How To Avoid OHSS

How To Avoid OHSS

OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) is a potentially serious complication of fertility treatments, particularly during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or ovulation induction with injectable hormones. It causes the ovaries to swell and fluid to leak into the abdomen.

Here’s how to reduce your risk of OHSS:

🩺 How to Avoid OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome)

✅ 1. Careful Monitoring by Your Doctor

• Frequent ultrasounds and blood tests (estradiol levels) help adjust medications early.
• Inform your doctor if you’ve had OHSS before or have PCOS, which increases your risk.

🎯 Early detection = early intervention.

💉 2. Use Lower Doses or Adjusted Meds

• Your fertility specialist may use:
  • Low-dose gonadotropins
  • A “step-down” or “step-up” stimulation protocol
• Avoid hCG triggers if you’re high-risk—your doctor may use a GnRH agonist instead.

🚫 3. Delay or Cancel Trigger or Embryo Transfer

• If you’re showing signs of OHSS:
  • Your cycle might be “coasted” (meds paused)
  • Trigger may be canceled or adjusted
  • Embryos may be frozen for transfer later (freeze-all approach)

❄️ Delaying transfer can allow your body to recover safely.

🥤 4. Stay Hydrated (But Not Excessively)

• Drink fluids with electrolytes (like oral rehydration salts or sports drinks).
• Avoid over-drinking water—stick to what your clinic recommends.

🛏️ 5. Watch for Early Symptoms

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Rapid weight gain
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath

⚠️ Early symptoms need quick evaluation to prevent complications.

🧬 6. Consider Alternative Protocols

If you’re at high risk:

• Mild stimulation IVF may be used
• In vitro maturation (IVM): immature eggs collected without full stimulation and matured in the lab

👩‍⚕️ Talk to Your Fertility Specialist

Personalized care is key. Ask your doctor:

• What’s my risk of OHSS?
• What protocols will we use to prevent it?
• What happens if signs of OHSS appear?

🧩 TL;DR: OHSS Prevention Checklist

Action	Why It Matters
Careful monitoring	Detects risk early
Adjusting meds	Reduces overstimulation
Freeze-all option	Avoids worsening symptoms
Hydration + symptom check	Prevents severe complications
Doctor communication	Ensures safe, customized care