What to expect from ovarian drilling for anovulation

The operation is usually performed under anaesthesia using small abdominal incisions and a camera. The surgeon treats the ovary with energy or another technique selected for your situation. It is generally considered only after other approaches to anovulation have not worked or are unsuitable, because ovarian surgery can affect healthy tissue.

You may have abdominal tenderness, bloating, tiredness or light vaginal bleeding afterwards. Ovulation does not need to return immediately. Follow-up can include cycle tracking, blood tests or ultrasound, and your clinician may discuss medication or timed intercourse while ovulation is assessed.

Tell your team about medicines, allergies, prior operations and any chance of pregnancy. Arrange a ride home and help with daily tasks while you recover. Keep the wound sites clean and dry as instructed, take prescribed pain relief, and avoid strenuous activity until your surgeon clears it.

Record bleeding, pain and cycle changes. Keep every fertility follow-up because the plan may change once ovulation is observed. Learn more about [Anovulation](/conditions/anovulation/) and [Ovarian Drilling](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/ovarian-drilling/).

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, increasing redness or drainage at an incision, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, painful urination, faintness or shortness of breath. Sudden severe pain or collapse needs emergency help. Do not wait for a routine fertility appointment if these symptoms appear.

Ask why drilling is being considered, how ovarian tissue will be protected, what alternatives remain, how ovulation will be monitored, and when intercourse or fertility treatment can resume. Ask which pain, wound or cycle changes are expected and who to call outside clinic hours.