Test Tube Baby With Fluid In Body-OHSS

                                               Test Tube Baby With Fluid In Body-OHSS

IVF/Test tube baby is definitely a gift of science to many childless couples but it has certain limitations and side effects which we should know as patients so that we are mentally prepared at our back of mind and not in a situation of surprises.

Ovarian hyperstimulation is one such condition which can happen in some prone patients what we call as OHSS

What Is OHSS-

OHSS is a condition which mostly develops in patients of IVF but can rarely be seen in IUI/Ovulation induction cases also.In this there is fluid collection in tummy and at other areas of body adding distress

Cause and Sequence of presentation-

Causative factor is fertility drugs which are used to grow the eggs.

Generally fertility drugs are used to produce egg sac but sometimes they can cause hyper stimulation of ovaries. This happens when presence of the drugs is more than what your body can handle. As a result, the level of hormones responsible for producing eggs in the ovary increases and too much hormones cause the ovaries to get swollen or enlarged. These enlarged ovaries then start releasing chemicals into the blood stream which ultimately start leaking fluid into the body.

Sometimes that leaked fluid reaches heart, lungs and various other organs and become a serious health problem resulting in grave consequences.

T he Risk of OHSS is mainly to the women who-

At very young age

Have polycystic ovarian condition

Take higher dose of gonadotropins

Have previous history of OHSS

Low weight

Have multiple pregnancy(twins-triplets)

A history of migraines or a previous episode of OHSS

Mild OHSS – women usually experience

Mild abdominal swelling, pain or discomfort

Mild nausea

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Moderate OHSS – Most of the symptoms are same as mild OHSS but with greater intensity

Increased abdominal pain

Increased abdominal girth

Nausea

Urine is dark and very less

Vomiting & diarrhea

And sudden increase in weight

Severe OHSS –  

Intense abdominal pain

Rapid weight gain

Marked abdominal distension

Severe nausea and vomiting

Urine has stopped or very less and much darker

Respiratory difficulties

Extreme thirst

Prevention – Consult your doctor at earliest and clear all doubts esp if you have a strong history of same