A painful and potentially deadly side effect of fertility drugs, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is when the ovaries become overly swollen with fluid, leaking this excess fluid in to the body. In extreme cases, which are rare, the fluid may fill the chest area, leading to shortness of breath. Other symptoms of a serious case of OHSS include weight gain of more than 10 pounds in a few days, severe pain or swelling in the abdomen and trouble urinating.
In mild cases, happening in up to 10% of women during IVF treatment, OHSS may lead to bloating, mild pain or discomfort in the abdomen and slight weight gain. With monitoring, mild symptoms can be dealt with at home, and fertility treatment can usually still be completed.
While severe cases of OHSS are rare, if you are concerned and are experiencing any symptoms, you should contact your doctor. If you're experiencing shortness of breath and/or severe abdominal pain, you should go to an emergency room without delay.
Source:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Medical Encyclopedia, MedlinePlus. Accessed July 24th, 2008. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007294.htm
