Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially serious complication of fertility treatments where the ovaries become severely swollen and leak fluid into the abdomen and chest, causing symptoms ranging from mild bloating and discomfort to severe pain, rapid weight gain, difficulty breathing, and in rare cases, life-threatening organ dysfunction. Women with PCOS are at significantly higher risk for OHSS (up to 10-20% of stimulated cycles) because their ovaries contain many follicles that can over-respond dramatically to fertility medications. Modern fertility protocols minimize this risk through careful medication dosing, close monitoring with ultrasound, and specific prevention strategies like adding metformin during treatment cycles.