About this topic
A woman has two ovaries. Normally, one ovary will release one egg each month. Some women may take drugs or have treatments to stimulate the ovaries to release many eggs. These drugs may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Your ovaries become swollen and sore. ‚
Signs may go away without treatment. If your signs are very bad, you may need treatment in a hospital. ‚
What are the causes?
- Taking fertility drugs, often by a shot
- In vitro fertilization
What can make this more likely to happen?
Women who are younger than 35 years old are at a higher risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. If you take drugs to help you get pregnant and have a high level of estrogen you are at a higher risk. Your risk is also higher if you have polycystic ovary syndrome. ‚
What are the main signs?
Mild: ‚
- Belly seems bigger than normal
- Mild belly pain
- Upset stomach and throwing up
Severe: ‚
- Belly seems much bigger than normal
- Bloating above the belly button
- Belly pain
- Lots of thirst
- Passing very small amounts of urine or urine that is dark in color
- Breathing problems
- Swollen and painful legs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history. The doctor will check your belly, lungs, and heart. Your doctor will ask if you have pain in your legs. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Your doctor may give you drugs to treat your signs. Take them as ordered by your doctor.
- If signs get worse, you may need to stay in a hospital. Then, you can get food and fluids through an I.V.
- Your doctor may get rid of extra fluid from your belly by using a needle.
- Surgery may be needed if a cyst bursts. If the tubes of the ovaries get twisted or if you have bleeding, you may need surgery.
Are there other health problems to treat?
You may have other health problems that need to be treated. Some of them are: ‚
- Blood clots
- Breathing problems
- Heart problems
- Fluid inside the lungs
- The tubes of the ovaries may twist (ovarian torsion) and cause bleeding
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Avoid sex until you are better.
- Avoid activities that may make the pain worse.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Help your body get rid of extra fluid
- Stop throwing up
- Replace lost fluids
Will there be any other care needed?
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Your doctor may want you to weigh yourself each day or to measure your urine.
- Your doctor may have you wear special stockings to avoid blood clots. You will be given these stockings in the hospital
- Put 2 to 3 pillows under your back and neck to help with breathing problems.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Follow your doctors orders to avoid problems of fertility treatments.
- Tell your doctor if you have signs that do not go away.
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Reproductive Medicine ‚
http://www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/Resources/Patient_Resources/Fact_Sheets_and_Info_Booklets/OHSS_final_1-5-12.pdf ‚
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ‚
http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/Ovarian%20Hyperstimulation%20Syndrome.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚