Ovarian follicles are structures that contain the eggs in the ovaries. These follicles have various maturation stages, which are represented in the image.
When the follicles are in the antral stage they can be visualized and counted by transvaginal ultrasound. This is possible because they develop the antrum, a fluid-filled cavity.
The importance of this is that counting the antral follicles at the beginning of the menstrual cycle makes it possible to assess the woman's ovarian reserve.
Read the full article on: Ovarian reserve tests: What they are and how to interpret them ( 66).
By Andrea Rodrigo B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Guillermo Quea Campos M.D. (gynecologist), Javier Liñayo Chouza M. D. (gynecologist), José María Sánchez Jordán M.D. (gynecologist), Mark P. Trolice M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E. (reproductive endocrinologist), Paloma Sánchez Gómez M. D. (gynecologist), Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Michelle Lorraine Embleton B.Sc. Ph.D. (biochemist).
Last Update: 03/08/2022
