Lelaiwa Consulting Service Center
You are here: Home > News > IVF Information
Are follicles and eggs the same thing? What does it matter?
Source: LelaiwaPublished: 2025-04-11
This article is compiled and published by the lelaiwa team. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. For ongoing updates on fertility preparation, IVF, and overseas or U.S. childbirth, scan the consultant's QR code on the right to get free updates, or contact lelaiwa for free consultation anytime.

Folliclesand eggs: The growing relationship between a pair of "good girlfriends"
1. Follicles ≠ eggs: symbiotic relationship with clear division of labor
Follicles are tiny structures enclosed in the ovarian cortex that contain oocytes (original cells that may develop into eggs in the future) and provide them with hormone and nutritional support.
An egg is the final form of a mature oocyte, with a diameter of only 0.1-0.2 mm. It is a female reproductive cell that is exclusive to humans and capable of fertilization.
Follicles provide a "nutrient cabin" for egg development, and egg quality determines fertility potential.
“”,.The two are like "seeds and soil"-the quality of follicles affects the egg development environment, and high-quality eggs rely on the cultivation of healthy follicles.
Second, how do follicles affect the quality of eggs?
The follicle gradually grows from the original state (<1mm) to the dominant follicle (18-25mm), and the estrogen and progesterone secreted during this period directly regulate the gene expression and maturity of the oocyte.
Follicles grow from their initial state (<1mm) to the dominant follicle (18-25mm) over time. During this process, the estrogen and progesterone secreted by the follicles directly influence the gene expression and maturity of the oocytes.
The ovaries recruit multiple follicles each month, but usually only one dominant follicle successfully ovulates.
,1.If follicular development is abnormal (such as empty follicles, unruptured luteinization), no eggs may be expelled.
After the age of 35, the number and quality of follicles decrease sharply, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases; bad habits such as smoking and staying up late can accelerate follicular atresia and reduce egg vitality.
After the age of 35, the number of follicles decreases significantly, their quality deteriorates, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases. Bad habits such as smoking and staying up late can accelerate the process of follicle degeneration, thereby reducing the vitality of eggs.
·Myth: B-ultrasound shows follicles = available eggs?
·Misconception: Does an ultrasound showing follicles mean there are available eggs?
Some follicles may be empty follicles, meaning they do not produce eggs. This is related to hormone levels and ovarian function.
·Misconception: The larger the follicle, the better?
The diameter of the dominant follicle should be between 18 and 25 mm. If it is too large, the follicle may undergo luteinization; if it is too small, the egg may not be mature.
Small follicles in young women may produce high-quality eggs, while large follicles in older women are often associated with the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
Young women with small follicles may be able to produce high-quality eggs. However, older women with large follicles often face a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
1. Monitoring the goldenperiod
Track the growth rate and shape of follicles through B-ultrasound + hormone testing from the 9th to 12th days of menstruation to grasp the appropriate window for pregnancy.
From the 9th to the 12th day of menstruation, monitoring the growth rate and shape of follicles through ultrasound and hormone tests helps determine the optimal time for conception.
Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D improves mitochondrial function of oocytes; regular work and rest and moderate exercise regulate endocrine.
Supplementing with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D can improve the mitochondrial function of oocytes. Regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise can help regulate endocrine functions.
Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome need drugs to promote ovulation (such as trozole); patients with premature ovarian failure can assess reserve function through AMH testing.
Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome need to use medications to stimulate ovulation (such as letrozole). Those with premature ovarian failure can assess their reserve function through AMH testing.


For more on fertility preparation, second/third-generation IVF, and overseas, U.S., Thailand, Malaysia, America or Cambodia IVF, scan the QR code on the right or call lelaiwa's hotline+852 6145 8043!
online consultation
ONLINE CONSULTATION
LINE QR code
Email an advisor