test is performed on the same day as your day 3 FSH labs and measures the number of eggs which are trying to grow in a given month.
Each egg is contained within a follicle (a collection of cells which nurture the egg). If the follicle survives to a certain size, it begins to collect fluid around the egg. This fluid is visible on ultrasound and looks like a small black circle on the ovary.
If we see a large number of follicles on cycle day 3 (CD3), this indicates that the ovary has an ample number of eggs still in hibernation. If we see few follicles, this means that the ovary is more depleted of eggs.
How the test is performed:
- On the same day that your FSH and estrogen are measured, you will empty your bladder and have a vaginal ultrasound.
- The follicles on each ovary are counted.
- If fewer than 10 follicles are seen (on both ovaries combined) you are deemed to have diminished ovarian reserve.
Normal: > 10 follicles seen on two ovaries combined
Abnormal: < 10 follicles seen on two ovaries combined
As with Day 3 Labs, an abnormal test must be put into context by your physician.
See Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) for more Ovarian Testing information