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An antral follicle count is a short transvaginal ultrasound scan that counts the small resting follicles in your ovaries — one of the two standard measures of ovarian reserve. At Sonoworld the scan costs £235 all-inclusive, with instant verbal results and your written report within 24 hours. No GP referral is needed.
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Your ovaries contain follicles — small fluid-filled sacs, each holding an immature egg. At the start of every cycle, a group of these follicles measuring roughly 2–10 mm sits ready to develop. These are called antral follicles, and the number visible on ultrasound gives a snapshot of your remaining egg supply, known as your ovarian reserve.
During the scan, a consultant sonographer examines both ovaries with a transvaginal (internal) probe and counts every antral follicle. The total across both ovaries is your AFC. The scan also assesses the ovaries and uterus more generally, so any incidental findings — such as cysts or features suggestive of polycystic ovaries — are picked up and explained at the same appointment.
AFC estimates how many eggs remain and how your ovaries are likely to respond to fertility medication. It does not measure egg quality, and it does not reliably predict your chance of conceiving naturally — a result should always be interpreted with a clinician alongside your age and, ideally, an AMH blood test.
In the UK, the reference points come from the NICE fertility guideline (CG156), which uses AFC to predict how the ovaries are likely to respond to stimulation medication in IVF.
| Total AFC (both ovaries) | NICE interpretation | What this suggests |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or fewer | Predicted low response | Reduced ovarian reserve; fertility treatment may need adjusted planning |
| 5–16 | Between the NICE thresholds | Neither the low- nor high-response criterion is met; interpreted with age and AMH |
| More than 16 | Predicted high response | Plentiful reserve; in IVF this can carry a higher risk of over-response, and very high counts are commonly seen with polycystic ovaries |
These thresholds describe the likely response to IVF medication — they are not a fertility verdict. Counts naturally decline with age, and two women of the same age can have very different counts while both going on to conceive. Your sonographer explains your result in the room, and the written report gives your fertility specialist everything needed for treatment planning.
This is a planned assessment scan, not an urgent service. Go to A&E or call 999 if you have sudden severe pelvic pain, or pelvic pain with a positive pregnancy test — these need emergency assessment, not an outpatient scan.
Three of our scans look at the ovaries, and they answer different questions. Choosing the right one saves you money and gets you the answer you actually need.
One scan, ideally on day 2–5 of your cycle. Answers: "what is my ovarian reserve?" Best for egg freezing, IVF preparation and family planning decisions.
A series of scans across one cycle from day 7–9. Answers: "when am I ovulating?" Best for timing conception, IUI or IVF cycle monitoring.
One scan, any day. Answers: "is there a structural problem?" Best for pain, bleeding, fibroids, cysts or endometriosis concerns.
If you are using hormonal contraception, the count can read lower than your true reserve, because the hormones suppress follicle activity. The effect reverses after stopping. You do not need to stop contraception to have the scan — just tell us, so the result is interpreted correctly.
For the fullest picture of ovarian reserve, pair the scan with an AMH blood test — the blood-test measure of the same reserve. Both can be done in a single visit, and the written report interprets the two results together.
| Test | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Antral follicle count scan | 20 minutes | £235 |
| AMH blood test (add in the same visit) | A few minutes | £97 |
The scan price is all-inclusive: the consultation, the ultrasound examination, instant verbal results, and your written report with images within 24 hours. There are no hidden extras.
Day 2–5 of your cycle is ideal, counting day 1 as the first day of full menstrual flow. Antral follicles are at their most stable and countable in this window. The scan can still be performed on other days — let us know where you are in your cycle when you book and the sonographer will interpret the count accordingly.
No. A low count suggests reduced ovarian reserve and a likely lower response to fertility medication, but it does not measure egg quality and does not mean natural conception is impossible. Many women with low counts conceive. The result is a planning tool — discuss it with a fertility specialist alongside your age, AMH level and history.
Neither is "better"; they are complementary. AFC counts the follicles directly on ultrasound, while AMH measures the hormone those follicles produce in the blood. NICE recognises both as measures of likely ovarian response. Together they give a more reliable picture than either alone, which is why we offer them in a single visit.
Hormonal contraception can suppress the count, so your result may underestimate your true reserve. The effect reverses after stopping. You do not need to stop contraception for the scan — tell the sonographer what you are using so the result is interpreted in context.
Not precisely. Counts decline gradually towards menopause, and a very low count in your late reproductive years is consistent with diminishing reserve, but the scan cannot give a date. If early menopause is your concern, discuss the result with your GP or a specialist alongside hormone testing.
No. You can self-refer and book directly online or by calling 020 3633 4902. Your written report contains everything your GP, fertility consultant or IVF clinic needs for the next step.
No GP referral needed. Instant verbal results, with your written report within 24 hours.
Book your AFC scan online29 Weymouth Street, London W1G 7DB · 020 3633 4902
This page is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice. Reviewed by our clinical team. Sonoworld is registered with the Care Quality Commission.
