Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome Health Article

Definition

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication occasionally seen in women who take certain fertility medicines that stimulate egg production.

See also: Infertility

Alternative Names

OHSS

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Normally, a woman produces one egg per month. Some women undergoing fertility treatments are given medicines to help normalize egg development or increase egg production.

However, if the drugs stimulate the ovaries too much, the ovaries can suddenly become very swollen and fluid can leak into the belly and chest area. This is called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS occurs only after the eggs are released from the ovary (ovulation).

You may be more likely to get OHSS if your doctor gives you an injection of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to help trigger ovulation. You may have an even greater risk of this syndrome if you receive more than one dose of hCG after ovulation. OHSS rarely, if ever, occurs in women who only take fertility medicines by mouth.

OHSS affects up to 10% of women who go through in vitro fertilization. In most cases the condition is mild, but some women get a severe and dangerous form of OHSS.

Additional risk factors for OHSS include:

• Age younger than 35
• Very high estrogen level while undergoing fertility treatments
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Symptoms

The symptoms of OHSS can range from mild to severe. Most women with the condition have mild symptoms such as:

• Abdominal bloating
• Mild pain in the abdomen
• Weight gain

In rare cases, women can have more serious symptoms, including:

• Significant weight gain (more than 10 pounds in 3 - 5 days)
• Severe pain or swelling in the abdomen
• Decreased urination
• Shortness of breath

Signs and tests

If you have a severe case of OHSS, your health care provider will need to carefully monitor your symptoms. You may be admitted to the hospital.

Your weight and size of your belly area (abdomen) will be measured. Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal ultrasound or vaginal ultrasound
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count
• Electrolytes panel
• Liver function test
• Tests to measure urine output