Couples must be aware of ovarian follicles, particularly for those trying to conceive, whether through medical treatments or naturally. Follicles are the small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that have immature eggs. And during every menstrual cycle, one or more of these follicles grow, mature, and rupture to release during the ovulation.
That indirectly means these follicle maturation is essential for successful conception. And there is also a right follicle size for successful fertilization. Have you ever heard about this? This article will give you information about the ideal follicle size, its importance in conception, and the factors that influence it.
Describe the right follicle size for proper fertilization
These fluid-filled sacs are very important for optimal conception, ovulation, and fertilization. The development and maturation of the follicles say that your body is ready to ovulate and fertilize. This is a monthly procedure every woman’s body undergoes and every month many follicles begin to develop, still only one will reach full maturity and become dominant.
This dominant follicle will be released during ovulation and available for fertilization from 12 to 24 hours. So, the baby’s growth and development are completely based on the health and size of the follicles. The mature follicle typically measures between 18 to 24 millimeters, which is also the good size for proper fertilization.
Follicle growth every month
This is how the proper growth of follicles every month. Yeah, women’s bodies undergo, and if they follow these cycles properly, then these are the expected size of follicles. Follicle growth is classified into these types and the size continues to grow further. The stages are Early follicular phase, Mid-follicular, Late follicular, and Ovulation Day.
At last, the Luteal phase occurs, once the ovulation rupture is over, then the follicle will transform into the corpus luteum that produces progesterone. This helps to support the pregnancy, and if fertilization didn’t take place, then it starts doing the corpus luteum function.
What is the dominant ovarian follicle?
Hope you read the above part, the right follicle size for proper fertilization, there is a word dominant follicle. It means there will be many follicles, and they start growing and get ready for ovulation, which means the start of your menstrual cycle.
Even though several small follicles start growing, only one follicle will reach the maturation stage and be ready for fertilization and ovulation, which is meant by the dominant ovarian follicle.
Isn’t that great? A woman’s body is undergoing so many wonders, however, some factors will be a barrier for this process and follicular growth will be interrupted.
What factors can influence follicle growth?
| Factors | How they impact follicle growth |
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Hormones |
Hormones such as FSH, LH, Estrogen and Progesterone are essential for normal growth of follicles. Decreased levels of such hormones may disturb the ovulation and affect the growth. |
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Ovarian health and reserve
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Every woman is born with a fixed amount of ovarian reserve and a properly functioning body can only release the eggs at the right time every month.
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Age
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Follicle quality and ovarian reserve surely decline with age, that’s why women above 30 face certain issues when trying to conceive.
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Weight and insulin resistance
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These two conditions can disrupt the hormone regulation and impact the follicle growth. These two highly contribute to polycystic ovarian syndrome and make pregnancy even more complicated. |
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Stress
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High levels of stress disrupt hormone regulation and negatively impact the follicle development and hormone levels. |
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Diet and nutrition
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Insufficient amount of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants can interrupt the follicle growth and negatively impact the reproductive health and egg quality. |
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Medications
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Some medical conditions can affect the follicle growth and influence the overall fertilization process. |
Follicle size and in vitro fertilization
Mature follicles are typically between 18 and 22 millimeters (mm) in diameter at the time of egg retrieval. Retrieving eggs from follicles within this size range increases the likelihood of obtaining mature oocytes suitable for fertilization.
During ovarian stimulation in IVF, fertility specialists use ultrasounds to monitor follicle development. Follicles generally grow about 1.7 mm per day. Once several follicles reach the optimal size range of 16 to 22 mm, a trigger shot is given to induce final egg maturation, then egg retrieval is planned.
The doctors retrieve the optimally sized follicles to improve the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development. Follicles smaller than 16 mm may contain immature eggs, and those larger than 22 mm might have post-mature eggs, both of which are less favorable for successful fertilization.
Summary
A healthy and happy conception requires many factors and one of the most crucial is ensuring that the follicles reach the right size before ovulation. With modern medical advancements, individuals can track follicle development and take necessary steps to optimize their chances of conception. Understanding the ideal follicle size and maintaining good reproductive health help couples improve their likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Consulting a healthcare professional for personalized fertility advice can be an important step in this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
The number of follicles and their size are highly associated with twin conception, particularly when women are undergoing fertility treatments. A research states that follicles 12 mm or wider increases the chances of twin or multifetal pregnancy through IUI.
Indicators include regular menstrual cycles, optimal hormonal levels, and successful fertilization leading to healthy embryo development.
While the typical mature follicle size ranges from 18-25 mm, a 27 mm follicle may still contain a viable egg. However, excessively large follicles could indicate over-maturity or cyst formation.
Ovulation alternates between ovaries each cycle. Ultrasound monitoring can identify which ovary releases the egg in a given cycle, but both ovaries generally have equal potential for successful conception.
Yes, follicular monitoring through ultrasounds helps track follicle development, determining the best time for intercourse or assisted reproductive techniques.
