How Many Days Does It Take for a Follicle to Develop?

A follicle needs to grow for about 10 days. Under normal conditions, follicles can be seen in the ovaries through B-ultrasound examination on the 5th or 6th day of menstruation. At this time, the diameter of the follicle is approximately 0.5 to 0.6 cm. After approximately 10 days, the follicle will mature and release an egg.

Under normal conditions, the growth rate of follicles is an average of 1.5 to 2 mm per day. Most follicles reach a diameter of 20 mm on the 16th day of menstruation. The follicles gradually move from the interior of the ovary to the surface of the ovary and rupture to release the egg. This is the time required for a follicle to grow from the 5th or 6th day of menstruation to full maturity.

The daily growth of follicles cannot be predicted. Generally, mature follicles are between 18 and 20 mm in diameter and can ovulate. Dominant follicles grow at an average rate of 2 to 3 mm per day. When the diameter exceeds 1.8 cm (up to 2.5 cm), it becomes a "mature follicle" ready for ovulation.

Poor follicle development, inability to ovulate normally, or poor egg quality can all affect normal fertility. Only when the follicle matures, will its function be complete and the egg released be mature and healthy. If follicle development is poor and ovulation-inducing drugs are forcibly used in a short period of time to force ovulation, although eggs can be released, they are not fully mature and cannot result in normal pregnancy. Even if fertilization occurs, it can easily lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Because the normal development and maturation of follicles require a certain amount of time and process, as well as a certain degree of warmth. Just like all living things need sufficient time and process to grow and develop, the reproductive system is the same. Forcing follicles to ovulate prematurely before they have developed normally is like pulling up seedlings to help them grow, which often leads to counterproductive results.