QuestionFirst I would like to give you some background information. I have PCOS and have been undergoing infertility treatment for apx. 2 years. First I tried using drugs like clomid and follistem. After about 1 1/2 yrs of it not working, we decided to go the route of IVF.On June 23 I had my egg retrieval. They retrieved 15. After the retrieval they recommended not doing the transfer due to the risk of over stimulation (OHSS). I ended up being admitted to the hospital on June 29 with severe OHSS and on July 1, they drained a little over a liter of fluid. I was sent home on July 2. I had my period on July 5. I went back on July 7 and still had a little fluid around my lungs and my left ovary was still swollen. My doctor recommended no sex for an additional 10 days . My husband and I had sex on July 21 (14 days after) and there was still a little discomfort. Is this normal? Also, they were able to freeze 7 fertilized eggs. How long should I wait to do the transfer and can I develop OHSS again with the transfer?
Thanks! I am from Missouri.
AnswerHello,
It is unfortunate that you developed OHSS with this cycle. It should have been expected and could have been prevented. There are measures/protocols an RE can take to reduce the chances of developing OHSS such as "coasting" using "antagonist + Lupron to trigger" and lowering the dosage of stimulation. I have not had a case of OHSS in over 10 years by taking these precautions.
In any case, you should not do the transfer until your ovaries have returned to normal. Pregnancy can exacerbate the OHSS. Once this resolves then you can go through the frozen embryo transfer cycle. You will not undergo ovarian stimulation with an FET. Only the uterine lining needs to be prepared. For that reason, you are not at risk of OHSS.
Good luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
