Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome consists on the over-growing of the secondary ovaries due to an increase on hormone production and is directly related to the drugs used in the assisted human reproduction techniques.

The hormones administered to stimulate the ovary formation make the ovaries increase in size, can be painful and can also accumulate fluid in the abdominal area.

The main risk factors of suffering from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are the following:

The symptoms are mild but can worsen over time specially if a gestation has been achieved. Usually they manifest as pain or abdominal swelling, nausea and/or vomits.

In their more severe stages, pain can be intense, the abdominal swelling important and breathing can be difficult as well as blood clotting problems.

For its precise diagnosis, the patient must undergo a gynecologic hysteroscopy, a blood test and a transvaginal screening.

The mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be resolved spontaneously in between 1-2 weeks. In the most moderate or severe forms of it, medication intake can be necessary or even hospital inpatient stay. Exceptionally, surgery can be necessary if complication are associated in the ovaries (twisting, cyst breakage, bleeding, etc.).