Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

And IVF

What is OHSS?

• In preparation for the egg retrieval portion of IVF, medications (especially injectable gonadotropins) are used to make eggs grow. OHSS is a result from an excessive response to taking those medications.

Signs of OHSS:

• Large number of growing follicles along with high estradiol levels

• Mild to moderate symptoms - bloating, nausea, and swelling of the abdomen

• Severe symptoms - blood clots, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dehydration, and vomiting

OHSS Treatment Options:

• Mainly supportive therapy

• For mild to moderate OHSS - typically managed in an outpatient setting, medication to help with nausea, paracentesis to help with fluid removal from abdomen

• For severe OHSS - may require hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluid to help with dehydration from vomiting, medications for nausea, paracentesis to help with fluid removal from abdomen

Last Reviewed: September 21, 2023