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What does a 20 mm follicle signify on day five of menses?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a female weighing 143 lbs, and my height is 5'6". A 20 mm follicle was found on day five of menstruation.

What does it mean?

I had a cramp from day four to day six. Last month, a 5.7 mm hemorrhagic cyst was found on the left ovary during day three, but this month it has disappeared, and now a 20 mm follicle has been found on the right ovary. Please help me understand what exactly this is.

Is this normal to find such a large follicle on day five?

Actually, I would like to get pregnant.

Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Purushottam Sah

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Purushottam Sah is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and the management of gynecological disorders. His expertise spans antenatal and postnatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, infertility evaluation, and advanced gynecological surgeries. He is proficient in both preventive and curative aspects of women’s health, ensuring safe deliveries, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatments. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, he is committed to supporting women at every stage of life, promoting wellness, and improving overall quality of care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read and understood your problem.

Are your periods regular?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, hemoglobin (Hb), total count (TC), differential count (DC) levels, and cancer antigen (CA125) are all normal. Ultrasound of the pelvis suggests a follicular cyst, which is an unruptured follicle from the previous cycle and will disappear. It means there is a problem with ovulation; the follicle is maturing but not rupturing.

Did you take any infertility medicine?

You need to do your blood sugar fasting and testosterone level, too, and get your husband’s semen analysis. If all these are normal, then go for a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an X-ray to see the tubes.

You can do this after six months of treatment if you have been trying for a baby only recently.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

When I asked my doctor, she said you are having pain, which means it is getting ruptured, and also she said to try to maintain a relationship with your husband, often these days.

  1. Can a follicle rupture?
  2. My query is, shall I go for an ultrasound again to check the size and status?
  3. In this scenario, is pregnancy possible?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Purushottam Sah

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Purushottam Sah is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and the management of gynecological disorders. His expertise spans antenatal and postnatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, infertility evaluation, and advanced gynecological surgeries. He is proficient in both preventive and curative aspects of women’s health, ensuring safe deliveries, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatments. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, he is committed to supporting women at every stage of life, promoting wellness, and improving overall quality of care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

A follicle can rupture on its own or may gradually dry up. No need to check size, but if the pain becomes severe, then you need to do an ultrasound in this cycle; otherwise, do it next cycle.

Yes, pregnancy is possible under such conditions.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 29, 2017
Reviewed At April 21, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Purushottam Sah is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and the management of gynecological disorders. His expertise spans antenatal and postnatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, infertility evaluation, and advanced gynecological surgeries. He is proficient in both preventive and curative aspects of women’s health, ensuring safe deliveries, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatments. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, he is committed to supporting women at every stage of life, promoting wellness, and improving overall quality of care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Companion

Follicle on Menses Day Five Companion

How it works

A 20 mm follicle on day five of your menstrual cycle can raise questions, especially if you are trying to conceive. Here's what this finding might mean.

1

Follicle
Meaning

2

Follicular
Cysts

3

Ovulation
Process

4

Pregnancy
Possibility

5

Ultrasound
Timing

6

Fertility
Tests

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Purushottam Sah
Dr. Purushottam Sah

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Purushottam Sah is an experienced Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy care, and the management of gynecological disorders. His expertise spans antenatal and postnatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, infertility evaluation, and advanced gynecological surgeries. He is proficient in both preventive and curative aspects of women’s health, ensuring safe deliveries, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatments. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, he is committed to supporting women at every stage of life, promoting wellness, and improving overall quality of care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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