I’ve been trying to conceive for a long time and I can’t detect ovulation correctly with ovulation test, so I decided to have a follicle monitoring! So, when is the right time to go for follicle monitoring (how many days after menstruation)? How many times do I need to monitor in a cycle? Which ovulation monitoring method is most commonly used? Here are the answers to all of these questions. Ovulation monitoring is an important method to assess female fertility: 1) Basal body temperature measurement 2) Cervical mucus assessment 3) Ultrasound monitoring 4) Hormone measurement Each of these methods has its own clinical significance. The most commonly used method: basal body temperature measurement + ultrasound monitoring + ovulation test paper is the most accurate way to determine ovulation! The size and shape of the dominant follicle can be monitored by ultrasound, which can objectively reflect the growth and development of the follicle, observe whether there is ovulation, and simultaneously reflect the development of the endometrium. For women with regular menstrual cycle of 28-30 days, the development of the dominant follicle starts from day 6 to 8 of the menstrual cycle, so your first monitoring can be done on day 11 to 12 of the menstrual cycle. When the dominant follicle reaches 18-22mm, it is considered a standard dominant follicle; but remember: you should not stop monitoring at this time, but keep monitoring until the dominant follicle disappears! Because there are some patients with ovulation disorders, the follicles continue to grow and eventually do not ovulate! Usually, the number of ultrasound monitoring should be limited to 3-4 times per cycle, which is a more economical and accurate ultrasound monitoring protocol. Basal body temperature: Ovulation can be determined by a rise in body temperature! The increase must be greater than 0.3 degrees. Ovulation test paper: A double bar indicates that ovulation is imminent. Pay close attention to the change in body temperature at this time and arrange for intercourse once it rises significantly. After the temperature rises in the natural cycle, ultrasound monitoring of the follicles for disappearance or collapse will indicate ovulation. Usually, the number of ultrasound monitoring should be limited to 3-4 times per cycle, which is a more economical and accurate ultrasound monitoring protocol. What if the menstruation is irregular? Patients with irregular menstrual cycles should adjust the time of initial monitoring appropriately according to the length of the menstrual cycle. It should be pushed back appropriately for longer menstrual cycles and brought forward appropriately for shorter menstrual cycles. Such patients should consult a medical professional to determine ovulation! Caution: (1) During the process of ovulation monitoring by ultrasound, bring along your outpatient medical record and follicle monitoring record form so that the ultrasonographer can monitor and record according to the specified protocol, otherwise the diagnosis or treatment may be delayed. (2) Do not talk or ask questions to the TA while the ultrasound physician is operating, so as not to disturb and cause errors due to the physician’s lack of concentration. Please ask after the doctor has finished the operation. (3) When monitoring follicles in patients with recurrent miscarriage, basal body temperature needs to be measured at the same time, from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next menstruation, to help the doctor analyze the status of luteal function.