What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a condition suffered by some women during IVF treatment, especially shortly after embryo transfer. The symptoms are usually limited to abdominal swelling and a little stomach pain, but sometimes they may be more serious and include nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, large weight gain and breathing difficulties. The entire syndrome is caused by the hormones administered during IVF treatment. Stimulation of the ovaries with HMG is followed by an HCG injection. HCG brings the eggs to maturity and triggers ovulation, but also stimulates the ovaries again. If the treatment succeeds in achieving pregnancy, the woman’s own body will then begin producing HCG and the step from ovarian stimulation to ovarian hyperstimulation is a small one. Hyperstimulation causes the remains of the numerous ovarian follicles to form cysts containing large quantities of fluid. This fluid leaks out and spreads throughout the cavities of the body, starting with the abdomina
