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Ovarian drilling is a laparoscopic procedure used to help some people with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, ovulate. A surgeon makes small treated areas on an ovary using electric energy or a laser. This reduces some of the tissue that produces excess androgens. It is generally considered when medication has not restored ovulation.
read more about ovarian drilling ...PCOS can disrupt ovulation and make pregnancy difficult. Ovarian drilling may be discussed when treatments to trigger ovulation have not worked. A fertility specialist reviews other causes of infertility and available treatment options. The procedure does not guarantee ovulation or pregnancy.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia through small abdominal incisions. A camera lets the surgeon view the ovaries and guide the instruments. Electric energy or a laser is applied to several small areas of ovarian tissue. The ovaries remain in place after treatment.
Ovarian drilling is commonly performed as same-day surgery. Abdominal soreness or discomfort related to the laparoscopy can occur afterward. The care team provides instructions for incision care and a gradual return to activity. Follow-up assesses whether ovulation has resumed.
Risks include bleeding, infection, and injury to nearby organs during laparoscopy. Scar tissue can form around the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Excessive treatment of ovarian tissue may reduce egg reserve. A specialist can discuss these risks alongside other fertility treatments.
No. The surgeon treats small areas of ovarian tissue while leaving the ovaries in place.
No. It is considered for selected people with PCOS-related infertility, generally after ovulation medication has not worked.
No. Ovulation may resume without a pregnancy, and other fertility factors can affect the outcome.
Yes. Damage to too much ovarian tissue can reduce egg reserve, which is one reason the treatment must be carefully planned.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (Ovarian Diathermy) for PCOS. MyHealth.Alberta.ca (Alberta Health Services). https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=tw9171. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling for ovulation induction in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7013239/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Ovarian drilling for infertility patient education fact sheet. ReproductiveFacts.org (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/ovarian-drilling-for-infertility/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Ovarian drilling in polycystic ovary syndrome: Long term pregnancy rate. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6722221/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Ovarian Drilling: Back to the Future. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9416052/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.