Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Causes: 4 Tips For Preventing OHSS

Women undergoing fertility treatments can increase the chances of a successful outcome by following various strategies.

Over the last few years, IVF has become a much safer and more straightforward process than it used to be, with almost negligible risks involved. One of the complications of IVF is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which used to be more familiar with older stimulation protocols. Still, nowadays, most clinics have successfully become OHSS-free clinics.

OHSS Causes

OHSS is caused when the ovaries hyper-respond and produce a larger-than-expected number of egg build-up that can occur in the abdomen or chest. Hence, everyone should be aware of this complication and understand that not all women will experience the syndrome, but those who do should immediately consult medical professionals.

As Per A Report

Approximately 3 to 6% of women who go through IVF treatments can be affected by this syndrome, although severe cases occur in less than 2%. Patients who are likely to develop OHSS are often advised to focus on taking an adequate amount of rest, proper hydration, and constant monitoring at home or in a hospital set-up.

1. Stay Hydrated And Nourished: To prevent Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, individuals need to be well hydrated as it helps regulate the fluid balance of the human body. A study has shown that mild dehydration can affect us mentally and physically, as the human body comprises around 60 70% water. So, patients are advised to keep themselves adequately hydrated throughout the treatment. Drinking adequate amounts of water also helps maintain organ blood flow, preventing various health complications associated with OHSS, such as microthrombi, the formation of blood clots, and strain on the kidneys. Additionally, individuals can support their overall well-being and minimize their chances of experiencing these severe symptoms by eating healthy, balanced, and nutritious food.
2. Careful Monitoring Hormone Levels: If your fertility specialist finds that your ovaries are hyper-responding, they may advise checking your estrogen hormone levels, especially in the morning before your trigger injection. This helps them decide on further courses of action, such as determining which type of trigger would be safer for them.
3. Effective Communication: In the days after the egg pick-up, inform your clinical team immediately if you develop untoward symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pain, difficulty passing urine or stools, and breathlessness. With good communication, the requisite steps can be taken to ensure a smooth recovery.
4. Protocols That Minimize The Risk Of OHSS: The fertility specialist will usually advise women with a more significant number of mature follicles or estradiol levels above a specific cut-off. Also, freezing all embryos instead of doing a fresh embryo transfer almost eliminates the risk of OHSS.

In Conclusion

Women undergoing fertility treatments can increase the chances of a successful outcome by following various strategies. They must focus on proper hydration, hormone level monitoring, and effective communication with healthcare providers to prevent Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.