Ovarian Drilling: What It Is, Recovery and Options

Ovarian drilling, also called laparoscopic ovarian diathermy, is a keyhole operation performed under anaesthesia. A gynaecological surgeon uses a camera through a small abdominal incision and applies controlled energy to make small openings in the surface of an ovary. The aim is to alter hormone-producing ovarian tissue and support the return of ovulation in some people with anovulation, particularly when polycystic ovary syndrome is involved.

After the operation, you may have abdominal soreness, tiredness or bloating, and some people notice shoulder discomfort from the gas used during laparoscopy. Light activity is usually resumed gradually, while strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and sexual activity wait until your surgical team confirms they are suitable. Keep the incision sites clean and follow the discharge instructions. Contact the care team for worsening pain, fever, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty or a wound that becomes increasingly red or swollen.

No operation is free of risk, but your individual risk depends on your health and the surgical findings. Possible problems include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, anaesthetic reactions, blood clots and scar tissue. Ovarian tissue can also be affected, so the surgeon weighs the possible fertility benefit against the risk of reducing ovarian reserve. Ask which warning signs matter after discharge and how complications would be treated if they occurred.

Ovarian drilling may help some people begin ovulating without fertility medication, but it does not treat every cause of anovulation and cannot promise pregnancy. Any effect can vary and may lessen over time. Your clinician may monitor menstrual cycles and ovulation, then discuss timed intercourse, medication or another fertility approach if ovulation does not return or conception does not occur.

The procedure targets the ovary rather than removing it. It is usually considered after assessment of ovulation, hormone results, ovarian reserve and other fertility factors. A discussion should include whether both ovaries need treatment, the chance of needing further fertility care and how pregnancy planning will be monitored.

A specialist may discuss it when polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with anovulation and medication has not produced the intended response, cannot be used or is not suitable for the person’s circumstances. The decision also considers sperm factors, fallopian-tube health, age, ovarian reserve and previous treatment. It is not a general treatment for every fertility concern.

Before surgery, the team reviews medicines, anaesthesia and consent. During laparoscopy, the abdomen is gently inflated so the surgeon can see the ovaries. A fine instrument applies carefully measured energy to create small ovarian surface openings. The instruments are removed, the gas is released and the incisions are closed. You then recover from anaesthesia while staff check pain, bleeding and readiness for discharge.

The first days often involve rest, gentle movement and simple wound care. Energy can return progressively, although the pace differs between people. Your surgeon will advise when to return to work, exercise and sex. Ovulation may be assessed in later cycles rather than immediately, so keep a record of bleeding, symptoms and any monitoring appointments.

Discuss surgical and anaesthetic risks, the possibility of adhesions, and how treatment could affect ovarian reserve. Ask what happens if ovulation remains irregular, when fertility treatment can restart and which symptoms need urgent review. Tell the team about previous operations, bleeding problems, allergies and all medicines or supplements.

Options depend on the reason for anovulation and the wider fertility assessment. Ovulation induction uses medicine to encourage egg release and may be paired with cycle monitoring. Lifestyle support can be part of care for polycystic ovary syndrome, while assisted reproduction may be considered when other factors are present. Your clinician can compare these choices with ovarian drilling.

Look for a gynaecologist or fertility specialist who performs laparoscopic surgery and can provide both fertility assessment and postoperative monitoring. At an appointment, ask who will perform the operation, how ovarian reserve will be considered, what follow-up is included and which alternatives fit your goals.