OHSS precautions and management
Looking after yourself if your ovaries are over-stimulated
After stimulation by fertility medications such as Gonal-f and Menopur, you may have bloating and abdominal discomfort. Because you have produced more follicles than you naturally would, the ovaries may start to leak fluid into the pelvis and even into the abdomen. As this happens, your body loses electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) and proteins. These suggestions will help you monitor your comfort and health through this process.
Salt and fluids
The goal of OHSS management is to increase your salt intake by consuming 1,200 mg of sodium daily (on top of your usual intake) along with 1–2 litres of fluid. This replaces lost fluids, rehydrates your body and decreases bloating. Please read product labels for the sodium content of drinks.
High-salt drinks you could try:
- 1 bottle of V8 V-Go juice (354 ml)
- 1 can of V8 juice (340 ml)
- 1 can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup (284 ml) or Campbell’s Consommé (284 ml)
Drink a minimum of 1 litre of liquid (such as milk, juice or water) up to a maximum of 2 litres.
If you notice you are not urinating very much, increase your fluid intake and contact the clinic to let us know.
Absolutely no caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
Salty snacks such as potato chips are also encouraged after your retrieval.
Managing hyperstimulation
- Measure your waist (around your belly button) every day and record it. This lets our nursing team track visible changes to your abdomen and recommend next steps. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing, as pressure in your abdomen can cause discomfort.
- Weigh yourself every day at the same time and record the result. Tell the nurse if there has been a significant weight change (2 or more pounds per day).
- Monitor and record what goes in and out. Use a measuring cup to measure what you drink and what you pass. Let us know about any significant colour changes in your urine (for example, very dark and concentrated versus clear yellow).
- You may be asked to stay home from work. You can move around the house with reduced activity. Strict bed rest is not recommended because of the increased risk of a blood clot. While resting, exercise your calf muscles to keep blood circulating by flexing and extending your feet. You may be more comfortable lying on your side.
- Continue these steps until your physician stops your OHSS management.
Fluid tracking chart
Record your results below, measuring yourself daily at around the same time each day. Report your results to the nurse through the chat in your patient app. Do not stop until the clinic tells you to.
| Date | Intake (ml) | Output (ml) | Waist (cm) | Weight (lb) | Reported to clinic (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|