Private Fertility and Follicle Tracking Scans

MUMS Solihull offer Fertility/Follicle Tracking/Antral Follicle Count (AFC) scans in our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment centre– 6 days a week – Monday to Saturday.

Clinicians offering follicle tracking/fertility scans at MUMS include:

• Miss Poonam Pradhan – Consultant Gynaecologist
• Miss Natalie Woodhead – Consultant Gynaecologist
• Dr Davide Casagrandi – Gynaecology Speciality Doctor
• Miss Bhandal – Sonographer

Reasons for having a fertility scan include:

• Investigating Infertility
• Monitoring natural or assisted fertility cycles
• Preparing for fertility treatment

Fertility ultrasound scans include follicle tracking, antral follicle count, endometrial thickness, uterus, and ovaries.  A baseline fertility scan, which includes an antral follicle count (AFC), is a transvaginal ultrasound performed early in the menstrual cycle (days 2–5) to assess ovarian reserve and pelvic anatomy before fertility treatment begins. This scan helps fertility specialists plan treatment by counting the number of small, fluid-filled sacs (antral follicles) containing immature eggs in the ovaries. The count, combined with other tests like an AMH blood test, provides information about a woman's potential egg supply and how she might respond to fertility medications.  
 

What a baseline fertility scan includes:

Antral Follicle Count (AFC): This is the primary purpose of the scan, involving counting the number of antral follicles in each ovary. 

Pelvic Anatomy Assessment: The scan evaluates the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures for abnormalities. 

PCOS assessment: It can help identify signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). 

Ovary size and location check: The scan checks for the size and location of the ovaries. 
 

Why is it performed?

To plan fertility treatment: 

The results help doctors create a personalised plan, especially for IVF treatment, by estimating the number of eggs that can be retrieved. 

To estimate ovarian reserve: 

The count is a key indicator of the number of eggs remaining. 

To identify potential issues: 

It helps identify any issues that could affect fertility or treatment success, such as low ovarian reserve or conditions like PCOS. 

To monitor progress: 

It serves as a starting point to compare against future scans during treatment to track follicle growth. 

When is the scan performed?

• Early in the menstrual cycle: 

Typically, on days 2–5 of a woman's period, before a dominant follicle has grown.

• Timing can vary: 

If a woman has irregular cycles or no periods, a scan can still be performed at any time. 

What the results mean?

• Low count: May indicate a lower ovarian reserve or a potentially poorer response to fertility drugs.
• High count: Can suggest a high egg supply or a condition like PCOS.
• Important note:  The count should be interpreted by a fertility specialist in the context of other tests and factors like age, as it is just one part of a bigger picture of a woman's fertility. 

A follicle is a fluid filled sac which contains the egg. A follicle tracking scan is performed from Day 6 to 9 of your menstrual cycle to aid fertility treatment. Ultrasound technology can determine how many follicles there are and when egg extraction is best performed.

The shape, size and number of the antral follicles will be assessed and measured.

The purpose of a follicle tracking scan is to accurately predict when you may expect ovulation which will help increase the chance of the egg becoming fertilised.

A transvaginal/internal scan will be necessary during this scan to gain a clearer view.

Follicle tracking scans are performed to monitor ovulation. In any one cycle there can be multiple ultrasound scans. The scan measures developing follicles within the ovaries throughout a cycle, usually with ovulation induction. It is important to avoid hyper-stimulation of the ovaries. The measurements include endometrial thickness (lining of the uterus) as this will influence whether the embryo is able to implant. This scan is often undertaken prior to fertility treatment, it provides guidance about the timing of treatment. The scan will measure the endometrium (womb lining) to access the suitability of proceeding with fertility treatment.

During your scan we will explain the findings to you and a detailed report will be given to you following your scan. We are happy to provide you with a report to take with you to your fertility clinic. 

Fertility scans are arranged as part of the fertility tests or as part of follicle tracking to monitor the growing follicle. The scans are often at specific days of treatment and will be suggested by your fertility doctor or – MUMS Fertility Consultants. Along with the ovarian follicles, the endometrium will be measured and is important to plan embryo transfer in women undergoing IVF treatment.

A fertility scan with Miss Pradhan, Miss Natalie Woodhead, Dr Casagrandi - or their sonographer colleagues at MUMS costs £150.00 and includes a report to your NHS GP or Fertility Consultant.

You can book online or call us on 0121 704 2669 or send us an enquiry and one of our friendly team will organise this. You can also email us out of hours – administrator@mums.me.uk

We have ample parking and great reviews.

There are no waiting lists at MUMS, and we do not need a referral from your NHS GP or Consultant.

MUMS ultrasound services have been trusted for two decades. Gynaecological private healthcare at MUMS is renowned for caring experts and great outcomes.

If you need a fertility or follicle tracking scan on a particular day, then we will accommodate this as we fully understand the importance of timing with fertility investigations.