Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Symptoms

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome symptoms often show a week or less after using injectable drugs to induce ovulation, but they might occasionally take two weeks or longer. Mild to severe symptoms are possible, and they may get worse or get better with time. A modest form of OHSS can occur in some women who use injectable reproductive medications. Usually, after a week, this goes away. However, OHSS symptoms may intensify and linger for several days to weeks if pregnancy occurs.

The following symptoms are possible with mild to moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome:

• Mild to moderate stomach discomfort
• Bloating of the abdomen or a larger waist
• Pain or discomfort in the ovaries
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Symptoms of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome include:

• 1 kilogramme of weight gain in 24 hours
• Intense stomach discomfort
• Severe, ongoing motion sickness
• Blood clotting
• Fewer urinations
• Breathing difficulty
• A constricted or bulging abdomen

When should you go to the doctor?

Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are undergoing reproductive treatments and exhibit symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Your doctor may want to keep an eye on you for unexpected weight gain or worsening symptoms even if you only have a minor case of OHSS.

If you get leg pain or difficulty breathing while undergoing fertility therapy, call your doctor straight away. This can denote a critical circumstance requiring immediate medical care.

Risk elements

OHSS can occur in women with no risk factors. The following things, however, are known to raise your risk of OHSS:

• Prior instances of OHSS
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• There are a lot of follicles.
• Low body mass
• Estradiol (oestrogen) levels that are high or rapidly rising prior to receiving an HCG trigger shot.

Complications

Although rare, severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be fatal. Possible complications include:

• Ovarian turbulence (ovarian torsion)
• Ovarian cyst rupture, which can result in severe bleeding
• Loss of the pregnancy due to difficulties or miscarriage
• Fluid buildup in the chest, and occasionally the abdomen
• The trouble with the electrolytes (sodium, potassium, others)
• Large vascular blood clots, typically in the legs
• Failed kidney
• Breathing difficulties

Diagnosis

The physical examination may be used to diagnose ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Your healthcare professional will check for any weight gain, widening of your waist, and any abdominal pain you may be experiencing.

An ultrasonogram. An ultrasound may reveal enlarged ovaries with sizable fluid-filled cysts where follicles once were if you have OHSS. During fertility drug treatment, your provider will use a vaginal ultrasound to examine your ovaries on a regular basis.

Blood analysis. Your doctor can examine your blood for anomalies and determine whether OHSS is affecting your kidney function by running specific blood tests.

Treatment

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome usually goes away on its own within a week or two, however, it may take a little longer if you're pregnant. Reduction in ovarian activity, and averting problems are the main goals of treatment.

Usually, mild OHSS goes away on its own. Moderate OHSS treatment options include:

• Increased hydration
• Ultrasounds and routine physical examinations
• Measurements of the waist and weight is taken every day to look for sudden changes
• Measurements of your daily urine production
• Blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and other issues
• Using a needle to puncture your abdomen to drain extra abdominal fluid
• Prescription drugs to stop blood clots

To relieve your symptoms, your doctor might prescribe drugs. Your doctor may occasionally prescribe you additional drugs to assist control ovarian activity. To reduce the danger of blood clots in your legs, you might also require anticoagulant drugs.

You might need to be admitted to the hospital if you have severe OHSS in order to receive intensive treatment, such as IV fluids. Serious consequences, such as a ruptured ovarian cyst, may necessitate extra treatment, such as intensive care for liver or lung difficulties.

If you have any OHSS symptoms then, it is recommended to follow a few things:

• Every day, weigh yourself on the same scale and take a measurement around your abdomen, notifying your provider of any odd gains.
• Avoid having sex since it could hurt and might rupture an ovarian cyst.
• Avoid extreme or high-impact activities and maintain a low level of physical activity.
• If your symptoms and indications worsen, contact your specialist immediately.