The diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHS): the impact of ultrasound.

Eighty cycles induced by human menopausal gonadotropins in 45 women were studied with serial ultrasound examinations. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHS) was 44%, considerably higher than in other series using similar induction protocols. This was probably due to the superior ability of ultrasound to detect ovarian enlargement and the withholding of human chorionic gonadotropin until at least one follicle had reached a minimum size of 15 mm. No difference was found between the mean urinary estrogen levels of those in whom mild or moderate OHS developed and those in whom it did not. It is concluded that the development of OHS is a frequent but acceptable result of ovulation induction.