Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

In most cases, the symptoms of OHSS begin within 10 days after you take medications to stimulate ovulation. The severity of OHSS symptoms varies, and symptoms may worsen or improve over time.

Moderate OHSS

  • Mild to moderate abdominal pain that may come and go
  • Abdominal bloating or increased girth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tenderness in the area of your ovaries

Severe OHSS

  • Rapid weight gain, such as an increase of 5 to 10 pounds in one to two days, or weight gain of more than 10 pounds in three or more days
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased urinary frequency
  • Dark urine
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tight or enlarged abdomen
  • Dizziness

When to see a doctor
If you have any symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, tell your doctor. Even if you have a mild form of the syndrome, your doctor will want to observe you for weight gain or worsening symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, last longer than a week or get worse, seek medical attention.

Causes Definition
References
  1. Van Voorhis BJ. Outcomes from assisted reproductive technology. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006;107:183.
  2. Manno M, et al. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: The best approaches for prevention and treatment: A mini-review. Current Women's Health Reviews. 2007;3:49.
  3. Lobo RA. Infertility: Etiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, prognosis. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
  4. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Fertility and Sterility. 2006;86(suppl):S178.
  5. Insler V, et al. Pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
  6. Insler V, et al. Classification and treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
  7. Luke B, et al. Factors associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and its effect on assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and outcome. Fertility and Sterility. 2010;94:1399.
  8. Doody KJ. Treatment of the infertile couple. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3158038. Accessed Dec. 6, 2010.
  9. Humaidan P, et al. Preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: Guidance for the clinician. Fertility and Sterility. 2010;94:389.
  10. Insler V, et al. Prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
  11. Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 22, 2010.
DS01097 Jan. 15, 2011

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