The female reproductive system is unique and inimitable. Despite such an insignificant size, she is responsible for the creation and birth of a new life. The reproductive system of a woman consists of several functional organs in which the maturation of the so-called "bubbles of life" - the follicle. They are laid in the girl's body when she is still in the womb. What are follicles, and what is their purpose?

What are follicles? This is one of the constituent parts of the appendages, where the maturation and preparation of eggs for fertilization takes place. The follicle consists of a layer of epithelial cells and a double layer of connective tissue.

The main function of these vesicles is to provide reliable protection of the egg from harmful effects that adversely affect its functionality. Being in such a protective shell, the egg goes through all the stages of maturation. And on how reliably protected the egg depends on its timely maturation and, accordingly, the possibility of pregnancy.

The reproductive system of girls develops in the womb, in fact, like the follicular apparatus itself. At this stage, a certain number of rudimentary vesicles are laid, some of which will die before puberty, while others will be in a state of a kind of sleep.

As mentioned earlier, some of the cells that are laid down in the body of girls do not have time to mature throughout the entire reproductive period of life. During the first 12 months, part of the follicles resolves - this process in medicine is called atresia. This phenomenon is due to the influence of maternal hormones on the body of a newborn child.

During the transitional period, the maturation of germ cells resumes, which is accompanied by the beginning of the first menstrual cycle.

Normal number of follicles

What are follicles in the ovaries of women, we figured it out. How many of them are incorporated in the female body?

Normally, from 50 to 200 thousand cells can be laid in the appendages. However, not all of them will be ready for conception.

Each month, antral follicles develop in the appendages. In the first few days after menstruation, their number can be 2-7 pieces. Closer to the middle of the cycle, there will already be 1 in the appendages, less often - 2, dominant follicles and 5 - smaller ones. And on the eve of ovulation, which occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, one or two dominant follicles mature, in which the egg is ready for fertilization. Other antral cells gradually regress.

Deviations from the norm: causes and dangers

An insufficient number of rudimentary cells, as well as their excess, is considered a pathological deviation. In the case when the number of antral follicles in the appendages exceeds 10 pieces, then such ovaries are called “multifollicular” in medicine. If during an ultrasound examination a huge number of small cells are observed in the ovaries, then we are most likely talking about a disease such as polycystic disease.

Regardless of in which appendage DF develops, it always goes through the following stages:

• the appearance of antral cells;
• development and growth;
• maturation of DF;
• the onset of ovulation is the release of DF from the ovary.

If all stages have passed without deviations, and the mature egg has left the vesicle, pregnancy is possible.

Persistent follicle

A follicular ovarian cyst is a common pathological abnormality in the work of a woman's reproductive system. The development of such a condition occurs in the case of the appearance of a "persistent" follicle.

Violations are observed when the dominant rudimentary cell, matured to the required state, for some reason ruptures in the ovary. In this case, the egg remains inside, there is no ovulation, and fluid begins to accumulate in the embryonic vesicle, which later turns into a neoplasm.

Most often, the appearance of a "persistent" cell is associated with hormonal imbalance: for example, in the case of an excess of testosterone. If such pathological condition in a woman's body occurs with noticeable regularity, it is more likely that infertility can be stated.

Therapy in the presence of such a problem involves the regulation of the hormonal background, which is achieved with the help of special preparations.

Absence of follicles

The absence of follicles is a deviation from normal indicators. Such a pathology may be due to the onset of early menopause or dysfunction of the appendages. As in any other case, hormone therapy is prescribed to restore the full functioning of the reproductive system.

The first thing that can indicate the presence of such a problem is the failure of the menstrual cycle. If for several cycles in a row there is no at least some kind of systematic, then it makes sense to contact a specialist.

Outcome

At the end of the post, let's recap:

1. A follicle is a cell that develops inside the ovaries. Its main function is to maintain the reliability of the development and maturation of the egg in it.
2. If the follicle does not mature, then ovulation will not take place and, accordingly, pregnancy is impossible.
3. The ovum, ready for fertilization, matures in DF, which surpasses its "brothers" in the rate of development and size. If it is not there for several cycles, then it makes sense to seek help from a doctor. We can talk about pathological abnormalities in the reproductive system.

Do you know anything about the features of these cells? Perhaps you have heard Interesting Facts about follicles?

Until the moment of birth, about half a million follicles are initially laid in the developing body of a girl.

But already upon reaching puberty, their number is reduced to forty thousand. Only 500 mature in a woman's ovaries during her lifetime.

Without their full development, the fair sex is not able to become pregnant.

The procedure for the formation of the components of the ovaries is called. It is quite complex and multi-layered. It all starts in the first phase of the menstrual cycle under the influence of estrogen. The functional balance of the reproductive system depends on the level of this hormone.

Thanks to hormones, new follicles are formed.

Maturation structural components accompanied by:

• pulling pains in the lower abdomen;
• irritability;
• excessive sensitivity;
• an increase in the volume of white mucous secretions from the genital tract.

Rectal temperature decreases before ovulation begins and gradually rises after the release of the egg.

Follicles are the structural components of the paired sex gland, having the shape of a bubble. They contain gametes (eggs) arranged in a ring of epithelial cells and two layers of connective tissue. From reliable protection egg cell depends on whether a woman can conceive and bear a child in the future.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

The functioning of all organs of the reproductive system depends on the cyclical changes that periodically occur in the body of a woman.

The process is usually divided into three phases:

1. follicular or menstrual;
2. ovulatory;
3. luteal or secretory.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

Smoothly flowing from one to another, the periods prepare a viable egg for fertilization, and in the future for bearing a healthy fetus.

Follicular

The onset of the phase coincides with the onset of menstruation, that is, with the first spotting. Its duration depends on physiology, age and lifestyle, and averages 11 days.

Separate parts of the brain: the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, start the work of the ovaries. Several follicles develop simultaneously in the appendages. In seven days, the structural components reach large sizes, but by this time only one viable one is determined -.

Menstrual cycle

It continues to grow under the action, and in the process of maturation increases by 2 mm per day. The mature follicle reaches twenty millimeters. It provides protection to the egg until ovulation.

Other follicles gradually disappear. However, when the hormonal system malfunctions, these bubbles remain and interfere with the full growth of the dominant component.

ovulatory

The shortest phase With an approximate duration of the menstrual cycle of 28 days, only three occur during ovulation. During this period, there is a luteal release, which is aimed at completing the process of formation of the dominant follicle.

At the same time, it activates other hormones, under the influence of which the wall of the vesicle containing the egg breaks. For a woman who is planning to become pregnant, this phase is a good opportunity to conceive a baby.

luteal

The last stage occurs after the release of the sex gamete. Basically, the phase lasts up to 16 days.

Instead of a ruptured follicle, a corpus luteum is formed - a temporary gland that produces progesterone.

At this stage, the hormone estrogen is actively produced, leading to the appearance of premenstrual syndrome. It is typical for him:

• swelling of the mammary glands;
• increased appetite;
• mood changes.

When conception occurs, the fertilized egg enters the uterine cavity, attaches to the endometrium and creates the placenta. If this does not happen, then the corpus luteum dies off, and the sex gamete, together with the mucous membrane and blood, is excreted from the body. In this case, a decrease in the level of hormones is observed.

All indicators are restored after menstruation.

Ultrasound monitoring of follicle maturation

Reproductive system failures occur in women different ages. Therefore, when conception does not occur for a long time, the gynecologist writes out a referral for folliculometry. Ultrasound helps to determine:

• date of ovulation;
• growth and maturation of follicles;
• whether a dominant one develops among them.

Definition of ovulation on ultrasound

Reveals the destructive conditions of the female genital organs, including:

Doctors check the formation that regulates the production of progesterone needed for normal course pregnancy. In addition, during the examination, the condition of the endometrium, the internal mucous membrane of the uterus, is assessed. Ultrasound will also determine the auspicious day for conception and the possible gender of the child.

Indications for research

• non-pregnancy during an active sexual life for a year;
• a large gap between the regulations;
• artificial infusion of sperm into the uterus;
• IVF planning;
• stimulation of ovulation;
• scanty or irregular periods;
• underdeveloped uterus (hypoplasia).

Training

At constant monthly cycle women, the study is carried out on the eighth to tenth day from the beginning of the regulation.

If the cycle is unstable, then it is advisable to perform the procedure starting from the third day after the end of menstruation.

To do this, products that cause increased gas formation are excluded from the diet: legumes, cabbage, onions, carbonated drinks. Do not eat too salty, sweet or spicy foods, as well as marinades.

On the eve of the diagnosis, you can drink a laxative prescribed by a gynecologist. Before the procedure itself, it is recommended to take a shower or wash the genitals.

How is it carried out

Surveys are carried out in two ways:

1. Transabdominally - through the abdominal wall.
2. Transvaginally - the transducer is inserted directly into the vagina.

In the first method, you should drink one and a half liters of water 45-50 minutes before the start of the procedure.

The second involves the reverse action - emptying Bladder. For the accuracy of the result, it is possible to use two methods in turn.

When

Ultrasound monitoring is carried out in stages, on certain days, since a single examination will not give a specific picture of changes in the female body.

On initial examination, several 5-9 mm follicles are found in the ovaries. The second time, three days later, the doctor's task is to identify the dominant one, which is larger than the others and reaches one centimeter. If in this phase it is not possible to determine it, then the examination can be stopped, since, most likely, the woman will need to stimulate ovulation.

Follicle size 15 mm

During the third ultrasound, two days later, the size of the follicle is already about 23 millimeters in diameter, and the endometrium has a three-layer structure with a total thickness of approximately 11 mm. If this does not happen, then perhaps the fertilized egg will not linger in the uterus and pregnancy will not occur. The next study should reveal the release of a mature gamete from the ovary and changes in the inner mucous layer of the uterus.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ultrasound monitoring is much more effective than the calendar method or measuring basal temperature, as it gives the most accurate idea of ​​the monthly cycles that occur in the female body.

However, this method is very time consuming, because the patient has to make an examination 4-5 times during the menstrual cycle.

In addition, to clarify the result, the procedure should be repeated during the next cycle of menstruation.

According to the procedures, violations in folliculogenesis, if any, are detected. It also sets the exact date of ovulation, which is needed to determine the period of time suitable for conception.

How many follicles should mature?

Normally, about ten follicles develop in a woman's body every month. But only one becomes dominant. If several have formed at once, then the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy is high.

Why don't follicles mature?

Failures in the process of ovulation are a common cause of infertility, which is preceded by various physiological and pathological factors in the body. Among them:

• damage to the inflammatory or infectious nature of the pelvic organs;
• tumors of various origins and impaired microcirculation in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
• destructive conditions of the ovaries caused by surgery, inflammation, trauma;
• constant stress, depression;
• overweight;
• excessive physical activity;
• early .

The maturation of the follicle in the ovary is a regular multi-stage process, depending on many reasons. In order for conception to occur at the planned time, deviations that interfere with fertilization must be detected in a timely manner. For this, it is carried out ultrasound procedure, which helps to track folliculogenesis in each of its stages in order to identify pathologies.

To get pregnant quickly and easily, female organs should run like clockwork. Follicles in the ovaries (they are also called Graafian vesicles) are the main link in the chain of the birth of a new life. Their important task is to maintain the integrity of the egg during its development and maturation. It is from these “vesicles” that female cells ready for fertilization come out. In addition, follicular elements help produce the female hormone estrogen.

The reproductive system of a woman begins its development in utero. From this age until the onset of puberty, a certain number of follicles are formed, the number of which will vary depending on the stage of the cycle.

What it is

To understand what follicles are, you need to know the structural features of the female organs.

Graafian vesicles are located in the ovaries, the function of which is to produce sex hormones. Inside each follicular element is an egg. As you know, it is thanks to her that conception occurs.

The follicle "protects" the egg from damage with the help of several layers: epithelial cells and connective tissue. This structure allows the egg to develop without damage before ovulation.

Monthly changes are observed in the structure, size and number of follicles. Consider how Graaffian vesicles are involved in the process of conception.

• Several small "vesicles" begin their development in the ovaries;
• One of them (dominant) begins to grow rapidly;
• All the remaining elements, on the contrary, become smaller and die after a short time;
• At this time, the most "strong" follicle continues to grow;
• A hormonal surge provokes a rupture of the follicle;
• Ovulation occurs;
• A mature egg enters the uterine tubes.

• If during the ovulation period the egg meets the sperm, fertilization will occur, that is, conception;
• If the fateful meeting does not happen, the egg will leave the uterus along with dead particles of the epithelium.

Stages of development

Follicles are born in the ovaries of the girl in utero - even when she grows in her mother's stomach. Active development occurs during the puberty of the girl, and ends with the onset of menopause. The closer a woman approaches the turn of menopause, the faster the natural process of depletion of elements occurs.

Let us consider the main stages of the evolution of Graaffian bubbles in order to better understand the specifics of their “work”.

1. primordial stage. Follicles of this type begin to form in girls as early as the 6th week of pregnancy. And by the time of her birth, the ovaries contain about 1-2 million follicular elements. At the same time, they do not receive further development, waiting for puberty. By this time, their number is significantly reduced. This reserve is called ovarian reserve. During this period, the egg is just beginning its maturation in the epithelium of the follicle. Additional protection is provided by two shells consisting of connective tissue. With each cycle (after puberty) the development of numerous primordial follicles begins, which gradually increase in size.
2. preantral stage. The maturation of the follicles is accelerated as the pituitary gland begins to produce follicle-stimulating hormone. Immature eggs are covered with a membrane. At the same time, estrogen synthesis begins in epithelial cells.
3. Antral stage. The "injection" into the cell space of a special fluid, which is called follicular, begins. It already contains the necessary estrogen for the body.
4. preovulatory stage. From the follicular mass begins to stand out "leader": the follicle, which is called dominant. It is he who contains the most follicular fluid, which by the end of its maturation increases a hundred times. At the same time, the level of estrogen reaches its maximum values.

Inside the dominant, the maturing egg moves to the oviduct. And the rest of the follicular elements die.

Follicles on ultrasound

In order to track the correct development and growth of follicular elements, ultrasound diagnostics is used.

Only certain days are suitable for research. After all, it is impossible to determine the presence of elements all week from the beginning of critical days.

On the 8th-9th day of the cycle, the development of small “bubbles” can be clearly seen on the monitor screen.

This is what antral follicles look like on ultrasound

The study allows you to determine the maturation of the dominant follicle, which most often develops in only one ovary. However, it is not uncommon for two dominants to mature, both in the right and in the left ovary. In this case, the chances are also high that a woman will be able to conceive safely. Moreover, most likely, her joy will be double: two children will be born.

The leader is recognized on ultrasound by a round shape and an increased size - a mature “bubble” reaches 20-24 mm.

Normal quantity

During the entire childbearing age of women, their ovaries synthesize a specific number of follicles. How many of them will be exactly depends on the characteristics of the woman's body. However, there are certain standards by which the correctness of the process is determined. If diagnostic studies on ultrasound revealed any deviations from normal values, we can talk about follicular disorders. They must be treated.

How many follicles should a healthy woman have in her ovaries? These figures will differ dramatically depending on the stage of development of the elements.

• 2-5 days after the start of the cycle - 11-25 pieces;
• From the eighth day, the gradual death of the elements should be traced, and only one "bubble" continues to increase in size;
• By the 10th day of the cycle, the norm is one clear “leader”, the remaining elements become smaller.

Deviations from the norm

Let's consider what deviations from normal indicators exist and what it is connected with.

Increased amount

It happens that the number of follicles is too high, but they are of normal size (2-8 mm). Such ovaries are called multifollicular. However, this is not always a pathology, sometimes it is a variant of the physiological norm, but which still requires the supervision of a doctor.

If the follicles grow (sizes 10 mm or more), if the process has affected both the right and left ovaries, if the ovaries themselves are enlarged, and there are more than 26-30 follicles, then the development of polycystosis is diagnosed.

The disease does not correspond to its name, since a cyst does not form on the ovary. The disease is characterized by the presence of a large number of elements located throughout the periphery of the ovaries.

Such a number of follicles does not allow the “leader” to ripen, thereby interfering with ovulation, and hence pregnancy.

It should be noted that such changes are not always caused by pathology and require treatment. If a woman has experienced severe stress or excessive mental or physical stress, then her performance may be exceeded. However, after a short time the situation will return to normal.

Mandatory treatment requires polycystic, which is caused by such factors:

• Pathologies of the endocrine system;
• Excess weight;
• Rapid and drastic weight loss;
• Wrongly chosen means of contraception.

An insufficient amount

What does the absence of follicular elements mean for the body? In this case, the woman will not be able to conceive a baby, and doctors will diagnose infertility. The reasons for this pathology are different. Only a competent doctor can identify them after a detailed examination.

If few follicles are fixed, then their decrease is most often caused by a change in the hormonal background.

Single follicles in the ovaries reduce the chances of conception at times. To clarify the number of elements, additional studies are used. Most often, the situation is analyzed with a vaginal sensor, which can accurately “count” the number of elements.

What are the chances of conception give single follicles:

• From 7 to 10. The probability of pregnancy is reduced;
• 4 to 6. The chance of pregnancy is low;
• Less than 4. The woman will not be able to get pregnant.

persistence

A serious pathology, in the process of development of which the dominant "blocks" the exit of the egg ready for fertilization. If this situation develops monthly, then it will lead to the development of a true cyst. It does not matter whether this process occurs in the left or right ovary: ovulation will not take place.

The disease requires mandatory treatment with hormonal drugs. The course consists of several stages. Without appropriate therapy, a woman will experience infertility.

Treatment

The correct functioning of the ovaries is influenced by many factors related to lifestyle:

• Improper nutrition;
• Uncontrolled long-term use of drugs;
• stress;
• Excessive physical and emotional stress.

Sometimes it is enough to reduce these factors to a minimum, and grateful ovaries begin to work perfectly. Therefore, before planning pregnancy, it is advisable to pay special attention to your lifestyle.

It is also important to keep a monthly schedule of the menstrual cycle. At the slightest suspicion of deviations from the norm, you need to undergo an examination and consult a gynecologist.

There can be many reasons for problems with follicles, and first of all, these are hormonal disorders. They are associated with improper functioning of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, ovaries or pancreas, and sometimes the whole complex.

Along with the results of ultrasound studies, analyzes that determine the amount of female sex hormones will help to understand the cause of changes in the follicles (in each case, the list of analyzes will be different).

Sometimes doctors also prescribe additional ultrasound or x-ray studies. For example, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, MRI of the brain, etc.

Based on the data obtained, medications are prescribed to normalize the level of certain hormones in a certain phase of the cycle. This is not always hormonal preparations, sometimes there are enough vitamins and tablets that stimulate blood circulation. In rare cases, surgery is indicated (for example, ovarian resection).

One of the structural components of the female reproductive system, formed by the ovaries, is the follicle. In a woman's body, the ovaries perform two main functions: the production of sex hormones and the formation of germ cells.

Under the shell of the ovary is a cortical substance, the tissue of which is formed by follicles. Their differentiation is made according to the degree of maturity; 4 types of cells are distinguished:

1. Immature.
2. Primary.
3. Secondary.
4. As well as tertiary follicles.

Immature (primordial) follicles consist of a nucleus (oocyte) and one layer of epithelial cells. On the inner surface of the ovary, such cells are the majority, since few follicles develop further and reach maturity.

At the next stage of formation, some follicles increase in size, acquiring a new layer of cells and microvilli around the oocyte, and become primary follicles.

Further, the follicles continue to grow, their tissue becomes denser, resulting in the formation of an outer shell. The epithelium becomes multi-layered, while it secretes a secret that contains estrogens. At this point, the follicle is considered secondary, and the oocyte inside it shifts to one of the poles; capillaries and connective tissue begin to form.

After filling the cavity with follicular fluid, the follicle becomes tertiary, or mature, and it is called the "Graaffian vesicle". Such a follicle becomes quite large - dominant, and protrudes through the surface of the ovary. The remaining cells do not continue their development, and usually no more than 1-2 vesicles per cycle mature in a woman's body.

Folliculogenesis and conception

After the Graafian bubble begins to slowly move towards the exit, due to a sharp surge in the release of hormones, its size increases until it reaches 1.5–2 cm in diameter. This is due to the filling of the cavity of the follicle with liquid, which begins to thin and stretch its walls. During this period, the nucleus has already transformed into an egg, which is located at the extreme point of the upper pole of the follicle.

The day before ovulation, the ovaries begin to produce and release increased amounts of estrogen into the blood. Due to this, the concentration of luteinizing hormone increases, which, in addition to thinned walls, also provokes ovulation. The upper point of the wall of the follicle is torn, and the egg comes out of its cavity.

In the event that ovulation has not occurred, a follicle of another type is formed from the Graafian vesicle - cystic. It can leave the body with menstruation, or it can remain in the ovary, later forming a cystic formation in it.

After the most important cell of a woman for conception - the egg - has left the follicle, it quickly changes its appearance and content. Capillaries and granulosa cells increase their cytoplasm; also a large number of lipid cells and yellow pigments appear in the formation, therefore at this stage it is called the "yellow body". The changed follicle produces inhibin, estradiol, androgens and progesterone, which enter the general circulation.

If conception occurs during the period of ovulation, the corpus luteum begins to actively develop and continues to play the role of a hormonal gland, releasing progesterone, which is extremely important for preventing contraction of the walls of the uterus and normal gestation. The corpus luteum dies only when the placenta is fully formed - by the 10-15th week of the development of the unborn child. In the event that pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum loses its functions and, after passing through the luteal phase of the cycle, comes out with menstrual bleeding.

Violations in the formation and development of follicles

Violations of the ovaries and their main reproductive function - the formation of follicles, as well as failures in the processes of maturation of follicles and ovulation - are among the most common causes infertility. The reason for these phenomena is often a violation of the hormonal background of a woman. For example, with insufficient production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the Graafian vesicle cannot mature. There are also situations when the synthesis of luteinizing hormone (LH) increases, which causes an increase in the concentration of androgens in the blood and a stop in the development of follicles in the initial stages.

To correct hormonal disorders, treatment is carried out with special drugs; after careful monitoring of folliculogenesis in the absence of ovulation, its stimulation with hormone injections can be prescribed, which is carried out only under the supervision of a physician.

Violations in the production of inhibin often lead to a disease such as polycystic ovaries. In this case, temporary infertility is possible, which should be treated with conservative or surgical methods.

Folliculogenesis is well monitored using conventional ultrasound machines. For this, a study is carried out on the 8-10th day from the beginning of the cycle, when the follicle is already visible, which subsequently becomes dominant.

By the approximate time of ovulation, another ultrasound diagnostic procedure is performed, and recommendations are made about the favorable time for conception.

Dominant follicle - what it is, we can say that this is the largest, developed follicle. In accordance with physiology, several follicles develop and mature in a woman's body in the initial phases of the cycle, but it is the one that exceeds the size of 15 mm or more and is dominant.

The number of follicles.

If we talk about how many follicles should be in the ovary, then at the very beginning it should be said that the number of primordial follicles at the time of the girl's birth varies within 1-2 million, at the time of her puberty - about 250-300000.

The number of follicles in the ovaries in the reproductive age of a woman depends on the current day of the cycle - on day 6-7, their number varies from 6 to 10, and from day 8 to the tenth one, the largest, the so-called dominant follicle is formed. As the doctors themselves note, it is rare for a woman to develop 2 or more dominant follicles in her body, which increases the chances of a multiple pregnancy.

Stages of follicle development.

In its development, the follicle goes through the following stages and each of them has its own medical name:

1. The primordial follicle is the immature ovum. It is a follicle surrounded by a connective type of sheath - so throughout the entire cycle in a woman they are produced in the body from 3 to three dozen, they gradually grow and transform into the primary type.
2. Preantral type of follicle - in this case, the oocyte is enlarged in size, surrounded by a membrane. At this stage, the level of production of the female hormones estrogen is increased in the woman's body.
3. Antral follicle - what is it? This is the so-called secondary follicle - at this stage, the cells of the granulosa layer are enlarged, which provoke an increase in the follicular fluid. This period of follicle development falls on the 8th-9th day of the cycle.
4. The cycle ends with the formation of a dominant follicle, the main one of all just before ovulation. It is the dominant follicle that is the largest of all.

At each stage, as the main, dominant follicle grows and develops, the number of all the others will gradually decrease.

If the follicles are more than normal?

Any deviation towards a decrease or even an increase is a pathology, and if a woman has more than 10 follicles detected by ultrasound, we are talking about such a phenomenon as multifolliculation. During the examination on the ultrasound monitor, you can see a large number of vesicles - follicular ovaries, but if their number increases significantly, then a diagnosis of polycystic disease is made.

Such a phenomenon interferes with the full formation and development of the dominant follicle, natural ovulation, and subsequent conception. The reason for this phenomenon can be very different, ranging from chronic overwork and stress to improper and prolonged use of contraceptives, malfunction of the endocrine system, sudden weight gain or weight loss. To normalize the process of production and maturation of follicles, the elimination of the root causes of the pathology is required - only after that we can talk about the normal process of formation of the dominant follicle, subsequent ovulation and conception.

Few follicles in the ovaries - what to expect?

Few follicles in the ovaries can also be triggered by various factors and causes - ranging from a malfunction in the hormonal system and a decrease in hormone levels to an early menopause. In this case, it is worth undergoing an examination using ultrasound, a vaginal sensor, diagnosing the causes and passing the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor. If a woman has 7 to 16 follicles in her ovaries, then the probability of conception is high, from 4 to 7 - then the chances of pregnancy are small, up to 4 - there may be no conception.

One ovary has several dominant follicles.

In the process of treating female infertility, doctors most often use a course of hormone therapy, and as a result, 2 or more dominant follicles can develop in one ovary. This phenomenon is rare, but it can cause the birth of twins, and if a woman had contact with different partners in a short period of time, each egg can be fertilized by a different man and the children can have different fathers. Most often, two follicles are formed precisely in the right ovary, rather than in the left - it is impossible to understand the reason for this nature of such a phenomenon, and doctors have not yet undertaken to put forward their theories.

If there is no dominant follicle.

If the dominant follicle is not detected on time, doctors note that several reasons can provoke this condition. In particular, such root causes can be:

• the doctor does not detect the follicle on time with an ultrasound due to the fact that the latter has not yet reached its size - this will indicate that ovulation as a physiological process has not yet passed, and the tests for hormone levels themselves remain normal;
• the follicle in the woman's body has developed to the desired size, but it does not burst - as a result, ovulation does not occur;
• the follicle itself at a certain stage of its development may stop in development and growth;
• diagnosing so-called sleeping ovaries in a patient

The absence of a dominant follicle may also be due to early menopause, as well as in the case of:

• malfunction of the ovaries and a malfunction in the endocrine system, when there is an increase or decrease in the female hormone in the blood;
• with damage to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus;
• in the case of an inflammatory or infectious nature of the disease affecting the organs and systems of the small pelvis;
• with frequent, chronic stress and constant fatigue, physical overload;

regression or aggression that develops with hormonal failure in the body, including with an increase in the level of insulin in the blood;

What is worth doing?

First of all, it is worth going through a full and comprehensive examination - this will help to identify the root cause of pathological changes, if any, and further prescribe a course of treatment. Diagnosis is carried out not only on the basis of measuring basal temperature, but also by conducting an examination using ultrasound of the development of follicles on the 8-10th day of the menstrual cycle, passing laboratory tests for hormone levels at various stages of the menstrual cycle.

How to grow a dominant follicle?

How to increase the number of follicles in the eggs - stimulate ovulation. In this case, doctors prescribe a course of hormonal therapy - most often such a drug is prescribed as Clostilbegit, or another one, selected taking into account individual characteristics the body of a woman and the root cause that provoked the pathology. Also, many patients note a positive trend in treatment after a course of treatment. folic acid, as well as a course of vitamins. The main thing is not to practice self-medication, but strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor.

Folk incentives.

Many women also note the high effectiveness of using funds from the arsenal to stimulate traditional medicine- most often used for this medicinal herbs, singly or as a collection, like the queen bee, sage and red brush. It is these herbs, according to traditional healers, that stimulate the development, growth and maturation of the follicle, the release of the egg and the growth of the necessary endometrium. It is enough to steam 1 tbsp. l. in a glass of boiling water medicinal plant or collection, insist half an hour and take for a month.

Contraindications for stimulation.

First of all, doctors note that stimulation is not carried out in case of diagnosing male infertility, when both partners must be examined, as well as when:

• uterine pathologies;
• diagnosing acute inflammatory processes occurring in the organs and systems of the small pelvis, affecting the reproductive system of a woman;
• with obstruction of the fallopian tubes;

As practitioners note, the stimulation of ovulation and the development of the dominant follicle after 35-36 years for all women should become a regular procedure before a planned pregnancy. Regarding the duration of the incentive course - its duration should not exceed 6 menstrual cycles. If pregnancy has not occurred within a given period of time, then in addition to the non-maturing of the dominant follicle and the absence of ovulation, there are other, more serious diseases and pathologies that cause infertility.