What Does
Antral Follicle Count (AFC) Mean?
Antral follicle count (AFC) is an ultrasound test that evaluates the number of viable eggs remaining in ovaries in order to estimate future response to fertility treatments.
Antral follicle count is also known as ovarian reserve testing or resting follicle count.
FertilitySmarts Explains Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
At the time of birth, a female’s body contains all of the eggs she will have throughout life. As a woman ages, the eggs in a woman’s body start to decline in quantity as well as quality.
Antral Follicles
The number of remaining eggs in a woman’s body is determined by examining the number of antral follicles remaining in her ovaries. An antral follicle is a fluid-filled pouch that harbors an immature egg. The number of follicles remaining indicates the AFC count.
AFC does not evaluate the quality of remaining eggs nor can it predict the ability to become pregnant spontaneously
Who is it for?
By the age of 35, if a woman does not become pregnant after six months of well-timed, unprotected intercourse, she may be referred for ovarian reserve testing.
Additionally, women who are at risk for diminished ovarian reserve, such as those with certain illnesses or a history of past cancer treatments, may also be tested regardless of age.
Does Not Predict Precise Fertility Potential
AFC cannot determine precise fertility potential. However, it can indicate the potential response of certain fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ovarian induction medications.