Home / FAQ / What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?
Fertility drugs prescribed before IVF treatment stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple ova for egg collection.
Most women experience no problems from fertility drugs, however in rare cases women may experience Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This is caused when the ovaries enlarge due to too many follicles forming.
Mild OHSS does not pose a great risk to health although can cause uncomfortable symptoms: abdominal swelling, bloating and small ovarian cysts.
Severe OHSS is more serious, however only effects 2% of women who take ovary stimulating drugs. Severe OHSS causes the ovaries to swell to over 10cm and fluid builds up in the abdomen and flows back to the chest.
Symtoms of severe ovarian hyperstimulation include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and shortness of breath.
Women who suffer from severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome will require hospital treatment.
OHSS symptoms usually occur 3-5 days after egg retrieval.
