A follicle and egg are not the same thing. They are closely related, but each plays a different role in the reproductive process. Let's look at it in a simple way.
The follicle: the "house" where the egg grows
The follicle is a small sac filled with fluid which is found inside the ovary. Inside it, it holds an immature egg (oocyte), which is protected and nourished by several layers of surrounding cells.
As the menstrual cycle progresses, the follicles grow and produces estrogens, an important hormone that helps regulate the cycle and prepare the body for possible ovulation.
Normally, only 1 of these follicles becomes mature, known as the dominant follicle. Whenever it is ready, it releases the egg during ovulation.
Afterwards, the follicle which has released it's egg becomes a corpus luteum, a structure which produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones help prepare the uterus para a possible implantation and early pregnancy.
The oocyte: the female reproductive cell
The oocyte (also called the egg or ovum) is the female reproductive cell. It has the ability to unite with a sperm cell and form an embryo, making the beginning of a new life.
All women are born with a reserve of eggs that forms during fetal development. At birth, this reserve can reach between 1 and 2 million eggs, but over time, both number and quality naturally decreases.
In each menstrual cycle, several eggs begin to mature within their follicles, although usually only one is released during ovulation. The rest are naturally reabsorbed in a process called atresia.
In fertility treatments: more mature eggs, more opportunities
During an IVF treatment, the medication which we use helps multiple eggs mature at the same time. This way, we can retrieve more viable eggs during the egg retrieval, thereby increasing the chances of achieving pregnancy.
Understanding the difference between a follicle and eggs allows for a better understanding of how the ovarian cycle works and how fertility treatments take advantage of this natural process to help you achieve your dream of becoming a mother. If you have any questions, you can send them to us through our form, and we will respond as soon as possible.