Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation (OHSS) results from an excessive response of the ovaries to the fertility drugs. Women having polycystic ovaries (PCOD/PCOS) and undergoing fertility treatment with fertility enhancing drugs are more prone to it.
OHSS is usually mild, requires no specific treatment and becomes better by itself within a few days. It may last longer if a woman becomes pregnant as a result of treatment.
If you feel you could be developing OHSS, you should take plenty of clear fluids like soups, nimbu pani etc and ensure that the colour of your urine is whitish. Paracetamol tablets can be taken for pain relief but not brufen or other anti- inflammatory drugs. One must continue to do light exercises to avoid developing leg clots.
If you feel you are not getting better and the pain in your tummy is worsening, you must contact your doctor as an emergency. This is also true if you experience chest pain, or have persistent vomiting and breathing difficulties.
Your doctor may advise hospital admission if she feels you need fluid and electrolyte replenishment. She may also advise an urgent ultrasound and some blood tests. In severe cases women are advised to stay in the hospital under observation till the symptoms subside and she is out of danger. The hospital stay lasts for 2-7 days on an average.
OHSS if severe can have serious consequences for the mother but usually there is no risk to the growing baby. sometimes when there is fluid collection in lungs or abdomen as a result of OHSS, you may require a drainage procedure wherein a small needle is inserted in the chest cavity or abdomen to remove the extra fluid to help you breathe easy.
The pregnancy usually carries on as normal from the second trimester onwards. Please enquire more about OHSS from your fertility clinic if you have more queries and you are undergoing treatment with fertility drugs.