How I Prevent Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

As a specialist in fertility treatments, one of my primary goals is to ensure the safety and well-being of my patients undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) for IVF or egg freezing. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a potential risk, but with careful monitoring and advanced strategies, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms.

Understanding OHSS

OHSS can occur when the ovaries over-respond to stimulation medications, resulting in the growth of a large number of follicles. This can lead to severe symptoms such as extreme bloating, fluid accumulation in the abdomen and lungs, and blood clots.

My Approach to Preventing OHSS

1. Personalized Monitoring and Medication Dosage

  • Regular Monitoring: I carefully monitor each patient’s response to stimulation medications. This allows me to make timely adjustments to ensure the number of growing follicles is kept within a safe range.
  • Tailored Dosage: Based on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, BMI, and medical history, I customize the dosage of stimulation medications. This personalized approach helps control the ovarian response and reduce the risk of OHSS.

2. Choosing the Right Trigger Shot

  • HcG vs. Lupron: The type of trigger shot plays a crucial role in managing OHSS risk. For patients at higher risk, I prefer using a Lupron trigger over an HcG trigger. Lupron reduces the severity and duration of OHSS symptoms, while HcG can potentiate symptoms but typically lasts about 7 days.

3. Implementing “Freeze All” Cycles

  • Avoiding Fresh Transfers: In patients at risk of OHSS, I often recommend “freeze all” cycles. By freezing all embryos and avoiding a fresh transfer immediately after retrieval, we can prevent the exacerbation of OHSS symptoms that can be caused by the HcG hormone produced during early pregnancy.

4. Managing OHSS Symptoms

  • Symptom Management: If OHSS does occur, my team and I provide comprehensive support to manage symptoms and ensure patient comfort. In most cases, symptoms subside within a few days if no fresh transfer is performed.
  • Adjusting Treatment Plans: In rare situations, if the ovarian response is too robust, we may pause the stimulation cycle to prioritize the patient’s health and restart treatment in the subsequent cycle.

Ensuring Patient Comfort and Safety

Your health and safety are my top priorities. Before starting COH, we will discuss your individual risk factors for OHSS and develop a tailored treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. Understanding these risks and having a clear plan in place will help optimize your treatment experience and outcomes.

Preserving Fertility: Understanding Egg-Freezing Options in Aliso Viejo, CA

For many individuals, the timeline for building a family does not always align with peak fertility years. Whether due to personal goals, career development, education, or medical considerations, the option to preserve fertility through egg freezing provides the opportunity to take control of future family planning.


At Dr. Nidhee Sachdev’s fertility practice in Aliso Viejo, CA, patients receive personalized guidance and expert care through the egg-freezing process. Empowering individuals with knowledge and options is central to our mission of supporting reproductive choice at every stage of life.


What Is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique that involves retrieving a woman’s eggs, freezing them at a mature stage, and storing them for potential future use.


When ready to conceive, the frozen eggs can later be thawed, fertilized through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and transferred into the uterus.


Egg freezing allows individuals to:

  • Preserve their fertility potential

     

  • Reduce the impact of age-related decline in egg quality

     

  • Plan for future parenthood on their own timeline

     

  • Safeguard fertility before medical treatments, such as chemotherapy

     

Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing is an excellent option for a wide range of individuals, including:

  • Women in their 20s and 30s who want to delay childbearing

     

  • Individuals pursuing education or career advancement

     

  • Those without a current partner but wishing to preserve future options

     

  • Patients facing medical treatments that may affect fertility

     

  • Individuals with family histories of early menopause

     

While there is no universal “right” age to freeze eggs, earlier preservation typically results in higher success rates due to better egg quality.


The Egg Freezing Process: What to Expect

At Dr. Sachdev’s practice in Aliso Viejo, the egg freezing process is carefully personalized for each patient. A typical cycle includes:

  • Ovarian stimulation: Hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in a single cycle.

  • Monitoring: Ultrasounds performed by Dr. Sachdev and blood tests monitor follicle development to determine the optimal timing for egg retrieval.

  • Egg retrieval: A minor outpatient procedure done by Dr. Sachdev under sedation collects mature eggs from the ovaries.

  • Vitrification: Retrieved eggs are rapidly frozen using a flash-freezing process known as vitrification, preserving their quality for future use.

  • Storage: Frozen eggs are securely stored in specialized cryogenic facilities until they are needed.


The entire process typically takes about two weeks from the start of ovarian stimulation to egg retrieval.


Understanding Success Rates

While egg freezing is a highly effective method of fertility preservation, success is influenced by several factors, primarily:

  • Age at the time of egg freezing

     

  • Number of eggs retrieved and frozen

     

  • Overall egg quality

     

  • Fertility health at the time of eventual use

     

Generally, freezing eggs before the age of 35 offers the highest likelihood of success, though women up to their early 40s can still benefit depending on individual circumstances.


Dr. Sachdev provides detailed counseling on realistic success rates based on personalized assessments, allowing patients to make fully informed decisions.


Emotional Considerations in Fertility Preservation

Egg freezing is not only a medical process but also an emotional journey. Patients may experience a range of feelings, including empowerment, anxiety, relief, or uncertainty. Recognizing and addressing the emotional aspects is an integral part of comprehensive fertility care.


Support services available through our practice include:

  • One-on-one counseling sessions

     

  • Access to fertility preservation support groups

     

  • Resources for mindfulness, stress management, and emotional resilience

     

Dr. Sachdev’s team believes that supporting the emotional well-being of patients is just as important as supporting their reproductive goals.


Financial Considerations for Egg Freezing

While egg freezing represents an investment in future family-building, financial considerations are an important part of the decision-making process. At Dr. Sachdev’s practice, we assist patients with:

  • Understanding the costs associated with each stage of egg freezing

     

  • Exploring insurance benefits and fertility preservation coverage

     

  • Providing transparent, detailed pricing information upfront

     

Fertility preservation should be a choice made with clarity, trust, and complete financial transparency.


Why Choose Dr. Nidhee Sachdev for Egg Freezing in Aliso Viejo, CA

Dr. Nidhee Sachdev is a dual board-certified fertility specialist with extensive experience in advanced reproductive technologies, including fertility preservation. Her approach is centered around personalized, patient-first care, combining the latest scientific advancements with compassionate support.

  • Individualized fertility preservation plans tailored to each patient

     

  • Detailed education on success rates and realistic outcomes

     

  • Access to cutting-edge laboratory services for egg vitrification and long-term storage

     

  • Emotional and psychological support throughout the fertility journey

     

  • Conveniently located in Aliso Viejo, CA, serving Orange County and surrounding areas

     

With a dedication to both clinical excellence and holistic support, Dr. Sachdev provides the knowledge, options, and confidence needed to make empowered fertility decisions.

Skip to content