A woman's ability to conceive is determined, among other things, by the number of follicles in her ovaries. How many are in this moment, does this number correspond to the norm, and what, in fact, is the normal number of follicles in the ovaries? Let's find out!
The number of follicles in the ovary
Unlike men, whose germ cells mature throughout their lives, women do not have this ability. On the contrary, it is laid down by nature in such a way that the maximum supply of follicles (up to 2 million) is laid even before the birth of a girl and gradually dries up by the time of menopause.
Therefore, the number of follicles in the ovaries has its own norm, depending on the age of the woman. So, for example, when a girl enters adolescence, there are about 300,000 follicles ready to produce eggs.
To find out the exact number of cells in the ovaries, or ovarian reserve, a routine ultrasound examination of the appendages will help. It is better to carry out this procedure using a vaginal sensor - this is the only way the doctor can see the exact number of antral (small, 2 to 8 mm in diameter) follicles. Their number can be interpreted as follows:
- from 16 to 30 - normal;
- more than 30 - polycystic ovaries;
- from 7 to 16 - a low number, but pregnancy is likely;
- from 4 to 6 - low probability of getting pregnant;
- less than 4 - infertility is possible.
Thanks to such a study of the follicular reserve of each of the ovaries, a specialist can accurately assess who wants to become a mother.
How many follicles are in the ovary on different days of the cycle?
In order to understand whether a woman can become pregnant in this cycle, the doctor often prescribes folliculometry - ultrasound monitoring of the amount in the ovaries.
From days 7 to 9 of the cycle, one of the follicles in the ovaries begins to mature and dominate, which means it is ready for ovulation. Therefore, the first examination takes place ideally on the 7th day of the menstrual cycle, when the total number of follicles is estimated (average 10 to 20). Then, ultrasound is performed every 1-2 days to be able to observe the growth and maturation of the dominant follicle. 
If ovulation does not occur before 14-17 days, blood tests for the hormonal level of a woman are usually prescribed to diagnose the reasons for this.
Speaking about the norms of folliculometry, we note the following. Doctors often diagnose multifollicular ovaries when the number of cells exceeds 30. This may indicate polycystic disease or simply be a feature of the body.
If the follicles are much less than normal (up to 5 in both ovaries), this may be the result of both various diseases and decrease in the level of sex hormones. To find out the exact reasons for this and exclude infertility, it is necessary to undergo a series of additional examinations.
Follicles are the main defenders of the eggs from any negative influences. While the egg is inside the follicle, it remains not fully ripe, and it is on how the ripening process goes that the possible future fertilization and, accordingly, the successful outcome of the pregnancy will depend.
The development of the reproductive system in any woman begins in infancy. At the same time, a single and constant number of follicles in the ovaries is formed, and it cannot be changed in any way. The number of follicles can vary from 50 to 29 thousand. The maturation of one follicle occurs within a month, and it is this that allows you to calculate. By the way, in addition to the protection function, the follicles are also responsible for the production of estrogen.
The norm of the number of follicles
Calculate your personal norm. You can take into account the cycle of menstruation. For example, follicles in the ovaries two days after the end of menstruation may turn out to be multiple - and this will not be a deviation, since in the future they will all develop at different rates.
When the cycle comes to the middle, follicles may be present in the ovaries bigger size, and by the end there will be only one such dominant: it is from it that the egg formed for fertilization will come out.
The dominant follicle in the right ovary, however, as in the left, is "responsible" for the beginning of the menstrual cycle. It is a sign that the dominant follicle in the ovary has burst.
Absence or a large number of follicles
The absence of follicles in the ovaries is the result of a combination various reasons, but it is quite possible and , and - this can only be established by a competent specialist. To restore the normal functioning of the reproductive system, therapy based on hormonal drugs is prescribed.
To understand that the problem exists, any woman can simply calculate her menstrual calendar. If it has an irregular character and goes astray to the limit of 20-30 weeks, this is a reason to contact a gynecologist.
Multiple ovarian follicles are not bad, not scary, and certainly not a reason to panic. This state of affairs may be completely normal and does not indicate a malfunction in the reproductive system.
Throughout a woman's life, the ovaries produce a strictly defined number of follicles. Their absence or an extremely small amount usually leads to impaired reproductive function. So with irregular or constant delays in the menstrual cycle, you should consult a doctor.
You can talk about exceeding the norm if the follicle is more than 10. Then we can really say that there are a lot of follicles in the ovaries. However, this violation can be detected only during ultrasound, and the reasons may not be hormonal, but completely different: stress, fatigue and nervous breakdowns. In this case, everything returns to normal after the first successful ovulation.
Other reasons can also be the appearance of an excess number of follicles or the cessation of their production:
- incorrectly selected;
- disorders in the thyroid gland;
- crashes endocrine system.
In this case, follicles can develop in two ways: when only one dominant follicle is released: in the left or right ovary; or when it is not detected at all, which leads to an irregular menstruation cycle and. If this situation continues, the female body will begin to accumulate male hormones and lose the ability to bear children.
Functions of the dominant and antral follicle
There are dominant and antral follicles in the ovaries - it is thanks to them that the development and process of conception of the prepared egg occurs.
The development of follicles occurs in a chaotic manner, so there is a possibility of the simultaneous occurrence of two dominants - in the right and left ovaries. This is not a reason to panic: if you are planning a pregnancy, and you are diagnosed with the presence of two dominants, at the time of ovulation, your chances of conceiving twins will increase markedly.
However, this only happens when both follicles have released an egg, and this is a rather rare occurrence.
Antral follicles in the ovaries are a reserve of follicles ready for fertilization. When an accurate calculation of their number is made, so that conception takes place.
Persistent follicle
When a persistent follicle appears in the ovaries, this is a serious problem. Its appearance is evidence that the dominant began to develop not as it should and, in fact, blocks the release of the egg, which over time can lead to.
It does not matter where persistence arose - in the right or left ovary. Ovulation will not occur. A common cause for persistence may be excessive production male hormone. If you seek medical help too late, infertility will occur.
The persistence of the follicle is treated with hormone therapy, in several stages.
So if you are planning to become a mother one day, watch your health and do not be lazy to go to the doctors when the days of the menstrual cycle begin to jump sharply. The result of such carelessness can be.
On different days of the menstrual cycle, the follicles have a certain size, as they mature, they increase, and before menstruation they break, releasing the sex cell. Knowing about the change in the diameter of the follicular tissue is important, as it helps to calculate the period of ovulation, as well as determine the parameters of the health of the woman's reproductive system. What is the size of the follicle on the days of the cycle and why can it stop growing?
What is a follicle
The "rudimentary" sex cells are laid in the body of every girl even before her birth, there are about 8-10 thousand of them inside the ovaries. But initially, such rudiments are not yet ready for fertilization, because they must go through several successive divisions for maturation. To protect the egg during its growth and transformation, several layers of epidermal tissue grow around it - this is the follicle, which resembles an epithelial cocoon.
Follicular tissue is under the influence of the endocrine system, its increase and development is regulated by the hormones of the ovaries themselves, as well as the pituitary gland, an indirect effect is observed from the adrenal glands. For example, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) stimulates the maturation of primordial (rudimentary) follicles during adolescence and on different days of the menstrual cycle, and LH (luteinizing) helps to accelerate their growth for further release of the germ cell before ovulation.
Size by day of cycle
The size of the follicle changes on different days of the menstrual cycle. After the end of menstruation under the influence active substances ovaries and pituitary gland, the development of several epithelial cocoons (up to 6-7 pieces) begins, but by the eighth day after the onset of development, a dominant follicle appears, in which the gene activity was the highest, so it quickly reached the mark of 8-10 mm. The remaining epithelial cocoons may stop growing or undergo apoptosis, that is, planned cell death.
Dominant follicle development
After that, the body "concentrates" on this dominant follicle, and the growth of the rest stops to save nutritional resources and energy. Every day before ovulation, there is an increase in this epithelial cocoon for the egg by 1.5-2 mm in diameter. During this period, the egg begins to mature, undergoes several successive divisions, during which nutrients are concentrated inside it, the necessary membranes appear (there are 3 of them in the egg).
On the 11th day of the cycle, the size of the follicle is about 15-16 mm, after which its growth slows down a bit. During this period, the egg is already at the final stage of its development, preparation for ovulation begins. On which day it happens depends on the activity of the endocrine system and the state of health of the woman, usually this happens on the 15-16th day.
On the 15th day of the cycle (sometimes there are shifts of 2-3 days), the follicle reaches 22-24 mm in diameter and a critical point occurs, since it can no longer grow, so the epithelial cocoon breaks and the sex cell comes out - into the abdominal cavity, and then into the fallopian tubes.
It is during this period, which will last only 36-50 hours, that fertilization can occur. But it is important to understand that under the influence of hormones, ovulation, that is, the release of an egg, can occur sooner or later. If you observe the follicular tissue during the ovulatory phase, you can see how the epithelial cocoon increases dramatically, the egg is released, and after that it decreases, only its remnants (yellow body) are visible.
Follicle Growth Chart
After reading a short information about the process of development of follicles in the ovaries, the algorithm itself becomes clear, but it is difficult to understand the exact data, so below is a simple table that shows the size of the epithelial coating of the egg on different days of the menstrual cycle.
The indicators presented in the table are the established norm for the development of follicles on the days of the cycle, but it is not in vain that the gynecologist, in order to prescribe contraceptives or determine “safe” days of the cycle, checks the size data for the girl individually, because the rate of maturation and growth of the egg in the follicular cocoon depends on her heredity , the work of the endocrine system, the level of stress and even weight.
Why does the follicle not grow
The lack of growth and development of follicles is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Deviation from the norm of development of follicular tissue may appear due to:
- disturbances in the work of the pituitary and hypothalamus;
- dysfunction or underdevelopment of the ovaries;
- the appearance of cysts in the ovaries or the presence of multifolliculosis;
- inflammatory or infectious processes in the organs of the reproductive system;
- hormonal imbalance;
- the appearance of cancerous neoplasms in the mammary glands, pituitary gland or ovaries;
- frequent stressful effects on the body, severe depression;
- dramatic weight loss, BMI below 17.5;
- early menopause.
It’s worth starting with a hormonal imbalance, which becomes the main reason for stopping the growth of follicles in the ovary. With tumors or dysfunction of the pituitary gland in the body of a girl, there is a lack of the hormone FSH, and the regulation of the release of active substances by the ovaries and thyroid gland is also disrupted. The same effect of inhibiting the development of follicles is observed with underdevelopment or poor functioning of the ovaries.
If a girl has too low weight or there are infections of the reproductive system, the body “understands” that she will not be able to bear the child, so there is no need for ovulation and follicle growth. After STD treatment or weight gain, the follicular growth cycle usually returns to normal.
During stressful periods or prolonged depression, the girl's adrenal glands secrete more than the norm of the stress hormone - cortisol, which increases the risk of miscarriage of the fetus, so follicles will not develop in such an environment. Restoring their growth in such a situation is not so easy, it can take several months until the hormonal background stabilizes.
The growth of follicles continues from the beginning of the menstrual cycle until ovulation. First, several epithelial cocoons develop, but already on the 8-9th day, one dominant one is released, and the rest stop growing. The growth of follicular tissue lasts until ovulation, during which it ruptures and releases a mature egg. But with various disorders in the body, the follicular cycle can be suspended.
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Follicles in the ovaries - the number is normal. Dominant follicle and how maturation occurs in the ovaries
The female body is arranged in such a way that the birth of a new life depends on the number and quality of these small follicular elements in which the egg matures. Expectant mothers should know what processes are going on in their reproductive organs in order to contact a gynecologist in a timely manner in case of violations.
What are follicles
The process of the origin of human life begins with the fertilization of the egg. What are follicles? These are the elements that protect her, the place where she matures until the moment of ovulation. The egg is correctly surrounded by a layer of epithelium, a double layer of connective tissue. The probability of pregnancy and bearing a child depends on good protection. On ultrasound, it looks like a round formation. The second function of the elements is the production of the hormone estrogen.
Follicles on the ovaries go through their monthly cycle of evolution:
- several small pieces begin to form;
- one - antral - begins to increase in size;
- the rest decrease and die off - atresia occurs;
- the largest - dominant - continues to grow;
- under the influence of hormones, it breaks through, ovulation occurs;
- the egg enters the fallopian tubes;
- during sexual intercourse at the time of the meeting with the sperm, fertilization occurs;
- if this does not happen, during menstruation, the egg leaves the uterus together with the epithelium.
What is a dominant follicle
By the middle of the menstrual cycle, the follicular unit approaches the main stage of its activity. What is a dominant follicle? This is the largest and most mature element, guarding the egg, which is more ready for fertilization. Before ovulation, it can grow up to 2 centimeters, often located in the right ovary.
In a mature state, under the influence of hormones, it breaks off - ovulation. The egg rushes to the fallopian tubes. If the maturation of the dominant element does not occur, ovulation does not occur. The reasons for this state are violations of formation.
Persistent ovarian follicle - what is it
Due to hormonal changes that begin in adolescence, during menopause, a violation of the activity of the follicular aggregate is permissible - persistence. This will be able to cause a delay in menstruation, bleeding. Persistent ovarian follicle - what is it? The situation means that the defensive element:
- matured;
- reached a dominant state;
- its break did not appear;
- the egg did not come out;
- fertilization did not follow;
- pregnancy did not take place.
With this arrangement, persistence occurs - the reverse formation of the follicular formation, with the subsequent formation of events from it, the formation of a cyst is permissible. In order for the formation to burst, treatment with progesterone is prescribed in gynecology. What happens during persistence? The following process progresses:
- hormones continue to be produced;
- thickening of the endometrial mucosa occurs;
- the uterus is compressed;
- the endometrium begins to shed;
- bleeding occurs.
Primordial follicle
The reserve of eggs for the whole life of a woman is laid in the womb, it is called the ovarian reserve. The primordial follicle is the primary stage in the formation of a protective element. The rudiments of germ cells - oogonia - are located on the periphery of the inner surface of the ovary, have dimensions that are not visible to the eye. They are protected by a layer of granulosa cells and are at rest.
This continues until the girl's puberty - the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The course of this period is characterized by:
- the formation of follicle-stimulating hormone;
- under its influence, the growth of the nucleus of the egg - the oocyte;
- maturation of 2 layers of the outer protective shell;
- monthly formation of several follicular elements that protect the egg.
Antral follicles
At a further, secondary stage, the follicles in the ovaries continue their formation. Approximately on the seventh day of the cycle, there is an increase in the number of cells that produce follicular fluid. Structural processes of the structure take place:
- antral follicles start producing estrogen on day 8;
- theca cells of the outer layer synthesize androgens - testosterone, androstenedione;
- the cavity containing the follicular fluid increases;
- The epithelium differentiates and becomes two-layered.
Preovulatory follicle - what is it
At the last, tertiary stage of maturation, the egg takes its place on a special hill, it is ready for fertilization. Preovulatory follicle - what is it? At the moment, it is called the Graaffian vial and is approximately completely filled with liquid. Its number has increased tenfold compared to the previous period. The day before ovulation, important metamorphoses begin to occur.
At this time, estrogen production increases, further:
- it stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation;
- the Graafian bubble forms a stigma on the wall - a protrusion;
- at this point there is a breakthrough - ovulation;
- after that, a corpus luteum is formed, which prevents the rejection of the endometrium due to the production of progesterone;
- after ovulation, it forms a pronounced network of vessels, helps the subsequent formation of the placenta.
Solitary follicles in the ovary
How many troubles happen because of the impossibility of conceiving a child. In some cases, ovarian impoverishment syndrome is monitored. A woman is not able to become pregnant, as their functioning stops. Single follicles in the ovary cannot develop to a typical size, the lack of ovulation is monitored, and an early menopause occurs. The reasons for this location may be:
- active sports;
- starvation diets;
- menopause;
- hormonal disorders;
- obesity.
The norm of follicles in the ovary
If there is an abnormal formation of the follicular aggregate, the woman undergoes a regular examination for ultrasound. Compare the real picture and the number of follicles in the norm. With deviations - increases or decreases - a pathology appears - the impossibility of conception, the woman begins to be treated. How many follicles should an ovary have? At reproductive age, it depends on the days of the cycle:
- on the sixth, seventh - from 6 to 10 pieces;
- from the eighth to the tenth - one dominant appears - the rest die off.
How many follicles should be for conception
In order for a woman to become pregnant, the full maturation of the egg is necessary. How many follicles should be for conception? At the stage before fertilization, you need to have one - a good dominant becoming. He must be ready to ovulate. If two such formations are found during an ultrasound examination, and they both undergo fertilization, twins will be born.
Follicle maturation
Folliculogenesis - the process of growth and maturation of the follicle under favorable conditions ends with ovulation and fertilization. Things don't always go well. In case of violations of formation, tracking and review using ultrasound is carried out. Starting from the 10th day of the cycle, the growth of the dominant element is monitored. If unhurried maturation is monitored, ovulation does not occur, treatment is prescribed. During the next cycle, the results are monitored. So it is allowed to increase the rate of maturation, to achieve the onset of a long-awaited pregnancy.
Follicle size by day of cycle
Every month during menstruation, there is a gradual growth of follicles by day. The following process is monitored:
- until the seventh day, the size of the bubble is in the range from 2 to 6 millimeters;
- starting from the eighth, there is an activation of the growth of the dominant formation up to 15 mm;
- the rest shrink and die;
- from 11 to 14 days of the cycle, daily income is monitored;
- the mature element can be up to 25 mm in size.
Many follicles in the ovary - what does it mean
Deviation from the norm in the direction of increase is considered a pathology. A huge number of follicles in the ovaries - more than 10 pieces are called multifollicular. Ultrasound monitors a huge number of small vesicles, which is called follicular ovaries or polyfollicularity. When their number increases several times, a diagnosis of polycystic disease is made.
This situation does not indicate the formation of a cyst, it is characterized by the presence of multiple follicular elements along the periphery. This can prevent the formation of a dominant formation, ovulation and conception. Such snags can be caused by stress or nervous disorders, they can quickly return to normal. Requires treatment location caused by:
- improper selection of oral contraceptives;
- endocrine snags;
- weight gain;
- drastic weight loss.
Few follicles in the ovaries
A woman cannot become pregnant, to find out the reasons she is prescribed an ultrasound scan. Such a search takes place during the antral phase of the activity of the follicular aggregate - on the seventh day of the menstruation cycle. When at the same time they discover that there are a few follicles in the ovaries, it is permissible that the situation was provoked by a decrease in the level of hormones. A review is carried out with the help of a vaginal sensor. If, during examination, the follicles in the ovaries are among:
- from 7 to 16 - there is a chance of conception;
- from 4 to 6 - the probability of getting pregnant is small;
- less than 4 - there is no chance of conception.
Two dominant follicles in one ovary
During the treatment of infertility with hormones, their concentration increases, instead of one, two dominant follicles mature in one ovary. It rarely happens on the left side. Those elements that were obliged to stop their formation under the influence of hormones begin to grow. Fertilization of 2 eggs can happen simultaneously or with a short time interval. This will lead to the birth of twins. If a woman had sex with different men in a short period of time, it is acceptable that children will have different fathers.
Why the follicle does not mature - reasons
Violation of the formation has a very important snag - it leads to infertility. Why is the follicle not growing? There can be many reasons for this:
- early onset menopause - normal or surgical;
- disruption of the ovaries;
- the presence of snags with ovulation;
- low estrogen production;
- endocrine disorders;
- inflammation in the pelvic organs;
- pituitary pathology.
Interruptions in maturation cause: stressful situations, the presence of depression, nervous overexertion. An important role is played by the state of the follicular component itself, it can:
- absent;
- have a stop at becoming;
- not reach the required dimensions;
- be late with maturation;
- not develop at all;
- linger with the moment of formation.
Learn more about ovulation.
Video: how the follicle grows
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Follicles in the ovaries: norm, quantity
Thanks to the follicles in the ovaries, a woman can become pregnant. This is possible only with the normal formation of their number. If there are deviations from the norm, there is a risk of developing cysts and even infertility. The reasons are different, so it is necessary to diagnose the first manifestations of violations in a timely manner and seek help from a specialist.
What are follicles
A follicle is a membrane for the maturation of eggs. As the egg grows and matures, the follicle also increases. This process takes the whole cycle. Follicles are needed to protect the eggs from various pathological influences.
The hormone estrogen has a direct effect on the growth of follicles. With its insufficient production, the follicle does not mature to the norm, and therefore ovulation does not occur. In such a situation, a woman will not be able to get pregnant.
When the egg is ready for conception, the follicle bursts, and it goes out into the abdominal cavity - this is ovulation, on which the success of conception depends.
How many follicles are in the ovary
In males, germ cells mature throughout life, but the female body is arranged differently. They have a maximum supply of follicles - it reaches 2 million, and the exact number is laid down at the genetic level even before the birth of a girl. The stock gradually expires, after which menopause occurs.
It turns out that the number of follicles is characterized by certain norms in accordance with the woman's age. Adolescent girls have approximately 300,000 follicles that are ready to produce cells.
To clarify the number of follicles (ovarian reserve) will allow ultrasound diagnostics of the appendages. The procedure is implemented using a vaginal sensor - this is how the doctor sees the exact number of small follicles with a diameter of 2 - 8 mm
- Normal condition: 16 - 30.
- Polycystic - more than 30.
- Lack of follicles, but pregnancy is not excluded: 7 - 16.
- Low probability of conception: 4 - 6.
- Possible infertility: less than 4.
Follicle sizes by day of the menstrual cycle
With the onset critical days there is an increase in the size of the follicles. Until the 7th day, it is 2 - 6 mm. After the 8th day, there is an active increase in the size of the dominant follicle - it reaches 15 mm in diameter. The rest slowly shrink and die. On the 11th - 14th day, follicles grow, and the volume of the mature element can reach up to 2.5 cm in diameter.
The number of follicles in the right and left ovaries may differ. But sometimes the dominant follicle is present both there and there. This is not a reason to panic - but a sign that after the release of the egg there are chances of conceiving twins. But this requires ovulation of both follicles at once.
Causes of violations of the normal state
Recognize the pathology of the follicles is possible only through ultrasound. Their number does not change at different phases of the cycle.
Exceeding the concentration of follicles indicates frequent stress, overwork, nervous breakdowns. But the condition is normalized after the first ovulation. Other reasons for an increase or decrease in the number of follicles include:
- taking oral contraceptives that were chosen incorrectly;
- violation of the thyroid gland;
- excess of the hormone prolactin;
- disturbances in the work of the endocrine system.
The exact cause of the pathological condition can be found out only after an examination by a gynecologist and the implementation of a number of diagnostic measures. There are two states of follicle development:
- The norm is when only 1 dominant follicle is allocated.
- Pathology - the dominant follicle is not formed, and therefore the egg does not mature, there is no possibility of fertilization.
Absence of follicles
If there are no follicles in the ovaries at all, this indicates the development of early menopause or ovarian dysfunction. The doctor, as a rule, prescribes hormonal treatment. To suspect a problem, a woman should count the duration of her menstrual cycle. If the cycle is not within the limits of 21 - 35 weeks - this should be the reason for an urgent appeal to a specialist.
If many follicles mature during ovulation, this phenomenon is called multifollicular ovaries. This feature can affect the ability to get pregnant, but this does not mean that the woman is infertile. If there are few follicles, this is a symptom of a malfunction of the hormonal system of the body.
Over a lifetime, the ovaries produce a limited number of follicles. In this connection, an increase or decrease in the norm is considered a violation that can lead to infertility. If you have a menstrual cycle, be sure to consult a doctor.
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2018 Women's Health Blog.
If a woman has a lot of ovarian follicles, this indicates not only hormonal imbalance, menstrual irregularities, neoplasms, but also possible infertility. The reasons this phenomenon may be harmless or serious.
Inside the follicles ("sacs", "vesicles") are immature eggs. At ovulation, the egg leaves the dominant follicle, which makes fertilization possible. Thus, the "bubbles" protect the reproductive material from external negative influences and keep it up to a certain point. AT different periods cycle, the number of these formations in the appendages is not the same. So, if multiple follicles are found in the ovaries 2-3 days after menstruation, then this is not a pathology. Ultimately, one of the "vesicles" becomes dominant, and an egg is released from it.
If there are more than 10 "bags" in one appendage, then this is a deviation from the norm, which is diagnosed during the procedure. The number of formations does not change throughout the cycle.
A large number of follicles in the ovaries is considered a pathology if a woman has:
- this condition is permanent;
- ovulation is absent or rare;
- the thyroid gland or pituitary gland does not work properly;
- there are sharp fluctuations in weight;
- have menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea or irregular menstruation);
- pregnancy does not occur after 6-12 months, despite regular intercourse without contraception, subject to the reproductive health of the partner.
Temporary causes of a large number of follicles
Multiple follicles in the ovaries do not always indicate a disease. Sometimes this phenomenon is due to constant stressful situations, prolonged mental work, emotional overstrain. In these cases, the number of "vesicles" often returns to normal after the next ovulation.
Reasons for deviations can be:
- use of unsuitable oral contraceptives;
- improper functioning of the thyroid gland;
- puberty;
- genetic predisposition (if PCOS does not develop at the same time);
- increased production of prolactin, including during breastfeeding;
- rapid weight loss or sudden weight gain;
- metabolic disorders.
Pathological causes of multiple follicles
If there are a lot of "bubbles" in the appendages, then we are talking about. Sometimes a woman is diagnosed with follicular ovaries. The gynecologist may suspect a pathology during the examination. It is confirmed by ultrasound.
It is not worth ignoring the detected problem, because it is not always due to harmless reasons. Only a gynecologist will be able to conduct a thorough diagnosis, explain what it means when there are many follicles in the ovary and prescribe treatment. Sometimes a large number of "vesicles" in the appendages means that the woman has (PCOS), which is often preceded by multifollicularity.
PCOS is accompanied by hormonal imbalances and other symptoms (acne, irregular or absent periods, male-type obesity, etc.). Since ovulation does not occur with this disease or occurs extremely rarely, the woman is diagnosed with infertility.
PCOS causes severe menstrual irregularities. When the normal amount of male sex hormones is exceeded, the dominant follicle is usually absent. Hormonal imbalance leads to the formation of many small cysts, ovaries in the appendages, the absence of ovulation, and the inability to conceive a child.
Scar from laparotomy
How to treat many follicles in the ovaries
A temporary increase in the number of "vesicles" in the appendages, which is due to stress, a sudden change in weight, etc. usually does not need specific therapy. When the factors that provoked the development of abnormalities are eliminated, the reproductive function of a woman is normalized. If necessary, the patient is recommended consultations of narrow specialists.
If a woman suffering from PCOS does not plan pregnancy, then oral contraceptives are prescribed to her, if they are canceled, sudden ovulation is possible. Treatment of pathology is diet. Diet normalization and proper nutrition allows you to cope with excess weight, since a large body weight exacerbates hormonal imbalances. A patient who wants to conceive a child is indicated for hormonal or laparoscopy (rarely, in severe cases — ).
Thus, the reasons for the many follicles in the ovaries are different. If they are pathological in nature, then you need to contact a gynecologist and undergo a detailed examination. With multifollicularity, a woman can conceive and bear a child.
Reading 5 min.
In the body of a woman, complex processes are constantly repeated that help the birth of a new life in her. The egg grows inside a special capsule that protects the organ from negative external influences. The development of the follicle helps to understand whether successful fertilization can occur, what changes await the hormonal background and prevent the occurrence of possible diseases.
The concept of the follicle
Follicles are small sacs that contain immature eggs. Each woman has her own supply of the latter, which is laid down at the stage of the embryo's conception. This happens around the sixth week. The development of follicles in the ovaries is completed at the time of the birth of a person. According to scientific research, the number of such bags sometimes reaches 500 thousand. All of them will play their role for 35 years, because that is how long the reproductive period usually lasts. If they did not have time to ripen, then death awaits them.
The so-called sacs are present in the body for the purpose of performing two functions:
- estrogen production;
- damage protection.
follicle maturation process
In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the hormone that stimulates the development of follicles (FSH) is active in the body. Under its influence, their increase begins. Over time, the volume of fluid in the capsule is constantly growing, and its walls are prone to stretching. On the day of the onset of possible fertilization, the latter bursts, and the formed one moves into the uterine tube, where it can actively interact with the spermatozoon.
At full maturity, in each cycle, the follicle matures, but only one. As for the rest, they are engaged in the production of estrogen, which is responsible for the endometrium. In most cases, it is the dominant follicle that matures.
The fluid present in it contains salts, proteins and other compounds that help the egg grow.
In medical practice, there are three main types of follicles:
- dominant (main). It is he who stretches on the day of the possible onset of pregnancy. Rarely do two appear at once. If this happens, then there is a chance of twins being born.
- persistent. Doctors begin to talk about its formation if the capsule has not burst, and the egg has died inside it. Then there is an anovulatory cycle.
- antral. It grows at the beginning of the cycle under the influence of FSH. One of them with development passes into the category of the main ones, and the rest die.
The maturation of the follicle is a very complex process from a biological point of view. It is influenced by many factors. When the menstrual cycle is regular, around day 7, an ultrasound will show the size of a follicle measuring a few millimeters. If further studies are carried out, then the growth trend of the shell will be monitored.
There is an increase of about 2 mm per day. The maximum size can reach 20 mm. When it comes to high rates, it is worth waiting for the rupture of the follicle into ovulation. It is often accompanied by the following sensations:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- the presence of mucous membranes;
- an increase in LH in the blood.
Most optimal size follicle for leaving the egg and the onset of ovulation - 20-24 mm.
If the follicle is not mature
Today, the problem of infertility is quite common. The reason for unsuccessful conception is often an unripe shell with an egg. The doctor will help solve this problem. It's usually about:
- ovarian dysfunction;
- the presence of a tumor;
- frequent stress;
- improper functioning of the endocrine system;
- early menopause.
Delayed or premature formation of an egg is also considered a deviation. An additional examination will help to identify the problem.
What happens after ovulation
After the end of this phase, the production of the important hormone progesterone begins. The latter contributes to the preparation for the arrival of the fertilized cell. The empty shell, in turn, begins to contract. If conception has not occurred, the level of progesterone and estrogen decreases markedly. In this case, the mucous membrane of the uterus exfoliates. This situation indicates the beginning of a new cycle.
What to do if maturation has occurred, but there is no ovulation?
To understand how the follicle bursts, it is necessary to observe what happens earlier. It happens that nothing comes out of the capsule. Then there is the possibility of the existence of a follicular cyst. The reasons for its formation are as follows:
- oversaturation of the body with estrogen;
- gynecological diseases;
- constant change of sexual partners;
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- unbalanced diet, including debilitating diets;
- abortions;
- stress.
Sometimes, in order for the egg to be released, it is enough to rest and include healthy foods in your diet. To maintain a balanced amount of hormones, medications are prescribed. In particular, in the second half of the cycle, doctors prescribe progesterone. By the way, it is not canceled in case of successful fertilization.
According to doctors, the growth of the follicle can already be considered good news. However, for the egg to be released, the space must be helped to open. There are specific mechanisms for this. Sometimes you have to resort to the use of medications.
Ultrasound monitoring
This method of analysis is called folliculometry. It helps to track changes in dynamics.
Positive aspects of this method:
- it becomes possible to assess the condition of the uterus as a whole;
- you can track the growth of the sacs;
- potential violations are identified.
By the way, if an ultrasound is performed by an unqualified specialist, it does not make sense to use this method. A computer study does not help to assess the patency of the pipes.
If a woman has a 28-day cycle, then the first ultrasound can be done on day 8, when the bleeding. Further, it is recommended to repeat the study in a couple of days. The next visit to the hospital is regulated by the doctor, based on the results of the previous examination.
It is worth noting that a clear visualization of 15 mm dots on the screen does not indicate the exact onset of ovulation. Also, this will not be confirmed by a single ultrasound.
conclusions
The development of the follicle helps determine if everything is normal with fertility. Violation of this process indicates the presence of failures in the normal functioning of the female body. When the development of one follicle has occurred, and the capsule has not ruptured, this is the wire to contact a specialist.
