A new national survey by Orlando Health has found 56% of Americans are unaware that bariatric surgery improves fertility. Infertility affects one in six people and obesity can be a contributing factor. When diet and exercise aren't enough to lose weight, bariatric surgery can become an option.
"Every day we have more patients who are looking for bariatric surgery as a solution for several medical conditions, including infertility," said Dr Alexander Ramirez, Director of Orlando Health Weight Loss & Bariatric Institute - Bayfront. "When female patients are struggling with obesity and pregnancy, there is typically a correlation between their weight and infertility."
The survey highlighted Americans' lack of knowledge of this correlation. When asked if they agree with the statement that being overweight negatively affects fertility, half (50%) responded that they either don't know or neither agree nor disagree with that statement.
Obesity is a chronic disease that presents many serious health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea and an increased risk of several different cancers. And additionally, for women struggling with obesity, irregular menstrual cycles, hormone imbalances, and even polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - can all contribute to infertility.
"We have many patients with PCOS, a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age, many of whom try and fail to get pregnant for many years," added Ramirez. "After bariatric surgery, their chances of conception drastically increase very quickly as their hormones are regulated and their menstrual cycle normalises."
Although other weight loss options, like GLP-1 medications may seem like the easier solution, the survey also revealed 64% of people either don't know or neither agree/disagree that stopping GLP-1 injections can lead to weight gain.
Ramirez says bariatric surgery is usually the more effective and longer-lasting option, as it permanently alters the digestive system, increasing the production of hormones and helping the body to ovulate.
"We want women to become pregnant at the right moment, when it's the right time in their lives and also when it's safe," said Ramirez, who recommends waiting between 18 to 24 months before trying to conceive after bariatric surgery.
By waiting, the body is able to recover and adjust to the changes from surgery, including digesting the right amount of nutrients. Ramirez says this transitional period helps decrease complications during pregnancy, including hypertension, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Ramirez explained that it is important for people to understand the connection between obesity and serious health issues, including infertility. For those who are unable to achieve a healthy weight through lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise, it may be time to speak to your doctor about bariatric surgery.
"My advice for anyone with obesity, and especially for those who want to have a child, is to ask about bariatric surgery because it's the most powerful tool we have to lose weight in a healthy way and keep obesity in remission," said Ramirez. "And that is going to increase their chances of having a successful and healthy pregnancy."
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