Follicle Tracking Scan London

Natural Ovulation Tracking - Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan

Follicle Tracking Scan London

Follicle tracking ultrasound is a precise and non-invasive way to monitor the development of ovarian follicles and identify the most fertile days of the menstrual cycle.

At International Ultrasound Services in London, the scans are carried out by experienced consultant sonographers and radiologists who can work closely with fertility specialists.

Whether you are preparing for natural conception, undergoing assisted reproduction such as IVF or IUI, or following an ovulation induction protocol, this scan provides accurate and timely information to guide your next steps.

Appointments are available on the same day, including evenings and weekends, with instant results sent directly to you and your fertility clinic.

Key Features of the Follicle Scan

  • Fertility assessment Scan
  • Assess Endometrial Thickness and lining
  • Assess Follicular growth and Ovulation
  • Assess uterus and endometrium
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan
  • No GP referral is required
  • Same time results to take away
  • Fully qualified, experienced NHS sonographers
  • No preparation is required.
  • Same-day appointments are usually available.
  • Price: Only £159
  • Book Online or over the phone
Follicle Tracking Ultrasound Appointments

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A woman is having a follicular tracking scan in London

What is a Follicle Tracking Scan?

A follicle tracking scan is an ultrasound examination that measures the size and number of developing follicles in the ovaries. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs containing eggs. By tracking their growth over several days, it is possible to predict the timing of ovulation with high accuracy.

The scan also assesses the thickness and appearance of the endometrial lining, which is the layer of the uterus where implantation occurs.

A receptive lining combined with a mature follicle indicates an optimal window for conception.

Most follicle tracking is performed with a transvaginal ultrasound probe. This allows a detailed view of the ovaries and uterus. In some cases, an abdominal approach is used as well, especially in early cycle scans or where patient preference requires it.

Who Needs a Follicle Tracking Ultrasound?

Follicle tracking is recommended for anyone who needs accurate ovulation monitoring. This includes:

  • Individuals and couples trying to conceive naturally but wishing to maximise their chances by timing intercourse precisely.
  • Women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI), where insemination must be timed to ovulation.
  • Patients in IVF cycles, where careful monitoring is essential to schedule egg collection.
  • Those on ovulation induction medication such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole, where the ovarian response to medication must be measured.

Women with irregular cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or anovulation who require help determining fertile days.

Anyone whose fertility specialist has requested follicle tracking as part of a treatment protocol.

For fertility treatments, clinics often provide a monitoring plan, and International Ultrasound Services follows those instructions precisely to deliver the required measurements.

How the Follicle Tracking Process Works

Timing of the Scan

Follicle tracking is cycle-dependent. The first scan is usually performed early in the menstrual cycle, around day 9–10 for a typical 28-day cycle. This provides a baseline to assess follicle size and endometrial thickness. Follow-up scans are then scheduled every few days until ovulation is expected.

For medicated cycles, the timing may vary depending on your prescription and your fertility specialist’s protocol. Some cycles require daily monitoring towards the end to avoid missing the ovulation window.

What Happens During the Scan

On arrival, you will be greeted by the clinic team and shown to a private ultrasound room. The sonographer will explain the procedure and confirm your cycle day and any relevant treatment details.

Most scans are carried out transvaginally. This involves placing a covered and lubricated ultrasound probe a short distance into the vagina. The scan is painless for most patients and takes only a few minutes. The probe produces high-resolution images of the ovaries and uterus, allowing accurate measurements to be taken.

Where a transvaginal scan is not suitable, an abdominal approach will be used. For this, a small amount of gel is applied to the lower abdomen, and a transducer is moved gently over the skin.

Measurements Taken

The scan records:

  • The number of follicles in each ovary.

  • The size of each follicle in millimetres.

  • The thickness and pattern of the endometrial lining.

  • The presence of any dominant follicle or signs that ovulation has occurred.

Number of Visits Needed

Most patients require two or three scans in a single cycle, but some treatment cycles demand more frequent monitoring. The exact number will be discussed at your first appointment and adjusted according to your ovarian response.

Follicle Tracking vs. Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

It's common to wonder about the difference between these two important fertility scans. They answer two different, but related, questions:

  • Follicle Tracking (This Scan): A dynamic process over one cycle that answers the question: "When will I ovulate?"

  • Antral Follicle Count (AFC): A static one-off scan, performed on days 2-5 of your cycle, that answers the question: "What is my ovarian reserve (egg count)?"

While follicle tracking monitors your ovulation in real-time, an Antral Follicle Count (AFC) Scan provides a crucial snapshot of your overall fertility potential.

Why Choose International Ultrasound Services for Follicle Tracking in London

Patients choose International Ultrasound Services for several reasons:

  • Specialist expertise – scans are performed by consultant-level sonographers and radiologists with years of experience in reproductive ultrasound.

  • Fast access – same-day and weekend appointments are available, ensuring your treatment is never delayed.

  • Collaborative care – results are shared directly with your fertility clinic in the required format.

  • Comprehensive facilities – both transvaginal and abdominal scanning available in a private, comfortable setting.

  • Convenient location – easily accessible London clinic with excellent transport links.

Related Fertility Scans

International Ultrasound Services also offers:

Book Your Follicle Tracking Scan Online

Benefits of Follicle Tracking Ultrasound

  • Identifies the exact timing of ovulation for natural conception.

  • Enables fertility specialists to plan insemination or egg retrieval with precision.

  • Monitors response to ovulation induction medication, helping to adjust doses.

  • Reduces the need for repeated hormone blood tests.

  • Detects potential issues early, such as poor follicular growth or thin endometrial lining, so treatment can be adapted quickly.

How to Prepare for Your Scan

Preparation is straightforward. For most follicle tracking scans, a full bladder is not required, as the best view is achieved with a transvaginal approach.
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of, and bring any referral letters or treatment plans from your fertility clinic. If you are using fertility medication, bring a note of the drug name, dose, and start date.

Understanding Your Results

The results are available immediately after the scan. The sonographer will explain the findings in clear terms and show you the images if you wish.
You will receive a written report with all measurements, including:

  • Follicle sizes and number per ovary.

  • Endometrial thickness in millimetres.

  • Endometrial pattern (triple line, homogeneous, etc.).

  • Evidence of ovulation if applicable.

This report is emailed to you and, if requested, sent directly to your fertility specialist. This enables same-day treatment adjustments when needed.

Price of Follicle Tracking Ultrasound in London

A single follicle tracking scan at International Ultrasound Services is competitively priced at £159 and includes:

  • Full ultrasound examination.

  • Explanation of results on the day.

  • Written report with images.

  • Option to send results directly to your fertility clinic.

Package pricing is available for patients requiring multiple scans in the same cycle. 

Book Your Follicle Tracking Scan

You can book your appointment online or by phone. Same-day bookings are often available, which is particularly useful for time-sensitive fertility monitoring. The clinic’s team is used to working to strict treatment schedules and can accommodate urgent requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many follicle tracking scans will I need?
Most cycles require two to three scans, but IVF and some medicated cycles can need daily monitoring towards the end.

When is the best time to have the first follicle tracking scan?
For a natural cycle, the first scan is typically done around day 9–10, but your fertility specialist may adjust this based on your cycle length.

Is the scan painful?
The transvaginal scan is usually painless and takes only a few minutes. Some patients may feel mild pressure.

Can I have follicle tracking without a referral?
Yes, self-referrals are accepted. If you have a fertility specialist, results can be sent directly to them.

Other Ultrasound Scans for Women we offer:

We offer a large selection of ultrasound scans for women in London.

Fertility Health Insights