Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is a condition which can happen in women who have stimulated egg growth as a part of fertility medication. If you have undertaken an IVF treatment for infertility, you would have surely heard about the relation between OHS & IVF treatment. It is crucial that you get your key facts right. Here are some of the most common queries that arise about the Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome or OHSS is a condition that arises as a result of overstimulation of the ovaries as a part of fertility treatment like IVF. OHSS causes a patient’s ovaries to swell and results in a fluid build up around the abdomen.
During the fertility treatment, the patient is asked to take hormone-based medications that help in stimulating the egg growth in the patient’s ovary. OHSS can occur when the body of the patient reacts strongly to these medications.
What are the Symptoms of OHSS?
OHSS will occur after the ovulation has taken place. Symptoms of the syndrome will generally occur after a few days of ovulation or IVF egg retrieval. Sometimes, the symptoms do not show for a week or more after the ovulation.
The overstimulated ovaries become swollen in size and the blood vessels that manages the supply around the ovaries begins to leak fluid into the abdominal cavity. This can cause a variety of symptoms which can vary depending upon the severity of the situation.
Mild or Moderate OHSS can cause nausea, bloating, mild to moderate abdominal pain or tenderness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Severe kind of OHSS can cause very fast weight gain like 5 pounds in a day, severe nausea, decreased urination, difficulty breathing, calf pain. abdominal pain and tenderness and dizziness.
Mild OHSS is more common than the severe one and the symptoms of it generally go away after a week unless you become pregnant. Pregnancy can worsen the symptoms and the symptoms might last for a few weeks.
What are the Causes of OHSS?
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome can be attributed to many causes but the actual cause is not yet known. One of the factors include a high level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG is a hormone that is usually produced in the first trimester of pregnancy. The ovarian blood vessels can react abnormally to the HCG and can start to leak fluid. This can swell up the ovaries and the fluid, in large amounts, can also reach the abdomen.
HCG is often given as a trigger during fertility treatments to help the mature follicle release an egg. OHSS happens within a week after you get HCG injection. If you get pregnant, your body releases HCG of its own which might worsen the situation.
How Common is OHSS?
The symptoms of OHSS can be mild, moderate or severe. Note that when symptoms are mild, it is considered common and a ‘normal’ response to the treatment. There is a very low risk of developing severe OHSS and it is important that you note down the symptoms and tell them to your practitioner. Sometimes, women might need immediate hospitalization.
- Mild symptoms occur in 20-35% of the cycle
- Moderate occurs in 3-6% of the cases
- And severe in 0.1-3% of all the cycles
What are the Risk Factors of OHSS?
There are some women who are at a much higher risk of developing the syndrome than others. Here are some of the factors that should be taken into account as they can increase the chances of OHSS.
- History of OHSS
- Suffering from PCOS
- High AMH levels
- High follicle count
- Having a low body weight
- High levels of estrogen in the body before the stimulating shots are given
- Migraine problems
- Younger than 35
Why IVF Spring Fertility Center?
We, at IVF Spring Fertility Center, offers individualised treatments to all the couples depending on their medical history and conditions to reduce the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Our advanced technologies leads to lower complications and higher chances of conception. There is no history of OHSS with our fertility treatments.