Reproductive Health

Reproductive health issues, such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, abnormal flow, and additional pain during menstruation can all be associated with morbid obesity. Fertility issues include: possible miscarriage, reduced success with fertility treatments, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age that can cause infertility and other reproductive health conditions.

How does bariatric surgery improve reproductive health?
Weight loss surgery has been found to improve some of the conditions that interfere with pregnancy, such as PCOS and high blood pressure. It is not uncommon for surgeons to request that their female bariatric patients avoid pregnancy during the first year after surgery. It is vital to be aware of fertility changes after surgery so that you don't become pregnant too soon.

What success have patients found through bariatric surgery?
A recent study of women following gastric bypass surgery showed improvement of multiple clinical problems related to infertility and PCOS. All women had normal menstrual cycles after about three months following surgery.