Reuters Health published an article on 8/31/06 about a study using laser treatment to the ovaries to improve ovulation in women with PCOS, who have irregular menstrual cycles.
Although the study was small, only 19 women in the study, the results were promising. The women were given an injection of pethidine (a painkiller) and then 30 minutes later a long needle was inserted transvaginally into an ovary. Through the needle an optic fiber was threaded to deliver laser energy to cause localized coagulation. This was repeated at three to five points in each ovary.
The article stated that 16 of the 19 women developed spontaneous menstruation and ovulation. Six of the patients became pregnant, 5 delivered at full-term and one was still 8 months pregnant when the report was prepared.
This is interesting to me as an acupuncturist that specializes in IVF support. I see many patients that have PCOS and are undergoing IVF to overcome their fertility problem.
It amazes me how much reproductive endocrinologists can do today and I am sure in another 20 years it will be X times more amazing.