What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)?

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a medical condition that can sometimes occur as a reaction to fertility treatment, particularly during IVF. It happens when the ovaries respond too strongly to hormone medications used to encourage the development of eggs.

This can lead to the ovaries becoming swollen and painful, and fluid may leak into the abdomen and other parts of the body. In mild cases, OHSS causes bloating and discomfort, but in more severe cases, it can be extremely painful and distressing — sometimes requiring medical monitoring or hospital care.

The emotional impact

For some, OHSS is not only physically intense — it can also be emotionally shocking. The sudden onset of severe pain, the sense of the body reacting unpredictably, and the vulnerability that can arise in the midst of fertility treatment may leave deep impressions, sometimes hard to put into words.

This is where therapeutic approaches like Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) can be helpful — offering a gentle, structured way to process the shock, fear, and overwhelm that may have become imprinted in the nervous system during or after the experience.

 Shared with permission

This is a testimonial from a client who developed OHSS after IVF treatment. She kindly agreed to share her experience of how DBR helped her process the trauma and find relief.

From Pain and Shock to Relief: Processing OHSS with DBR

I had an IVF treatment and unfortunately, I developed moderate OHSS. It felt horrendous and it was very upsetting. It was such a shock. I contacted Sarah because I was struggling with the ongoing physical pains, which resulted in me feeling depressed and lost.

Sarah used a therapy called Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR). It helped me process the trauma. After a couple of processing sessions, the pain just went. DBR helped release some trapped feelings held at a deep level that I had not been aware of before.

(Female, aged 39, online)

If you have been affected by OHSS or another physical health trauma and would like to explore whether Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) might help, you are very welcome to get in touch.