What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome? OHSS is a temporary condition that may occur in women who are undergoing fertility treatment to induce ovulation. The good news is studies have shown that the risk of OHSS is rare. Less than 5% of all women who receive IVF treatments may develop OHSS and most cases are mild.

  • OHSS is a temporary condition that may occur during the egg donation process.
  • It is rare and, in most cases, mild.
  • Most donors do not experience serve symptoms.
  • Your medical team will monitor you closely during this process.

What Causes OHSS?

OHSS occurs when your body’s hormone levels surge very quickly due to the medications you’re taking, especially gonadotropins. The hormones may cause your ovaries to swell as a larger number of follicles than normal start to grow. Fluid then can then leak through the impaired blood vessels both within and outside the ovaries and into your abdomen, causing edema (swelling).

What Are the Symptoms of OHSS?

OHSS symptoms can range from mild to serve.

Mild symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal swelling or bloating
  • Discomfort
  • Nausea

Moderate to severe symptoms may include:

  • Increase swelling
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Decrease in urination
  • Difficulty breathing

In very rare cases, OHSS can lead to a blood clot forming in the leg or the lungs. This is accompanied by swelling and tenderness in the area or chest pain and breathlessness. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

What Are My Risks of OHSS as an Egg Donor?

Certain factors may increase your risks of developing OHSS, including:

  • You have PCOS (polycystic ovaries)
  • You’re under 30 years old
  • You have a very high estrogen level during fertility treatments
  • You’ve had OHSS before
  • You get pregnant during the same IVF cycle as your symptoms appear, especially if you are having twins or triplets

What Should I Do If I Have OHSS Symptoms After My Egg Donation?

If you experience any of the symptoms described above, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Explain your symptoms and their severity as accurately as you can so that your medical professional can make a plan for preventing a more serious situation.

Because it’s almost impossible to know your risk of developing OHSS, every egg donor needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Your medical professional will be monitoring you to make sure that everything is going well.

How Long Will I Be Affected by OHSS?

OHSS is a temporary condition, and a mild case of OHSS should resolve itself within seven to ten days. Your OHSS should improve by the time your next menstrual cycle begins.

How Is OHSS Treated?

The good news is that most cases of OHSS after egg donation are mild and will go away on their own. To support your recovery:

  • Drink plenty of electrolyte-rich fluids throughout the day.
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity.
  • Take acetaminophen for pain, but try to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • If your symptoms become severe, hospitalization may be necessary.

What Does This Mean for Donors?

While OHSS can happen, remember that the risks of developing OHSS are low, and the condition is temporary. Even if you do develop symptoms, they typically last seven to ten days. Also, you will be looked after by your medical professionals and the team at FSC. If you experience any symptoms, contact your clinic as soon as possible.

If you have any more questions or concerns, send us a message. We’re always here to help!

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Staci Swiderski, CEO and owner of Family Source Consultants, has been a prominent leader in reproductive medicine for over two decades. Through her strategic vision and dedication, she has developed Family Source Consultants into a globally recognized agency specializing in comprehensive egg donation and gestational surrogacy services. Under Staci’s leadership, the agency has become a trusted partner for intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors worldwide, known for its rigorous standards, compassionate support, and commitment to excellence in third-party reproduction.

Her professional insight is uniquely informed by her own family-building experiences. As an intended parent, Staci welcomed her son via gestational surrogacy in 2005, and as a known egg donor, she assisted an infertile couple in expanding their family. These experiences lend a rare depth to her leadership and have fueled her ongoing dedication to ethical, empathetic, and professional support within the field of reproductive medicine.