How to Increase Ovarian Follicles in IVF? Natural and Medical Ways

When couples walk into my clinic, eyes heavy with disappointment, the first thing we say is: “Take a deep breath. We will help you find out every possible way to give you the best chance.”

Image Source: ovarian reserve

One of the most common concerns we hear is about ovarian reserve: “Doctor, how to increase number of follicles in IVF?” If previous IVF cycles have failed, you will obviously be anxious. Not to worry, we are here to help you take strong steps towards hope.

Understanding Ovarian Follicles

Ovarian follicles as little pouches. Each one of them potentially holding an egg. For IVF success, knowing what is a good number of follicles for IVF is important. Because more follicles mean more eggs to work with. On the other hand, what is a good size follicle for fertilisation also matters. Because the eggs inside must be mature enough to give fertilisation a real chance.

During an ultrasound, we track follicles in ovary ultrasound or ultrasound follicles ovaries to measure both number and size. For most women, having 8–12 mature follicles per ovary is considered healthy, but there’s always variation. Some couples ask, “Doctor, how many follicles are normal in each ovary?”- and I reassure them that quality often matters as much as quantity.

What is a good size follicle for fertilisation

In many IVF protocols, a follicle between 18 mm and 24 mm in diameter usually indicates an egg that is mature enough for retrieval and has the best chance of fertilisation. Smaller follicles (under 15 mm) are often still immature; follicles over 25 mm may indicate over-ripening or cyst formation and need careful evaluation.

Quick action guidance

• ≥25 mm: Possible overripe follicle or cyst; evaluate hormone levels and consider delaying trigger.
• <15 mm: Continue stimulation; eggs usually immature – re-scan in 2–3 days.
• 15–17 mm: Close monitoring and possible medication adjustment (re-scan 48–72 hrs).
• 18–24 mm: Ideal for trigger shot and retrieval planning.

Why Follicle Counts Vary

Several factors affect your ovarian follicles.

• Age reduces ovarian follicle count
• Stress impacts hormone balance negatively
• Poor diet lowers egg quality
• Smoking and alcohol harm ovaries
• Medical conditions affect follicle growth
• Genetic factors influence ovarian reserve

It’s also natural to worry about low follicle count IVF success. Many think that fewer follicles mean failure, but that isn’t necessarily true. We often tell couples: “Even a few good-quality follicles can lead to success if we take care of them medically.”

Monitoring & Timing During IVF

We also tell couples, “An IVF cycle is like a carefully choreographed dance-every step must be in sync.”

1. Once stimulation starts, we monitor ultrasound follicles ovaries regularly to track growth. 
2. The size and number of follicles guide the exact timing of the trigger shot that readies eggs for retrieval. 
3. Why is this done? Because with gentle adjustments in medication and monitoring can help small follicles catch up. And even a few well-timed mature eggs can make all the difference.
4. We also measure hormone levels alongside doing ultrasound and other imaging. It’s done to ensure what is a good size follicle for fertilisation is achieved before retrieval. 
5. Using follicles in ovary ultrasound helps us avoid premature ovulation and maximize egg quality.

RESULT – Couples leave confident due to detailed information. Each follicle, even if very small, has a role in the journey towards IVF pregnancy.

Medical Ways to Increase Follicles

Bigger follicles mean the eggs inside have a better chance of being fertilised. For example, if a follicle reaches 18–22mm, it usually has a fully ready egg. This is similar to a ripe fruit ready to pick, giving the best chance for pregnancy. When a patient asks us how to increase number of follicles in IVF, we explain that medical intervention can help the ovaries produce more mature eggs. 

1. IVF protocols use medications like GnRH agonists or antagonists to stimulate follicle growth. Sometimes, we supplement with DHEA, CoQ10 or even growth hormone in specific cases.
   
2. Newer options, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, can be considered in very specific situations. We always caution: these aren’t magic solutions and have to be advised by a doctor as per your body health. Also, studies show promise in improving low follicle count IVF success.
   
3. Patients often ask what is a good number of follicles for IVF? Will coming to AIIM IVF help them? Well, our genuine response is: Our goal as IVF experts is to maximise the potential of every follicle and not just increase numbers.

Lifestyle Choices That Help

We tell our patients: “Your ovaries are like a small garden. Fertilise it with good nutrition, water it with rest and protect it from toxins.” Medical protocols are essential. But what you do at home, how you live, what you eats– matters a lot. 

1. Maintain healthy body weight naturally via Yoga
2. Eat antioxidant-rich food like fruits and vegetables 
3. Include omega-3 fatty acids via natural seeds in your diet regularly 
4. Stay hydrated for excellent ovarian function 
5. Exercise moderately, avoid excessive strain 
6. Manage stress levels at work or in life via Yoga and meditation  
7. Prioritise 7–8 hours of consistent sleep 
8. Totally shun smoking and alcohol
9. Limit exposure to environmental toxins, if you work around chemicals etc
10. Monitor menstrual cycles and ovarian health via a specialist

How To Improve Egg Follicle Growth Naturally – Myths and Facts

Couples often have misconceptions. Many believe that more follicles guarantee IVF success. That’s not always true. Even with fewer follicles, low follicle count IVF success is possible if eggs are of good quality.

When to Seek IVF Specialists Help For Increasing Ovarian Follicles

Couples often worry that it’s “too late,” but many women over 35 have successful cycles with proper planning. So come to us, if:

• Difficulty conceiving naturally
• Irregular or missed menstrual cycles
• Age above 30 years consistently
• Previous IVF cycles unsuccessful 
• Low ovarian reserve detected in previous medical tests
• Hormone levels abnormal

Take the Next Step with AIIMS IVF Indore

Every follicle matters. But with the right care, timing and expertise, your chances of success improve significantly. At AIIMS IVF Indore, we combine advanced medical protocols with personalised lifestyle guidance. This will help you naturally increase number of follicles in IVF. Schedule a consultation with our specialists. We will provide you a detailed assessment of your ovarian reserve and begin a health plan as per your body needs towards IVF. Contact AIIMS IVF Indore today and take the first step toward turning hope into reality.

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