Discovering your fertility potential begins with understanding exactly what your body is capable of! An Antral Follicle Count (AFC) ultrasound provides one of the most valuable insights into your reproductive health. This simple, painless diagnostic procedure offers a window into your ovarian reserve by counting the small antral follicles present in your ovaries, providing crucial information about your egg quantity and helping to predict how you might respond to fertility treatments. For women considering family planning or experiencing difficulty conceiving, an AFC ultrasound serves as an essential first step toward creating a personalized fertility roadmap tailored specifically to your body’s unique needs.
At Chedid Grieco, we’re proud to offer comprehensive AFC ultrasound consultations in our Miami location. As one of only eight clinics outside the United States with a prestigious New York tissue license, our state-of-the-art facility combines advanced diagnostic capabilities with our team’s decades of reproductive medicine expertise. We believe that informed decisions start with accurate information, which is why we place such importance on thorough initial consultations and diagnostics like the AFC ultrasound to help guide your fertility journey.
What Is an Antral Follicle Count Ultrasound?
An Antral Follicle Count ultrasound is a specialized transvaginal ultrasound that allows our fertility specialists to visualize and count the small, fluid-filled sacs present in your ovaries. These antral follicles each contain an immature egg that could potentially develop and be released during ovulation. The number of these follicles provides valuable information about your ovarian reserve, essentially telling the fertility doctor how many eggs you have remaining.
The procedure is performed during the early follicular phase of your menstrual cycle, typically days two through five, when the antral follicles are most visible and before a dominant follicle begins to develop. During this time, all potential follicles for that cycle are of similar size, making them easier to identify and count accurately. This timing is crucial for obtaining the most reliable results.
How the AFC Ultrasound Is Performed
The AFC ultrasound procedure is quick, painless, and requires minimal preparation. When you arrive for your appointment at our Miami consultation office, we can discuss the approach and what it focuses on, which is both accuracy and your comfort.
The ultrasound is performed by our experienced technicians at our advanced facility using a specialized transvaginal ultrasound wand. This slender device is gently inserted into the vagina to obtain clear, detailed images of the ovaries. While this may sound uncomfortable, most women report minimal discomfort, similar to a routine gynecological exam. The entire procedure typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
During the ultrasound, the fertility specialists will:
You’ll be able to see the ultrasound images on a screen during the procedure, and our technician will explain what you’re seeing. We believe in making this process as informative and transparent as possible, answering any questions you have along the way to ensure you can move forward with full confidence.
How AFC Helps Guide Fertility Treatment Decisions
Your antral follicle count plays a significant role in determining which fertility treatments might be most appropriate for your family planning goals. This information helps us customize your treatment plan for optimal results.
Our fertility specialists will use your AFC results in conjunction with other fertility markers like anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and your comprehensive medical history to develop the most appropriate treatment strategy. This multi-faceted approach ensures we’re considering all aspects of your reproductive health.
What to Expect During Your AFC Consultation
Your AFC ultrasound consultation at our Miami office is comprehensive and designed to provide you with clear information about your reproductive health. The appointment typically includes several components beyond just the ultrasound itself.
Before the Ultrasound
Before the procedure, you’ll meet with one of our fertility specialists who will review your medical history and discuss your fertility goals. We’ll explain the AFC ultrasound process and answer any questions you may have about the procedure or what the results might mean.
After the Ultrasound
After the ultrasound is completed, you’ll have a follow-up discussion with your fertility specialist to review the findings. We’ll explain your follicle count, what it suggests about your ovarian reserve, and how it might influence your fertility treatment options. This is also when we might recommend additional testing if needed to complete your fertility assessment.
By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your reproductive health and a preliminary roadmap for your fertility journey. We believe in empowering you with knowledge so you can make confident decisions about your family-building plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antral Follicle Count Ultrasound
What is an antral follicle count ultrasound and why is it done?
An antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound is a transvaginal ultrasound performed during the early days of your menstrual cycle that counts the small follicles visible in both ovaries. Each follicle represents a potential egg for that cycle, so the total count gives our team a reliable estimate of your ovarian reserve. At Chedid Grieco, we use AFC results alongside AMH and FSH levels to build a complete picture of your fertility and determine which treatment approach is most likely to succeed for you.
Is the AFC ultrasound painful or uncomfortable?
Most patients report only minimal discomfort during an AFC ultrasound, comparable to a routine gynecological exam. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes and is performed by experienced technicians at our Miami consultation office using a slender transvaginal wand. We discuss the process with you before we begin and answer any questions you have, so you feel fully prepared and at ease throughout the appointment.
What does a low antral follicle count mean for my fertility treatment?
A lower AFC indicates diminished ovarian reserve, which means your ovaries may respond less robustly to standard stimulation protocols. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, our team uses it as a planning tool. We may recommend our innovative in vitro maturation (IVM) technique, which requires minimal or no ovarian stimulation, or we may discuss egg donation as a complementary path. Many patients with lower counts have gone on to achieve successful pregnancies at Chedid Grieco through individualized care plans that account for their specific situation.
How does the AFC result connect to my IVF or IVM treatment plan?
Your AFC directly informs how our team designs your stimulation protocol for IVF, or whether IVM is a better option for you. Patients with higher counts typically respond well to standard ovarian stimulation used in conventional IVF. For patients with lower counts, our IVM technique, which matures eggs in the laboratory rather than through hormone injections, can be a significant advantage because it reduces the physical and emotional burden of the injection phase. Our São Paulo laboratory is one of only eight facilities outside the United States with a New York tissue license, giving international patients the assurance that treatment meets the most rigorous standards.
Can I have an AFC consultation in Miami before traveling to Brazil for treatment?
Yes, and this is exactly how our patient journey is structured. Consultations, including the AFC ultrasound, are held at our Miami, FL office, allowing you to begin your fertility assessment close to home without an immediate international trip. Once your results are reviewed and a treatment plan is in place, treatments are conducted at our advanced laboratory in São Paulo, Brazil. Visit our fertility tourism page to learn how we support patients at every step of the journey from Miami to Brazil.
Schedule Your AFC Ultrasound Consultation Today
Taking the first step toward understanding your fertility potential can be both exciting and empowering. An Antral Follicle Count ultrasound at Chedid Grieco provides valuable insights that will help guide your fertility journey with clarity and confidence. As we approach our 30th year of practice in 2025, our female-led team continues to provide the highest standard of fertility care to patients from around the world.
With nearly 9,000 babies born through our customized treatment plans and boutique care approach, we combine extensive experience with cutting-edge technology to help you achieve your dream of parenthood. Our FDA and NYDH licensing ensures that you receive care that meets the most rigorous standards, while our decades of experience working successfully with patients from the United States provides the credibility and expertise you deserve. To schedule your AFC ultrasound consultation in Miami, call us at (305) 912-0050 or fill out our contact form. Remember that consultations are held in Miami, while treatments are conducted in Brazil with our fertility tourism program.