Ovarian drilling - can anyone enlighten me?

[MrsFogi]

Following on from my laparascopy thread (I am going to have an operation to remove a scar which makes implantation on one side virtually impossible and while I'm under anaesthetic the consultant is going to do a laparascopy to see if there is any reason for taking so long to conceive) the consultant has now suggested that while I am under anaesthetic he could also do ovarian drilling to make ovulation more regular. I don't have perfect 28 day cycles but they are usually between 30-35 days with clear ovulation (according to my temping/opks). Having looked on the web it looks like this procedure is used for PCOS (which I don't have) - any thoughts on whether I should accept this kind drilling offer?

I had it done and was pg a month later. Regulated my periods perfectly, but it only lasts a few years, not permanently.

Hi MrsFogi,

Its not actually drilling in the usual sense; basically the surgeon pierces the surface of any cystic looking follicles on your ovaries with an electrical laser or needle. Its proper name is laparoscopic ovarian diathermy.

I would take your cons up on his offer to do the ovarian diathermy at the same time (having had diathermy done as well). Infact he will in all likelihood diathermise your scar tissue as well. It will do you no harm and will give cons more information about the current condition of your ovaries.

The problem with charting is that it is a very unreliable indicator of imminent ovulation and such charts can be by their very nature misleading. It is therefore not in any way adviseable to rely on such charts to confirm that ovulation is happening.

I am wondering about the "scar" you mention; I am wondering if this is an adhesion as a result of any former abdominal surgery you may have had (appendix removal etc).

Diathermy if done in good hands can be very effective indeed. However, it is not a permanent cure all for any underlying problems like for instance PCOS or endo. I have heard of some successes (I conceived two months post diathermy surgery and also know of others who have conceived after such surgery) and some failures of treatment. It can give a "window of opportunity" of up to one year post operation.

I wish you well with your forthcoming surgery and would advise you to talk to cons re any concerns you may have.

A tip: ensure that you have a firm date for follow up post op (you should be seen a week post op) and ensure you are fully conversant with the findings of the operation.

Good luck to you

Meerkats

Meerkats, that's a very impressive post! have you had this done, or are you a doctor?

Hi Hester,

Have has this op.

Meerkats

friend of mine had this done 4 years ago, and was pg the next month....good luck!

Thanks for the positive responses and to Meerkats for the very comprehensive response. The scarring is from a D&C after a missed m/c last year. It seems that due to the scarring it would be impossible for any egg to implant on the side where the scar is (so giving me a possibility to get pg only every other month and given how long it is taking to get pg I certainly need both sides available!). So, as he's going to remove the scarring the cons is offering to do all sorts of other things while I'm under - ovarian drilling, have a look round, laparascopy. In some ways I'm pleased about this and in other ways I wonder if it is adding unnecessary procedures. My cons although v nice is not the world's greatest communicator.

TBH (and this is only my opinion mind you!) I do not feel he is doing anything unnecessary. Far better in my view for the surgeon now to have a look at all your internal organs and operate accordingly on any problems found at the time rather than face the prospect of further surgery (as only a diagnostic investigation was done at the time). A lap is often used as a (diagnostic) test rather than a treatment so am glad to see he has suggested other things as well.

Ovulation does not occur from alternate ovaries in alternate months. Which ovary ovulates in any given month is entirely random.

Some women only have one functioning tube. It is possible for the tube to collect an egg that has come from either side; however, it is thought that the tube is more likely most times to pick up eggs from the ovary next to it rather than from the opposite side.