Ovarian ultrasound

Ovarian ultrasound is performed to get a look at the ovaries and to count antral follicles, those that have the potential to develop that month. Follicles are the sacs that contain eggs in the ovary. The person doing the ultrasound will look at the size of the ovaries.

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A patient who has normal-sized ovaries and many follicles usually has ovaries that work well. Ovaries shrink as women age. By looking at the size of the ovaries and counting the follicles, the doctor may be able to estimate how much fertility medication a woman might need. A patient who has very small ovaries and few follicles probably won't respond well to fertility medications.

Ovaries lie very close to the vagina, so ovarian ultrasound is done transvaginally, meaning it uses a special ultrasound wand that is inserted into the vagina.