Antral Follicle Count (AFC): Everything You Need to Know

Antral Follicle Count (AFC) is something that can seem a little technical but is really crucial if you’re trying to conceive, so let’s discuss it. Knowing your AFC is like getting a sneak peek into your fertility future, whether you are actively trying to conceive, considering IVF, or simply interested in your reproductive health.
Knowing your AFC is like getting a sneak peek into your fertility future, whether you are actively trying to conceive, considering IVF, or just interested in your reproductive health.

Small fluid-filled sacs within your ovaries, antral follicles, are Every one contains an immature egg; the quantity of these visible follicles lets us see your ovarian reserve, or more simply, how many eggs you still have.

Located directly in your ovaries, they are seen by ultrasound when they measure roughly 2 to 10 millimeters. These are the follicles that could either be stimulated in IVF procedures or naturally grow and ovulate in a cycle.

Every month, your body chooses a handful of follicles to develop; this is nature’s way of getting ready for ovulation. On the launchpad, ready for possible growth, the antral follicles are those that have already reacted to hormonal signals.
The antral follicles are those on the launchpad, ready for possible growth, having already reacted to hormonal signals.

Consider ovarian reserve as your fertility bank. One of the main methods to assess your balance is your AFC. Usually, especially with fertility therapies, a higher number indicates a better likelihood of becoming pregnant.

Although AFC doesn’t assess egg quality, it offers a decent indication of quantity. Usually, more follicles indicate more eggs; more eggs provide doctors with more options for fertility therapies

Usually, a count between 10 and 20 is regarded as normal. Below five could suggest a low reserve; above 25 could suggest PCOS. But age and general health affect how one reads.
Though age and general health affect interpretation.

Usually, the AFC test runs during days 2–5 of your menstrual cycle. Follicles are most clearly visible and consistent for measurement currently.

A wand-like probe is inserted vaginally in this fast, painless treatment to obtain a clear picture of your ovaries. Though it might seem daunting, it’s finished in a few minutes and provides vital information.

Testing on the incorrect day could produce false findings. Often, Day 3 is perfect since your body has not yet selected a dominant follicle.

Also Read: Importance Of AMH Test For Fertility

Especially if you are over 35, a low count could indicate reduced ovarian reserve. Though it’s not the end of the road, it can influence the results of fertility treatments and natural conception.

A particularly high AFC could indicate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Although it may appear that “more eggs, more chances”, PCOS can really disrupt regular ovulation.

With age, AFC naturally decreases. You may notice 15–25 follicles in your 20s, but by your late 30s or 40s, it could fall to 5–10. That’s quite usual; tracking it helps, though.
Though it’s good to keep track, that’s quite usual.

Both tests are excellent for predicting ovarian reserve. AFC is an imaging test; AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a blood test. Though they sometimes provide somewhat varied perspectives, they typically agree.

Measured on day three, these hormones can provide further information on your hormonal balance. Often, AFC and AMH are included to provide a complete view.

No one test is ideal. Combining AFC with hormone levels gives a clearer picture of your fertility, like viewing your health from several perspectives.
Combining AFC with hormone levels creates a clearer picture of your fertility, like viewing your health from several angles.

Sadly, there’s no sugarcoating this one: your AFC falls as you age. Though it does influence fertility, many women still get pregnant in their late 30s and beyond with the appropriate assistance, since this is quite normal.

Doctors might give your AFC more attention if you are 35. Should you be thinking about IVF, a low count here could call for quicker action.
A low count here could lead to quicker action if you’re thinking about IVF.

Your AFC guides physicians in determining your IVF stimulation protocol—how much medication you require and how your body may react. A low AFC could indicate fewer egg retrievals.

Higher AFC usually indicates more eggs harvested, therefore increasing the likelihood of embryo development. Still important is egg quality; thus, AFC is only a component of the puzzle.
Still, egg quality is important; thus, AFC is only one component of the puzzle.

Hearing you have a low follicle count can be devastating. But it does not imply you cannot conceive. If you’re not quite ready, there are many alternatives, including freezing, donor eggs, or even IVF using your eggs.

Discussing fertility is not always simple, but you are not alone. Sharing with your spouse, participating in support groups, or perhaps simply venting to a friend can help reduce the emotional burden.
Sharing with your partner, participating in support groups, or even simply venting to a friend can help reduce the emotional burden.

More than just a number, antral follicle count is a potent tool for the path to fertility. Knowing your AFC provides you with clarity, choices, and control, whether you are already dealing with a specialist or just beginning. Every fertility story is different; AFC is only one page in your book.