Mature Follicle Size for Conception: What You Need to Know

Question
Dear Dr,
i have got married for 1 year and 4 months, but i could not conceive for a baby, then i visited to the Dr and took a Day 12 ultra sound scanning. from that scan my mature follicle size was 17mm.after that i went through for Day14 TVS and on that day there was no mature follicle. so it mean was i ovulate at the Day13? did the size of this follicle is enough to conceive? what is the normal size of mature follicle to conceive? what is the reason for the immaturity of the egg?

thank you very much & looking hear from you soon.

Answer
Hello Jegathjanani from Sri Lanka,

Most likely the follicle that was seen on day # 12 ovulated on day # 13 as you suspected.  The usual size of an ovulatory follicle is 18 mm - 24mms.  Your was a little early, but probably reached the minimum size by ovulation.  Follicles usually grow 2 mms per day, but can grow faster or slower.  It is likely that you follicle was 19-20 mms at the time of ovulation.  In natural cycles, the follicle cannot ovulate unless the egg within it is mature.  An immature egg will not ovulate.

Good Luck,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf, and follow me on Facebook at http://bit.ly/9Iw9oV