
Risks for the woman
- Ovarian Hyper-stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is the most serious risk in in vitro fertilization, and the severe form in about 1-2% of women. If it is not treated, severe OHSS can cause blood clots, stroke and even death.
Why it occurs in some people and not in others is unknown, but it only occurs alter the ovaries have been stimulated and then exposed to hCG . It is more common in women who produce more follicles after in vitro fertilization, and in women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It seldom occurs until four days or more after the hCG trigger injection. It occurs when fluid moves from the blood into the abdomen or the lungs.
Mild and moderate cases are usually treated with observation and pain relief, but more severe cases always require admission to hospital. In hospital you may be given intravenous fluids or have fluid drained from the abdomen.