What are the symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?

Written by: Dr Anna Carby
Published:
Edited by: Kalum Alleyne

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a complication which arises as a result of women injecting hormones in order to increase egg production in the ovaries. Fertility specialist, Dr Anna Carby, shares her expertise on this condition.

 

Woman on mountain

 

What are the symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?

Generally, OHSS can be categorised as mild, moderate and severe. The most common symptoms of mild OHSS are bloating and abdominal pain. Moderate symptoms may additionally include vomiting, while severe OHSS can cause dehydration, increasing pain, vomiting, difficulty in breathing and passing only small amounts of urine.

 

How common is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?

OHSS is reasonably common in treatments such as IVF, with up to a third of patients experiencing symptoms from mild to severe. Mild OHSS is very common, whereas severe OHSS is uncommon (1% of IVF cycles).

 

How is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) managed or treated?

Thorough assessments of the risks of OHSS can go a long way towards preventing it. Modern protocols, careful dosing and care when preparing for egg collection can prevent the vast majority of cases from happening.

 

If OHSS does happen despite all of these precautions, treatment includes painkillers, monitoring fluid intake and output. Sometimes a drug called cabergoline may be prescribed. In severe cases OHSS patients may be admitted to hospital so that fluid intake can be closely monitored along with liver and kidney function. Sometimes blood thinners may be used to prevent clots forming, which can be more likely in OHSS.

 

What causes the condition?

We don’t know exactly what causes OHSS although It is more common in young women with polycystic ovaries and those with a previous history of OHSS, it is thought that “vasoactive” compounds are released in OHSS which alter the structure of blood vessels allowing fluid to leak out and dehydration to occur.

 

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is achieved through a combination of symptoms, ultrasound scans and blood tests which will all help your doctor determine the severity of the condition.

 

Dr Anna Carby is an expert gynaecologist and fertility specialist. For further consultation on this or any other fertility-related issue, visit her Top Doctors profile to request an appointment.

Dr Anna Carby

By Dr Anna Carby
Fertility specialist

Dr Anna Carby is a highly regarded fertility expert and consultant gynaecologist. She has a specific interest in surrogacy and egg donation. She is passionate about fertility preservation for both medical and social indications. She is extremely experienced in carrying out IVF on patients and aiding egg donations

Dr Carby was recently invited to be part of a working group at the UK's Department of Health where she has advocated for the reform of UK surrogacy. Dr Carby has presented at both national and international conferences and has published in fields including fertility preservation for cancer diagnoses and minimisation of the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

She is an active researcher, and whilst working at Imperial College NHS Trust she was involved with one of the first studies assessing the use of a protein called kisspeptin in egg cell maturation. She successfully performed the first egg collection and embryo transfer, leading to the first baby's birth with this naturally occurring compound.


  • Related procedures
  • Laparoscopy
    Menopause
    Preparation for childbirth
    Amniocentesis
    Ovarian cyst
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
    Endometrial polyps
    Uterine malformations
    Medicine playback
    Fertility test
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.