In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) - risks and side effects

The Private Healthcare UK guide to infertility treatment contains articles on infertility and IVF treatment which are aimed at improving your knowledge of treatments for infertility, their benefits and potential risks.

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Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):

This may occur if the ovaries are very sensitive to stimulation and produce many eggs (usually greater than 15) or high levels of Oestradiol.  This could be a potentially dangerous situation, but OHSS occurs in its severe form in only 0.5% of patients.  If you are at risk of developing this, the options are to:

1.       Abandon the cycle

2.       Delay the egg collection

3.       Freeze all the embryos

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is characterised by lower abdominal discomfort, swelling and nausea.  Sometimes vomiting and difficulty in breathing may occur. If you are worried that these symptoms are developing, you must contact the clinic. It is important to drink plenty of fluids (at least two litres per day) to avoid becoming dehydrated. Water, milk, fruit juice or isotonic fruit drinks are all suitable. Try to limit tea and coffee, as they are diuretics and make you pass more urine. Continue with these fluids for at least ten days after egg collection.

In this guide

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