Antral follicle count (AFC)
An antral follicle count is a transvaginal ultrasound that counts the small resting follicles in your ovaries near the start of a cycle. Together with an AMH blood test, it estimates your ovarian reserve and helps a clinic predict how you are likely to respond to IVF stimulation. Like AMH, it measures egg quantity, not quality, and a low count does not mean you cannot conceive.
An antral follicle count (AFC) is a transvaginal ultrasound scan that counts the small, resting follicles visible in both ovaries, usually done early in your cycle, around day 2 to day 5. Each visible follicle holds an immature egg, so the count is a rough headcount of the eggs available to recruit that cycle.
What it can tell you
A higher count generally suggests a larger pool of eggs and often a stronger response to IVF stimulation medication, meaning more eggs collected at retrieval. A lower count suggests fewer eggs and usually a gentler response, which helps a clinic plan the starting dose. As a rough guide, a total count across both ovaries in the double digits is typical during the peak reproductive years, while a count in the single digits points toward a lower reserve.
| What it usually suggests | |
|---|---|
| Roughly 15 or more | A strong response is likely; higher doses are often not needed |
| Roughly 6 to 14 | A typical to moderate response |
| Below about 6 | A lower response is likely, though quality can still be good |
AFC and AMH are usually read together, since each has its own margin of error and they measure the same underlying reserve from different angles.
What it cannot tell you
How the scan works
The scan is quick, usually 10 to 15 minutes, and done the same way as a routine pelvic ultrasound, just timed to early in the cycle when the resting follicles are easiest to count and before any have started to grow. It requires no preparation and no sedation. A very high count, especially with irregular periods, can also point toward PCOS, which a doctor will usually explore alongside the result.
What to do with the result
AFC is most useful alongside your age, your AMH, and your overall goals, not read alone. If your count is lower than expected for your age, that is a reason to talk through timelines and options sooner, not a reason to worry in isolation. Our guide on when to seek help covers how this fits into a first assessment.
Related
Last updated .