WHAT IS Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can affect women undergoing IVF or other fertility procedures.
It occurs when they take injectable hormones to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries.
Too much hormone medication can cause the ovaries to become swollen and painful. In severe cases it can lead to rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, vomiting and shortness of breath.
In rare cases, OHSS occurs after taking oral fertility treatments or even just spontaneously.
Symptoms typically begin within ten days of taking injectable medications. In mild cases they can include:
Moderate abdominal pain
Bloating or an increased waist size
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Sudden weight gain of more than 6.6lbs (3kg)
These symptoms often ease within a week without treatment.
In severe cases, symptoms include:
Rapid weight gain of 33-44lbs (15-20kg) within five-ten days
Severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
Blood clots in the legs
Reduced urination
Shortness of breath
Tight or enlarged abdomen
In around 1-2 per cent of cases, OHSS can be life-threatening and lead to:
Fluid in the abdomen or chest
Blood clots
Kidney failure
Ovary twisting
Rupture of an ovarian cyst, leading to bleeding
Breathing problems
Miscarriage
Death
Severe sufferers may require IV fluids in hospital and drugs to suppress their ovarian activity.
Surgery may be necessary if an ovarian cyst bursts, as well as anticoagulants if clots have occurred.
OHSS' exact cause is unknown but is thought to be due a hormone called HCG, which triggers the release of an egg.
OHSS' exact cause is unknown but is thought to be due a hormone called HCG, which triggers the release of an egg.
Ovarian blood vessels react abnormally to HCG and begin to leak fluid, which causes swelling that can move into the abdomen.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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