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If you’re thinking about having a baby—now or in the future—you’ve probably wondered about your fertility at some point.
One key factor in fertility health is the number of eggs left in your ovaries, also known as your ovarian reserve. Unlike men, who produce new sperm constantly, women are born with all the eggs they will ever have—typically around one to two million at birth. By puberty, this number drops to about 300,000 to 500,000 and continues to decrease with age, naturally affecting fertility.
To assess your egg supply, your doctor or fertility specialist may recommend you undergo an antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound. Proven to be a highly accurate marker for ovarian reserve, this ultrasound counts the follicles that are actively present in the ovaries and have the potential to develop into mature eggs.
What Is an Antral Follicle Count Ultrasound?
An antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound is a fertility scan used to measure ovarian reserve by counting the small, fluid-filled sacs (antral follicles) in your ovaries. Each follicle contains an immature egg, or oocyte, and the number detected on ultrasound helps estimate how many eggs remain.
Antral follicles develop in cycles, with a new group becoming visible on ultrasound at the start of each menstrual cycle. While only one follicle typically matures and releases an egg during ovulation, the total number of antral follicles present at a given time reflects the overall supply of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
AFC scans are usually done at the beginning of your menstrual cycle (between days 2 and 5) when the follicles are easiest to see. The count helps determine how well your ovaries are functioning and whether you may have a healthy ovarian reserve or a diminished one.
Why Does Antral Follicle Count Matter?
Knowing your antral follicle count can help you get a deeper glimpse into your fertility potential, supporting:
Egg Supply Insight: More follicles generally mean a higher ovarian reserve, while fewer follicles suggest a lower supply.
Fertility Treatment Planning: If you’re considering treatments like IVF, your AFC can help determine how your body might respond to medications used for ovarian stimulation.
Predicting Menopause: A low follicle count can indicate that you may be approaching menopause, as ovarian reserve naturally declines with age. This insight can help you plan accordingly, especially if you’re considering delaying pregnancy.
Diagnosing PCOS: An unusually high number of follicles may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can affect ovulation and fertility.
Personalized Family Planning: Even if you’re not actively trying to conceive, understanding your ovarian reserve can help you make informed decisions about future fertility options, including egg freezing.
When You Might Consider an Antral Follicle Count Ultrasound
Doctors and specialists often recommend an antral follicle count ultrasound, alongside other fertility tests, when you're trying to grow your family. You may be referred for this ultrasound if you:
Are trying to conceive and want a better understanding of your ovarian reserve
Are preparing for IVF or egg freezing and need to evaluate your response to treatment
Have irregular cycles or a family history of early menopause
Have PCOS and need to monitor ovarian activity as part of your fertility care
While this test does not assess egg quality, it helps doctors closely estimate your reproductive health and plan fertility treatments as needed.
How an Antral Follicle Count Ultrasound Works
When you visit Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound for your antral follicle count scan, we prioritize your utmost comfort and peace of mind. Our experienced sonographer will walk you through the process before performing a transvaginal ultrasound, which helps provide a clear, detailed view of your ovaries.
What to expect during the exam
Antral follicle count ultrasounds are quick, straightforward scans, similar to a pelvic ultrasound. Here’s what to expect during your session:
You’ll need to arrive with an empty bladder to avoid shadowing during the scan, which could obstruct the view.
You’ll lie on the exam table while our skilled sonographer gently inserts a small transvaginal probe. This probe uses sound waves to generate clear images of your ovaries.
Our sonographer will carefully count and measure the antral follicles in each ovary.
The entire process typically takes 10–15 minutes and is generally painless, though you may experience mild pressure.
After your exam, we will immediately send your results directly to your referring provider to ensure timely treatment planning. Your provider will then review the results with you in-depth to help you better understand the state of your fertility.
Interpreting Your AFC Results
Your antral follicle count provides insight into your ovarian reserve, but there is no single "normal" number for every person. After receiving your results, your doctor will determine what your ideal count is based on your age and genetics, which are two important factors in your fertility potential.
Despite there not being a widely standardized range, some research has suggested that an average count is 10-20 follicles. Higher counts generally signal higher ovarian reserve and greater fertility potential, especially in response to fertility treatments like IVF. Lower counts could indicate a declining ovarian reserve and a lower response to fertility medications.
However, it’s important to remember that a lower follicle count doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible. Many women with a lower ovarian reserve still conceive, either naturally or with the help of fertility treatments. To get a clearer picture of your reproductive health, your doctor will also consider your anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol levels, which help assess ovarian function and hormone balance.
Offering Antral Follicle Count Ultrasounds in Metairie
At Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound, we know how personal fertility can be, and we’re here to provide timely answers with compassionate care.
Our antral follicle count ultrasounds in Metairie give you a detailed look at your ovarian reserve, whether you’re actively trying to conceive or considering your options for the future. With flexible evening appointments and immediate result delivery to your provider, we make it easier to get the information you need, when you need it.
Schedule your appointment to see how we make fertility insights more accessible for your pathway forward.
Prior to booking your AFC ultrasound, please text us at 504-500-7870 to discuss available appointment times.
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