Day 3 clomid ultrasound- what is an average number of follicles a patient would have?

I was wondering for those of you who have tried clomid and have had day 3 ultrasounds...how many follicles did you have at that point?  During my last cycle, I had 3 on the left and 4 on the right.  This cycle, I have 7 on the left and 4 on the right.  Is that a small amount..average amount of a large amount of follies on clomid?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer!

[Heather5]

On day 3, what they're looking at is the number of antral follicles (or resting follicles). These are your potential mature follicles every month, regardless of whether or not you take clomid. Normally, your body will elect one to grow and mature naturally, but on clomid, your body's often tricked into maturing more than one follicle. Maybe tow or three.

As for what's a normal number of antral follicles, that all depends on your age. Someone in their early 20s might have 20 or more antral follicles every month, and then the number gradually decreases as we get older.

Hope that helps...

[snooglebeans]

Hi Heather!

They told me it wasn't an antral follicle count though (I asked because I had read about antral follicle studies and was freaked out that I was only 29 and had just a few follicles).  

Thanks for your response!

[snooglebeans]

I'll have to ask them about this again.  If they are antral follicles..doesn't 11 at my age (just turned 30 two weeks ago) seem low?  I had my FSH measured and it was 7.8.  They haven't mentioned anything to me about having a low antral count.

[Heather5]

Hmmm...yeah, I would ask them again...I'm curious too now. I just don't know what else they could be counting on day 3. It's too early to see any substantial growth in the follicles, and you haven't even taken the clomid yet (I assume).

As for what's normal at age 30, I'm not really sure. 11 might be a little low, but it also really depends on your doctor. My RE would always do what he called a "conservative" antral count...meaning he just did a quick count without too much poking and prodding. And sure enough, when I did my IVF, I had more follicles growing than the original antral count suggested. And your FSH is good, so I wouldn't worry too much.

Let me know what they say...

[snooglebeans]

Thanks, Heather.  I'm wondering if the u/s tech. just didn't understand the terminology.  (when I asked her, she seemed a bit confused).  I'll have to ask my nurse.  I'm going to *try* not to worry about this too much..though easier said than done!

[Heather5]

Yeah, I know...it's hard not to second guess and analyse everything when TTC. I've definitely been there ;-) Best of luck this month! I hope you get a BFP!!!

[snooglebeans]

Thanks!  Hope you are feeling well.  ;)