Journey to Parenthood
One of the most anxiety filled examination in todays world is ‘follicular monitoring’ for wannabe parents, especially the lady. The desire to conceive, to hear the heartbeat of her baby and to finally hold one in her arms- is a long yet joyous journey.
One such special lady who had an earlier miscarriage was eagerly wanting to conceive. The previous miscarriage had shaken her but she did not want to give up the hope of raising a family. So after a few months of trying on their own, the folks were offered a chance to concieve with the aid of sonologically monitoring the ovulation. The first month was a simple baseline study. However amidst all hope there was premature ovulation of the growing follicle and it was in a sense a wasted cycle. Not one to give up she consulted a gynaecologist and along with folic acid she was put on DHEA as her AMH count was on the lower side.
I started monitoring her on day 2/3 of her cycle to assess her ovaries for cysts and the endometrial ling of her uterine cavity. Fortunately there were no cysts. She was called back on the 8th day. There was a dominant follicle in her right ovary. She was called every alternate day till day 14 of her cycle, to monitor the size of the dominant follicle and the endometrial lining. Fortunately and God willing the follicle had rupture ( ovulated). The follicular study was complete. But another wait started.
The past keeps haunting till you let it go. It takes a lot of endurance and perseverance to escape from the tight hold of a past event gone bad. The next three to four week period of anticipation and apprehension must have been gruelling for her.
She missed her period in the next cycle and she came in at around 6 weeks for a scan. The feeling is akin to that of when one has take an important exam in one s life and the result is eagerly awaited. Presto! There in her womb was a little life beating its heart. There were tears of joys, sigh of relief and a round of congratulations.
The second phase of the journey to mother and parenthood commenced.
WHAT IS FOLLICULAR MONITORING
It is simply tracking the size of an active (dominant) follicle in the ovaries that contains an egg.
It is useful for accurately predicting when ovulation might be expected to enhance the chance of fertilisation and conception.
HOW IS FOLLICULAR MONITORING DONE?
It is usually done via transvaginal route (TVS) from the 8th day of cycle. The follicle is monitored till it reaches 22-24mm diameter and till it is is subsequently released from the ovary.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
It aids a couple in planning the best possible time to get pregnant. It also aids in planning an assisted reproductive technique- IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertillization).