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Signs of Hyperstimulation

Many women suffer from infertility. Modern medicine has many treatment options to increase a woman's chances of conceiving. Infertility treatments are often successful, but cause side effects. One side effect is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The symptoms of OHSS range from mild to severe and may be treated at home or in a hospital, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

  1. What is OHSS?

    • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurs in some women who are taking medications to treat infertility. Such drugs cause the ovaries to produce a normal amount of eggs (one per month) or increase the number of eggs produced. OHSS occurs when the ovaries have been stimulated so much that the ovaries become swollen and cause fluid to build up in the chest and abdomen once an egg is released.

    Classification and Onset of Symptoms

    • The Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com) lists the symptoms of OHSS, which vary according to severity and may be considered moderate or severe. Moderate symptoms are usually monitored by your doctor and may be treated at home. Severe symptoms usually require a hospital stay. These symptoms may appear 10 days after beginning treatment and either improve or worsen with time.

    Abdominal and Digestion Problems

    • Moderate OHSS may cause pain in the area near the ovaries and general abdominal discomfort that may be felt off and on. It is not uncommon to experience nausea, vomiting and mild diarrhea, as well. Another common symptom of moderate OHSS is abdominal bloating.

      Patients with severe OHSS may experience severe, persistent pain in the ovaries. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also much worse and more frequent with severe OHSS. Instead of mild bloating, women who develop severe OHSS may have "tight or enlarged" abdomens.

    Urination Problems

    • Women with moderate OHSS may not experience any urinary abnormalities. However, fewer trips to the restroom may signal a decrease in urine frequency, which is a symptom of severe OHSS. Many times, the urine is also dark.

    Weight Gain

    • Weight gain is not uncommon when swelling occurs. Women with severe OHSS experience sudden, extreme weight gain. Severe OHSS can cause a woman to gain between 5 and 10 pounds in just one or two days, or more than 10 pounds in three days. For this reason, it is important for those with OHSS to weigh themselves daily and keep track of their weight gain.

    Treatment

    • Mild cases of OHSS do not require medical treatment, and symptoms are manageable. MedLine Plus recommends resting with your legs elevated, staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities and intercourse and treating discomfort with acetaminophen.

      If you have severe OHSS, your doctor may measure your belly and monitor your weight. MedLine Plus states that common tests administered to women with severe OHSS include abdominal or vaginal ultrasounds, chest x-rays, blood work to check electrolytes, blood count and liver function and a test for urine production. The test results will help your doctor determine a treatment plan which may include a hospital stay in order to monitor your health, remove excess fluid and give intravenous fluids.

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