Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Alternative Names

Treatment

Mild cases of OHSS usually don't need to be treated. You can ease your discomfort by doing the following:

• Get plenty of rest with your legs raised. This helps your body release the fluid.
• Drink at least 10 - 12 glasses of fluid a day (especially drinks that contain electrolytes).
• Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages (such as colas or coffee).
• Avoid intense exercise and sexual intercourse, which can cause ovarian discomfort and may cause ovarian cysts to rupture or leak.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

You should weigh yourself each day to make sure you're not putting on too much weight (5 or more pounds a day).

In the rare case that you develop severe OHSS, you will probably need to go to a hospital. The health care providers there will give you fluids through a vein (intravenous fluids), remove fluids that have collected in your body, and monitor your condition.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most mild cases of OHSS will go away on their own after menstruation starts. If you have a more severe case, it can take several days for symptoms to improve.

If you become pregnant during OHSS, the symptoms may get worse and can take weeks to go away.

Possible Complications

In rare cases, OHSS can lead to life-threatening complications, including:

• Blood clots
• Kidney failure
• Severe electrolyte imbalance
• Severe fluid build-up in the abdomen or chest

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Excessive weight gain (more than 5 pounds a day)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea so intense that you can't keep food or liquids down
• Decreased urination
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

References

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Fertil Steril. November 2003;80(5):1309-1314.

Budev MM, Arroliga AC, Falcone T. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Crit Care Med. 2005;33:S301-S305.