Associated symptoms
Prior to fertility treatment with HCG, there is always an explanation of possible symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. A beginning hyperstimulation syndrome can be recognized by symptoms such as nausea, a feeling of fullness or even vomiting. Tension in the abdominal wall or a feeling of “bloatedness” is also very typical of the syndrome.
Such complaints should lead to a visit to the gynecologist after HCG administration. A distinction is made between an early syndrome, which develops immediately after HCG administration, and a late hyperstimulation syndrome, which occurs after about 10 to 20 days. Therefore, one should also take complaints that start very late seriously. Other symptoms that can be signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome include shortness of breath, a tight chest, pain in the arms or legs and fatigue.
Therapy
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome cannot be treated causally, but only symptomatically. Mild forms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be treated on an outpatient basis. This means that the affected woman does not need to be admitted to hospital.
The treatment consists mainly of physical rest and fluid balance. Those affected must ensure that they drink a large amount of fluids and eat a diet that is as high in protein as possible. This should counteract the loss of fluid through the permeable vessel walls.
Furthermore, it is advisable to wear anti-thrombosis stockings and, if necessary, to receive heparin injections, especially if there is little exercise and additional risk factors for thrombosis.Even in the case of mild forms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, it is always necessary to make an appointment with the gynecologist in charge of the treatment, so that if the symptoms worsen, in-patient treatment can still take place. In severe forms of the syndrome, in-patient treatment is always carried out with daily checks of the blood count, coagulation values, weight and blood salts (electrolytes). Important is also a therapy with heparin, which partially inhibits blood clotting.
This is necessary to reduce the high risk of thrombosis in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Furthermore, fluid accumulations in the abdomen (ascites) or in the lung membrane (pleural effusion) can be punctured and drained. This can alleviate symptoms such as abdominal wall tension and shortness of breath. In consideration of the side effects or undesirable effects, fluid or a protein called albumin may be administered via the vein. This therapy is intended to compensate for the loss of fluid in the vessels.
