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Fertility Glossary

Antral follicle count (AFC)

An ultrasound count of small resting follicles used to estimate ovarian reserve.

Fertility testing

Antral follicle count (AFC) is the number of small, resting follicles (usually 2–10mm) seen in both ovaries on a transvaginal ultrasound, typically done early in the menstrual cycle. It is one of the main tests used, alongside AMH, to estimate ovarian reserve. A higher AFC generally suggests a greater number of eggs available for stimulation, while a low AFC suggests diminished reserve. AFC also helps predict how the ovaries may respond to fertility medicines and is used together with AMH and age to individualise ovarian stimulation protocols in IVF.

Also known as: AFC, follicle count

Related India guides

Sources

  • ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
  • Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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