USG Follicular Study: Cost, Purpose, Procedure & Result [2024]
USG follicular study is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound technology to visualize the ovaries and determine the ovulation status (release of an egg from ovaries) of a woman. This helps plan the timing of IVF or intercourse such that the chances of a successful pregnancy increase. It helps assess the size and number of ovarian follicles (small fluid-filled sacs that contain eggs). This is thus a non-invasive test that helps evaluate fertility in females.
For this, you may have to undergo multiple scans during your menstrual cycle to pinpoint the date of ovulation. These scans are vaginal and can last 10-20 minutes. The price of a USG Follicular study ranges between Rs. 1200 to Rs. 2400.
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have the following symptoms-
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Difficulty getting pregnant (Infertility)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness.
USG Follicular Study Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Ovarian Follicle Tracking, Follicular Ultrasound, Fertility Ultrasound, Ovarian Reserve Testing, Ovarian Stimulation Monitoring |
| Purpose | To determine the timing of ovulation, assess the quality of eggs, and monitor the progress of fertility treatments |
| Preparation | No special preparation is required. |
| Fasting | No |
| Reporting Time | <24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs. 1200 to Rs. 2400 |
USG Follicular Study Test Price
A doctor can recommend either a single-day USG follicular study or a complete study.
- In a single-day study, the doctor will conduct a scan on one particular day during the mensural cycle as per prescribing doctor’s recommendation.
- During the Complete study, the USG follicular scan will be done 5-6 times during a mensural cycle.
Thus, the price depends on the type of follicular study your doctor has recommended. Usually, a Complete study will cost 3-4 times more than a single-day study.
Prices at Popular Diagnostic Centres
The table below lists the discounted prices at some of the popular centres for USG Follicular in India. The cost of a complete follicular study usually ranges from Rs 1200 to Rs 2400.
Prices in the table below are for a single-day scan.
| Diagnostic Centres | Price |
|---|---|
| Janta X-Ray Clinic | ₹ 630 |
| Mahajan Imaging | ₹ 900 |
| Nova Diagnostic | ₹ 560 |
| Aarthi Scans | ₹ 540 |
| Health Quest Imaging And Diagnostics | ₹ 640 |
| Srivastava MRI | ₹ 850 |
| Pulse Imaging | ₹ 175 |
| Shree Krishna Diagnostics | ₹ 800 |
| Vijaya Diagnostic Centre | ₹ 1350 |
| Nexus Plus Diagnostic Center | ₹ 900 |
Cost of USG Follicular Study Test in Different Cities
The Follicular Study cost varies depending on the different cities. These are prices are a single-day scan.
| Cities | Price |
|---|---|
| USG Follicular Price in Delhi | ₹ 360 – ₹ 1000 |
| USG Follicular Price in Gurgaon | ₹ 600 – ₹ 1200 |
| USG Follicular Price in Noida | ₹ 850 – ₹ 1425 |
| USG Follicular Price in Mumbai | ₹ 175 – ₹ 900 |
| USG Follicular Price in Bangalore | ₹ 180 – ₹ 570 |
| USG Follicular Price in Kolkata | Not Available |
| USG Follicular Price in Hyderabad | ₹ 142.5 – ₹ 1350 |
| USG Follicular Price in Chennai | ₹ 270 – ₹ 540 |
Purpose of USG Follicular Study
A follicular study ultrasound has the following purposes:
- Evaluation of the size and number of follicles in the ovaries
- Determining the timing of ovulation
- Monitoring the response of the ovaries to fertility treatments
- Assessing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Evaluating the thickness of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus)
- Diagnosis conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- To check for any structural issues with the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Evaluation for any cysts or tumors in the ovaries
- To check for any fluid accumulation in the ovaries or surrounding areas
- Assessment of the overall health of the reproductive system
Who Needs a Follicular Ultrasound Scan?
A follicular study ultrasound is usually recommended for
- individuals or couples who are experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriages
- those planning to undergo fertility treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- individuals with hormonal imbalances or disorders,
- women taking fertility medications.
The role of ovaries and follicles in female reproductive health
The ovaries are a pair of reproductive organs in the female reproductive system. Follicles are small fluid-filled sacs containing eggs. These develop and mature in the ovaries. During a menstrual cycle, a group of follicles begins to mature and grow in the ovaries. One of these follicles will eventually become dominant and release an egg during ovulation. The other follicles will stop growing and eventually dissolve. Follicles also produce hormones, including estrogen.
Preparation
No special prepararation is required. However, one should keep the following considerations in mind-
- For 24 hours before the test, the patient should refrain from using any vaginal douches, lotions, or powders.
- The patient should plan the test to take place during the first few days of their menstrual cycle.
- For 24 hours before the test, the patient needs to abstain from sexual activity.
- The patient should let their doctor know if they are taking any medications or have any medical issues.
USG Follicular Study Procedure
The best method to perform USG Follicular Study is through Transvaginal Ultrasound. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- The patient will be asked to lie on an exam table, and a small amount of gel will be applied to the abdomen.
- A transvaginal ultrasound probe will be inserted into the vagina. This probe uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries and follicles.
- The ultrasound images will be viewed on a screen, and the size and number of follicles will be measured.
- The procedure typically takes about 15-20 minutes and is usually performed every other day during the menstrual cycle.
- The results will be interpreted by a radiologist or a gynaecologist.
- It is important to note that this test is not usually painful, but some mild discomfort may be felt during the test.
Result & Interpretation of USG Follicular Study
Here is a general outline of normal and abnormal studies in a follicular ultrasound:
Normal Study
- The size and shape of the ovaries are normal (In general, the ovaries are almond-shaped and measure about 3-4 centimetres in length).
- The endometrium (lining of the uterus) is of normal thickness (For women of reproductive age, the endometrial stripe thickens and thins according to their menstrual cycle. The stripe can be anywhere from slightly less than 1 millimetre (mm) to slightly more than 16 mm in size).
- There are no cysts or other abnormalities in the ovaries.
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Ovaries | 3-4 cm |
| The thickness of the endometrial lining | 1-16 mm |
4. The number and size of follicles that are normal for the individual’s age and menstrual cycle. A woman is considered to have an adequate ovarian reserve if the follicle count is 6-10. If the count is less than 6, the ovarian reserve could be considered to be low. A high reserve is greater than 12. These tests don’t show the total amount of follicles a woman has on her ovaries. It just shows the amount of visible antral follicles. However, this can be a good indicator of the number of eggs a woman has left).
| Follicular Count | Ovarian Reserve |
|---|---|
| >12 | High |
| 6-10 | Adequate or Normal |
| <6 | Low |
Abnormal Study
Abnormal results on a follicular study ultrasound may indicate the presence of underlying conditions or abnormalities in the ovaries or reproductive system. Here is a list of some abnormalities on a follicular study ultrasound:
- Enlarged or shrunken ovaries: Ovaries that are larger or smaller than normal may indicate the presence of ovarian cysts, hormonal imbalances, or other conditions.
- Abnormal number or size of follicles: Follicles that are too small or too large may indicate problems with fertility or hormonal imbalances.
- Thickened or thinned endometrium: The endometrium (lining of the uterus) should be of a normal thickness for the individual’s menstrual cycle. An endometrium that is too thick or too thin may indicate problems with fertility or hormonal imbalances.
- Cysts or other abnormalities: The presence of cysts or other abnormalities in the ovaries may indicate the presence of underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances.
It is important to note that the interpretation of a follicular study ultrasound is subjective and may vary from provider to provider. If you have any questions or concerns about the results of your test, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Sample Report For Follicular Study
Here is the sample report for the Follicular study single sitting:
Advantages of USG Follicular study
The key benefits of the USG Follicular study are-
- non-invasive and requires no incisions or injections
- accurate and produces images of the ovaries and follicles that are clear and comprehensive
- does not expose the patient to radiation or any other dangerous materials.
- highly safe
Limitations of USG Follicular study
A USG follicular investigation may have certain downsides, including
- restricted availability,
- high cost, and
- possibility for a minor inconvenience for some patients.
Conclusion
All in all, a USG Follicular Study uses ultrasonography to examine the ovaries and the follicles. It can provide crucial details regarding a woman’s reproductive health and assist the doctor in selecting the most appropriate course of action.
It is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that can be carried out without requiring hospitalization.
It serves as a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of ovarian function and fertility. It can offer useful information which can help in the detection and management of a variety of reproductive diseases.
FAQs
Is a follicular study ultrasound painful?
A follicular study ultrasound is usually not painful. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but this is generally minimal.
There are generally no risks or side effects associated with a follicular study ultrasound. The procedure is considered safe and noninvasive.
A follicular study ultrasound may be recommended for individuals or couples who are experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriages, or who are planning to undergo fertility treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It may also be recommended for individuals with hormonal imbalances or disorders, or for women taking fertility medications
A follicular study ultrasound is usually performed during the early or mid-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, which is the first half of the cycle before ovulation. This is typically the time when the follicles in the ovaries are actively growing and developing.
The ultrasound may show enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts, which can be a sign of PCOS. However, it is important to note that the diagnosis of PCOS is based on a combination of clinical findings and laboratory tests, and a follicular study ultrasound alone is not sufficient to confirm the diagnosis.
How to Book USG Follicular Study?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.