Bariatric surgery

Abstract

Obesity is a leading cause of infertility in both males and females. For those attempting to conceive, weight loss is often the most fundamental and simple form of treatment for difficulty in conception, but can often be one of the most difficult to do without assistance. Weight loss is known to decrease circulating androgens in obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and improve sexual function. Bariatric surgery therefore should be considered for any patient with significant obesity wishing to improve their fertility who has been unsuccessful in achieving meaningful weight loss by conservative measures. Any patient wishing to conceive following bariatric surgery should be carefully monitored for nutritional deficiencies by the obstetrician, fertility specialist and dietician. Overall, bariatric surgery can significantly improve fertility, and is a safe procedure with limited effects upon mother or fetus during pregnancy.