What is an ovarian follicle?

I had a CAT scan on Saturday and the report says there is something with a c ovarian follicles. Does anyone know what that is? It said to follow up with my obgyn but when I called them they didn't seem to care.

Thanks

Re: What is an ovarian follicle?

Usually it's a "cavity" that remains after an egg has ruptured from ovulation. Before the egg breaks out the egg sits in this follicle, but it isn't really noticeable until you ovulate. HTH

Re: What is an ovarian follicle?

Is it a bad thing? Or does it just mean I actually ovulated this month? I have PCOS if that helps. Sorry I am so confused.

Re: What is an ovarian follicle?

Just because there are follicles doesn't mean that there are always eggs inside them.

You might have ovulated but I would think that might depend on hormone levels too.

Re: What is an ovarian follicle?

an ovarian follicle is where the egg matures for ovulation. at the beginning of your cycle you have many growing follicles. one or two will grow larger than the rest and will become the lead follicle. at this point the other follies stop growing and the lead matures to the point where the LH surge allows the egg to break through and ovulation occurs. after ovulation the follicle becomes the corpus luteum and secretes progesterone. in situations where the follicle doesn't ovulate the egg, it can turn into an ovarian cyst (common with PCOS). cysts can go away on their own, burst, or be eliminated with meds like birth control pills.

i cant imagine why they would point it out on a cat scan but maybe your doctor can tell you more. i also have never really heard of a cat scan of the uterus though so what do i know

Message edited 10/7/2011 12:33:36 AM.

Re: What is an ovarian follicle?

I have pcos too.....a follicle is a good thing. I just found out today that a follicle is growing getting ready for ovulation...so it means that u either should be ovulating soon or u already did