Ultrasound IrelandMedical & Maternity Ultrasound Centers
Fertility Monitoring

Follicle Tracking Scansin Dublin

Monitor follicle growth throughout your menstrual cycle to help estimate when ovulation may occur. Track development at key cycle days to inform timing for natural conception or fertility treatment.

First Scan:€170|Medical Card:€150|Follow-up:€125

What Is a Follicle Tracking Scan?

A follicle tracking scan measures the size of active follicles in your ovaries. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs that contain eggs — by measuring their size, we can estimate when ovulation is likely to occur.

This scan helps inform the timing of intercourse or fertility procedures. While timing is one factor in conception, success also depends on egg quality, sperm parameters, uterine health, and other individual factors.

What We Assess

During this scan we will examine:

  • Follicle size and numbermeasuring any growing follicles in both ovaries
  • Uterussize, shape, and position
  • Endometriumthickness and appearance of the womb lining
  • Right and left ovariesoverall appearance and any abnormalities
  • Fibroids or polypschecking for any that may affect embryo implantation

What the measurements tell us:

When follicles reach a certain size (typically 18-24mm), ovulation may be approaching. By tracking growth over several days, we can help estimate your likely fertile window.

When to Have Your Scans

Follicle tracking typically requires three scans per menstrual cycle, timed at specific intervals:

These are guidelines only, please follow the advice of your GP/Fertility Care Provider.

Cycle DayPurpose
Day 3-5Baseline gynaecological scan — assess ovaries and endometrium; note any visible pathology such as a cyst
Day 9-11Monitor follicle development and measure growing follicles
Day 14-16Assess dominant follicle size, predict or confirm ovulation
Day 18 (if needed)Confirm ovulation has occurred

Day 1 is the first day of menstrual bleeding. These are general guidelines only.

Your first appointment includes a detailed gynaecological assessment. Subsequent scans focus specifically on the ovaries and endometrium and are offered at a reduced price.

What's Included

First Pelvic Scan

€170
  • Complete gynaecological ultrasound assessment
  • Uterus, endometrium, and both ovaries examined
  • Check for fibroids, polyps, or cysts
  • Follicle count and measurements
  • Sonographer impression on the day
  • Radiologist report (within 2-3 working days)
  • Images sent to you after the scan for sharing with your care provider

Follow-up Scans

€125
  • Focused assessment of ovaries and endometrium
  • Follicle size measurements
  • Sonographer impression on the day
  • Images sent to you after the scan for sharing with your care provider

Within 6 months of first scan

What to Expect

1

Before Your Scan

First complete scan:

Attend with a full bladder — drink 1 litre of water approximately 1 hour before your appointment. Finish drinking at least 20 minutes before scan time.

Follow-up scans:

Empty bladder required — these are performed transvaginally only.

Preparation checklist:

  • Full bladder for first scan (empty for follow-ups)
  • Know your cycle day (Day 1 = first day of bleeding)
  • Bring any instructions from your fertility clinic
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing
2

During the Scan

Follicle tracking scans are performed transvaginally for maximum accuracy.

A thin ultrasound probe, covered with a sterile sheath and lubricating gel, is gently inserted into the vagina. You may guide the probe yourself initially. The sonographer then captures images of your ovaries, measuring any growing follicles and assessing the endometrium.

For your first appointment, a transabdominal scan (on your abdomen) may also be performed before the internal scan.

Duration: 20-30 minutes for first appointment, 15-20 minutes for follow-ups

3

After Your Scan

First complete scan:

The sonographer will discuss the findings with you on the day and provide images. A Consultant Radiologist will review the detailed report, which will be sent to your GP or referring doctor within 2-3 working days.

Follow-up scans:

Results are available immediately after your appointment. The sonographer will explain your follicle measurements and what they indicate about your cycle timing.

You'll receive a digital copy of your report and images via email, which you can share directly with your gynaecologist or fertility specialist.

Understanding Your Results

Follicle size and ovulation:

  • Follicles grow approximately 1-2mm per day
  • A mature follicle ready to ovulate is typically 18-24mm
  • Once the dominant follicle reaches this size, ovulation typically occurs within approximately 24-36 hours

Endometrial thickness:

  • The endometrium thickens throughout the cycle
  • Optimal thickness for implantation is typically 7-14mm
  • We assess both thickness and appearance (trilaminar pattern indicates receptivity)

Why You Might Need This Scan

Common reasons for follicle tracking:

Natural conceptiontiming intercourse to coincide with ovulation
Fertility treatmentmonitoring response to ovulation induction medications
IUI preparationtiming insemination procedures
IVF monitoringtracking multiple follicle development
Irregular cyclesidentifying if and when ovulation occurs
Unexplained infertilityassessing follicle development and ovulation

Frequently Asked Questions

No. You can book directly without a referral. However, if you're attending a fertility clinic, they may provide instructions or a referral letter.
Typically 3 scans per cycle — a baseline scan around Day 3-5, then follow-up scans at 1-2 day intervals until ovulation is confirmed.
Transvaginal ultrasound provides much clearer, more accurate images of the ovaries and follicles than an abdominal scan. This accuracy is essential for reliable follicle measurements.
Most women find the scan only mildly uncomfortable. The probe is thin and inserted gently. You can ask to stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
Yes. We provide digital copies of your report and images via email, which you can forward to your fertility specialist immediately.
If your cycles are irregular, the timing of scans may need to be adjusted. Let us know your cycle history when booking so we can advise on the best timing.
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves (not radiation) and has been used safely for decades when used according to medical guidelines.

Pricing

Scan TypePrice
First Pelvic Scan€170
Medical Card Price€150
Follow-up Scans (within 6 months)€125

Note: Medical Card discount does not apply to follow-up scans.

Cancellation: We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Contact our friendly team today. Available 7 days a week.

Experienced sonographers specialising in gynaecological and fertility scans.