what is Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

[TTC1994]

Hi everyone!

I had my First IVF app today! we start our fertility meds on 18th jan!! can't wait. Long story short.. I got told I have Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS) has anyone ever suffered with this? the consultant said a normal percentage is 19.8 but mines 178. iv read up on google (I know I shouldn't but I can't help it) it says it effects your egg quality?

has anyone ever had this or has this? do you have any tips or advise? thanks in advance! xx

[XOXO13]

Hello,

I’ve had OHSS but I got it post stim treatment, I didn’t actually know you could get it without IVF treatment so that’s new news to me!

With OHSS, the way I understand it anyway, your body exaggerates it’s response to Stims/hormones and causes your ovaries to swell and become very painful. It can be quite dangerous (not to scare you as there are many scales to it). With mine, it got worse when I got a positive pregnancy test following my fourth transfer, as my HCG numbers were so high. I ended up with two hospital stays and fluid around my ovaries. My stomach was incredibly engorged and at 5 weeks pregnant, I looked about 20 weeks.

It did eventually settle with rest, lots of fluid (4L of water a day plus 1L of milk) and a high protein diet.

That all said, if you’ve not started medication yet but they’ve told you that you have it, then I’m not too sure if my above response will be relevant to you as I only got it as a result of my IVF treatment vs prior to starting IVF.

Others may have better advice for you who have experienced similar. I do wonder if diet could help though, so maybe look that up?

Lots of luck with your forthcoming treatment xxx

[Hopecontinues]

Hi, Is the percentage your AMH level? OHSS is something that develops when you take the stimulation meds. You could be at a high risk of developing it and therefore they would look to modify your meds accordingly.

I've had OHSS twice, you definitely want to avoid it. I had lots of eggs, but ended up with low numbers of embryos and they had to be frozen because I was so ill and getting pregnant would have made it worse. My last round I did mild ivf to reduce the chances of OHSS and improve egg quality. You're young so your egg quality is probably OK.

Good luck. If you do get OHSS, eat protein at every meal. Some people on here recommend skyr yoghurt. I also drank water with electrolytes. I used sports drink ones.

[canwyyyyl]

Yes, you will be at risk of OHSS with such a high AMH but it’s something that develops as a result of the drugs (over stimulating your ovaries!). If you get pregnant from the transfer this will increase your risk as the hormones produced by your body could make it worse I believe.For this reason I expect they will freeze all of your embryos after collection to give your body time to recover. I had an AMH of 80something and was put on a short protocol.I only had to inject for 5 days before I had enough follicles. We got 29 eggs, 22 mature and 5 suitable for freezing. I am 29 weeks pregnant from second FET. I don’t think having such high AMH massively affects your egg quality so don’t worry about that. It should mean you get lots of them and so a higher % won’t be viable but you will still get some good ones.

Best of luck!

[TTC1994 in reply to canwyyyyl]

ahh that's amazing congratulations on your pregnancy! yes they mentioned a freeze all. im thankful they have picked up on it and im in the best hands so hopefully all goes well. thank you for your advise! ill keep you all updated on the egg collection!

[canwyyyyl in reply to TTC1994]

Yes please do :))))

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi balib. Basically it means that your ovaries have responded exceptionally well, that they are producing lots of follicles. They may decide to do a freeze all cycle, if safe to do so, or even abandon the cycle, as it can become very dangerous if the follicles decide to leak. You could lose lots of fluid into your pelvis and abdomen which could put pressure on your organs. You need to drink at least 3L of water daily to compensate for any fluid loss and keep an eye on your urine output. You need to wee lots and it needs to be pale in colour. If it lessens and become dark or you become breathless, then you need to be seen by a doctor. Your ovaries most likely will become sore, so be careful not to get constipated, as poo passing by can "ouch". I'm sure you will be monitored carefully. Good luck! Diane

[TTC1994]

Hi Diane, the consultant has said it will be a freeze all cycle then I'll do the ivf a month or two later, this gives my body time to recover and prep for the ivf. hopefully they don't decide to abandon the whole cycle! thanks for your advice! ill make sure Im drinking lots of fluids!