Follicular study (follicle tracking scan)
Quick answer: A follicular study is a series of transvaginal ultrasound scans that track the growing egg sacs (follicles) in the ovaries and the uterus lining, to find when ovulation happens. It is used when trying to conceive, during ovulation-inducing medicines, and before timing intercourse, IUI or a trigger injection. Each visit is one sitting.
- SampleImaging (no sample)
- TakesAbout 10 to 15 minutes per scan, over several visits in one cycle
- Before the testThe scan is usually transvaginal with an empty bladder, and your doctor will tell you which cycle days to come.
- In fertility careIt helps time intercourse, IUI or the trigger injection by showing when a follicle is ready to release an egg.
How the test is done
- 1You come on the cycle days your doctor advises, often starting around day 8 to 10
- 2You empty your bladder and lie on your back with knees bent
- 3A thin covered probe is placed gently into the vagina
- 4Each ovary is scanned and the follicles measured, along with the uterus lining
- 5Scans are repeated every one to three days until the follicle is ready or has ruptured
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Follicle size and lining thickness are read together over several days, so your doctor will explain what your series of scans shows.
If the result is outside the usual range
The scans can show follicles growing as expected, no dominant follicle, which can mean ovulation may not happen that cycle, several follicles growing at once, a follicle that does not release its egg, or a thin lining. Your doctor uses this to adjust timing or treatment.
Who usually has this test
Women trying to conceive who want to time intercourse, those taking ovulation medicines, and women preparing for IUI or a trigger injection.
Risks and aftercare
No radiation is used; you may feel mild pressure during each scan, and you can go to work straight after.
Names and options
Also called: follicular scan, follicle monitoring, ovulation scan, follicle tracking, folliculometry, follicular monitoring, follicle scan
Options
- 1st sitting
- 2nd sitting
- 4th sitting
- 3rd sitting
Listed by the hospital as
- FOLLICULAR STUDY -3RD SITTING
- FOLLICULAR SCAN 4TH SITTING
- FOLLICULAR STUDY -1ST SITTING
- FOLLICULAR STUDY (2ND SITTING)
Where this test fits in fertility care
- 1Fertility work-up
- 2Screening before IVF or IUI
- 3During treatmentThis test
- 4After embryo transfer
- 5Pregnancy check-ups
- 6If treatment has not worked
The usual order. See every test at each stage →
Questions about this test
When does a follicular study start?
It usually starts around day 8 to 10 of the menstrual cycle, or as your doctor advises, and is repeated every 1 to 3 days until ovulation. The number of sittings depends on how your follicles grow.
What follicle size means ovulation is near?
A leading follicle is often around 18 to 24 mm before ovulation, but the timing also depends on your hormones and treatment. Your doctor will decide when to time intercourse, IUI or a trigger injection.
Is a follicular study painful?
It does not usually hurt, though some women feel mild pressure from the vaginal probe. Each scan takes only a few minutes.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.