The antral follicle count (AFC) is the number of antral follicles, generally in both ovaries taken together if not else specified. It can be determined by transvaginal ultrasonography.
A low AFC is a major factor in the diagnosis of poor ovarian reserve, that is, low fertility characterized by low numbers of remaining oocytes in the ovaries, usually accompanied by high follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Several studies show that an AFC test is more accurate than basal FSH testing for older women (< 44 years of age) in predicting IVF outcome. However, it does not appear to add any predictive information about success rates of an already established pregnancy after IVF.
It is also a major determinant of the success of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Further information: Poor ovarian reserve#Antral follicle count and Ovarian hyperstimulation#Response predictorsRead more about this topic: Antral Follicle
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