Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

OHSS is a problem that is sometimes seen in women who take fertility medicines that stimulate egg production. Generally, a woman produces one egg per month and some women who have trouble getting pregnant may be given medicines to help them make more eggs. If these medicines stimulate the ovaries too much, the ovaries may quickly swell to several times their normal size and may also leak fluid into the abdomen.

The symptoms of OHSS usually begin within 10 days after taking medicines to stimulate ovulation. The severity of OHSS symptoms vary and the symptoms may improve or worsen over time.

Symptoms of Moderate OHSS:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal bloating
• Mild to moderate pain that may come and go

Symptoms of Severe OHSS:

• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Dark urine
• Severe abdominal pain and tight or enlarged abdomen
• Rapid weight gain
• Nausea and vomiting

Here are a few factors that may increase one's risk of developing OHSS:

• Young age
• Low body weight
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Migraine headache
• Previous episode of OHSS
• Becoming a parent with multiple births at one time
• High or increasing level of estrogen during fertility treatments

If you have symptoms of OHSS, contact your doctor immediately for an accurate evaluation of your symptoms!