Survey: Bariatric surgery’s fertility benefits not widely understood

Editor's Note

A recent survey from Orlando Health highlights limited awareness of the link between bariatric surgery and improved fertility, with only half of respondents acknowledging its benefits. According to January 16 coverage in Contemporary OB/GYN, the findings underscore a broader knowledge gap among the US population regarding the role of weight loss surgery in addressing infertility.

Infertility, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse, affects 1 in 6 people globally. As detailed in the article, obesity is a significant factor, contributing to infertility through hormone imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Bariatric surgery has been shown to help regulate hormones and restore menstrual cycles, significantly boosting conception rates in women with PCOS, authors note.

Article sources also point to the effectiveness of bariatric surgery over other weight loss methods, such as GLP-1 medications, which often result in weight regain after discontinuation. Bariatric surgery induces permanent digestive system changes, improves hormone regulation, and enhances ovulation, making it a long-lasting solution, although a post-surgery waiting period before attempting pregnancy is important to avoid complications.

Citing a study in JAMA Network Open, the outlet reports women with a history of bariatric surgery experienced less pregnancy weight gain compared to those without surgery, regardless of pre-pregnancy BMI. Despite these benefits, the survey also revealed limited public knowledge of weight loss options and their impact on fertility, with 64% of respondents unaware that stopping GLP-1 medications could lead to weight regain.