antral follicle count
Pronunciation: AN-trul FOL-ih-kul kownt
Ultrasound measurement of small ovarian follicles to assess egg reserve. A standard component of fertility evaluation.
Full Definition
Antral follicle count (AFC) is a transvaginal ultrasound assessment of the number of small follicles (2-10mm in diameter) present in both ovaries during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. These antral follicles represent the cohort of follicles available for recruitment during ovarian stimulation and serve as a marker of ovarian reserve. AFC is typically performed on cycle days 2-5 when estrogen levels are low and follicle development is minimal. Normal AFC values vary by age but generally range from 6-10 total follicles in women over 35 to 15-30 in younger women. AFC, combined with other ovarian reserve markers, helps predict response to ovarian stimulation, guide medication dosing, and counsel patients about treatment success rates.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as AFC; specify that count includes both ovaries unless otherwise noted.
In Context
- "Antral follicle count of 4 suggests diminished ovarian reserve requiring aggressive stimulation protocols." — Ultrasound assessment report
- "The patient's antral follicle count was consistent with her age-expected ovarian reserve." — Fertility evaluation summary