Fertility medications and Assisted Reproductive Treatments greatly help women with fertility problems today. “These treatments have significantly increased the chances of conception for women, bestowing them the chance at parenthood,” says the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
Promise of Parenthood Comes With a Minor Risk: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Like every other beneficial treatment option, these treatments also have specific side effects, manifesting in rare cases. Ovarian Hyperstimulation is one such side effect of fertility treatment options, impacting women’s health through blood clots, dehydration, weight cysts, and kidney problems in sporadic cases.
So, any woman who aims to benefit from fertility medications or assisted reproductive technologies must also be aware of this rare ovarian syndrome to tread carefully on this path. In this blog, we help you understand this syndrome, discuss its symptoms, and then give you tips to reduce its chance of occurrence. Read on:
What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?
If fertilization of eggs produces the baby, these eggs are produced by ovaries. Given assisted fertility treatments, more eggs than usual, ovaries are stimulated using medications to make multiple eggs, which are then used to induce fertilization, artificial or natural. In some cases, the ovaries may respond excessively to these medications, leading to unwanted side effects, which may cause problems for women in the form of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?
“Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome doesn’t happen in all women. It is slightly rare, and the symptoms vary based on the severity of the syndrome. They can be mild, moderate, or even severe, halting the daily functions and leading to severe health problems,” says leading gynaecologist and best laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. Here are the symptoms of Ovarian Hyperstimulation (OHSS) based on the severity:
Symptoms of Mild Ovarian Hyperstimulation: Mild OHSS symptoms may include abdominal bloating, pain, discomfort, cramping & nausea, vomiting & diarrhoea, mild weight gain & fluid retention.
Symptoms of Moderate Ovarian Hyperstimulation: Abdominal distension, increased pain and discomfort, intensified vomiting, nausea, dehydration, decreased yet concentrated urine, difficulty breathing and concentration, and rapid weight gain.
Symptoms of Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation: Fluid accumulation in the chest, rapid and significant weight gain, severe abdominal pain, dry skin, fast heart rate, decreased or even no urine output, persistent vomiting, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat are some of the symptoms in severe OHSS.
How to reduce the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?
Lower doses of medication, perfectly timing the trigger shot, regular monitoring, consistent hydration, avoiding high-impact exercises, and maintaining electrolyte balance are some of the standard best practices that can help reduce the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. “But the most effective way to reduce the risk of OHSS is to consult an expert gynaecologist and fertility specialist who can perfectly customize the fertility treatment and guide you with all the best practices for safe parenthood without the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome,” says gynaecologist and best laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.