How Bariatric Surgery improves sexual health and fertility?
The difficulty of becoming pregnant increases for a growing number of women of childbearing age who are overweight. Many studies say that it is possible to improve fertility by losing weight. However, weight loss can sometimes be difficult with just lifestyle changes. In such cases, bariatric surgery may be a viable option.
It is possible to address the problems causing infertility with surgical weight-loss procedures as they help lose excess weight quickly. Patients struggling to conceive can benefit from these weight loss surgeries and have healthy pregnancies. Dr. Pareek has helped many patients to lose weight by performing bariatric surgery, which eventually improved their reproductive health as well.
Although bariatric surgery is a viable option for infertility, it requires a thorough investigation and careful consideration. The following information may be helpful if you are considering it to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Fertility and pregnancy outcomes can be improved by bariatric surgery in several ways.
Being overweight can cause hormone imbalances, which may affect ovulation cycles and make it difficult for women to become pregnant. Additionally, it can contribute to fertility-related conditions, such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Achieving a healthier weight can resolve ovulation problems, PCOS, and diabetes. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may help some people lose weight. At the same time, others can have exceptional fertility improvements through bariatric surgery because it helps to lose weight quickly.
How Bariatric Surgery improves sexual health?
It has been demonstrated in many studies that obesity alters several sex hormones in both men and women, which compromises sexual functions. However, losing weight with the help of bariatric surgery can improve sexual dysfunctions.
A study conducted by several experts on a group of obese people (both men and women) revealed that sexual life had improved significantly after bariatric surgery. The IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) in obese men and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) in obese women were improved. IIEF and FSFI are used to measure sexual functions.
The following hormones in obese men after bariatric surgery improved a lot:
- A rise in Total Testosterone (TT)
- Free Testosterone (FT)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Sex Hormone–binding Globulin (SHBG)
When it comes to women, it is observed that there is a slight improvement in the TT, FT, LH, FSH, and SHBG after bariatric surgery.
Estradiol (E2) was reduced both in men and women.
Interestingly, this meta-analysis found significant improvements in men’s sex hormone levels and sexual functions than women from bariatric surgery.
When should women try to conceive after surgery?
The process of bariatric surgery tends to lose weight rapidly, so it is not suitable for the patients to try for pregnancy immediately following the procedure. Instead, experts suggest waiting for 12 to 18 months following a bariatric procedure before trying to conceive. Dr. Pareek, an experienced Bariatric Surgeon in Hyderabad, says that pregnant women should wait until they are at their ideal weight before getting pregnant because weight loss should be put on hold once they are pregnant.
Delaying conception after bariatric surgery also favours other benefits such as the vitamin levels in the body becoming stabilized and reducing the risk of fetal malnutrition and other pregnancy problems like preterm birth and low birth weight.
Having a healthier weight can also improve a woman’s delivery and pregnancy outcomes once she has conceived a child. For example, there is a dramatic reduction in the risk of preterm deliveries, gestational diabetes, macrosomia, and stillbirths. In addition, prenatal diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds are also more accurate when women lose their excess weight before pregnancy.
Bariatric surgeries not only improve sexual health and fertility, but they are also effective enough to address serious health problems caused due to overweight, such as high blood pressure (BP), heart problems, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.
Suppose you are overweight and having fertility issues; consult Dr. V Pareek. In that case, he encourages in-depth conversation with your OB/GYNs or family doctors to come to a conclusion for weight-loss surgery. By discussing the pros and cons with your partner, you can decide whether bariatric surgery is the best method for treating your infertility. Call +91 91-777-77715 and book your appointment to consult the doctor.
