Impact of bariatric surgery on female reproduction

• Published in: Fertility and sterility Vol. 92; no. 5; pp. 1501 - 1508
• Main Author: Merhi, Zaher O., M.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.11.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: bariatric surgery; Bariatric Surgery - rehabilitation; Biological and medical sciences; brain-derived neurotrophic factor; contraception; Female; fertility; Fertility - physiology; Gonadal Steroid Hormones - blood; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Models, Biological; müllerian-inhibiting substance; Obesity; Obesity, Morbid - blood; Obesity, Morbid - physiopathology; Obesity, Morbid - surgery; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Ovary - cytology; Ovary - physiology; Pregnancy; Reproduction - physiology; sexuality; Stomach, duodenum, intestine, rectum, anus; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the digestive system; Obesity; müllerian-inhibiting substance; bariatric surgery; sexuality; fertility; pregnancy; brain-derived neurotrophic factor; contraception; Gynecology; Nutrition disorder; Bariatric surgery; Contraception; Obstetrics; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Fertility; Mullerian duct; Sexuality; Female; Brain derived neurotrophic factor; Nutritional status
• ISSN: 0015-0282; 1556-5653
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.06.046

Objective To evaluate the current literature on the impact and potential mechanisms of surgical weight loss on female reproduction, with a focus on changes in reproductive hormone profile, fertility status, measures of ovarian reserve, efficacy of oral contraception, sexuality, and pregnancy. Design Appraisal of articles relevant to surgical weight loss and female reproduction. Result(s) The altered reproductive hormone profile associated with morbid obesity seems to reverse, either partially or totally, after surgical weight loss. Although bariatric surgery seems to improve fertility status and many of the complications associated with obesity in pregnancy, it may be linked to oral contraceptive failure. Although müllerian-inhibiting substance is a direct measure of ovarian reserve, its level changes with obesity and after surgical weight loss. There is a decrease or no change in the risk of miscarriage after bariatric surgery. An improvement in sexual function may follow dramatic surgical weight reduction; however, the possibility of a detrimental influence afterward can occur. Conclusion(s) The increasing popularity of bariatric surgery in reproductive-age women calls for greater clinician awareness of its impact on female reproduction.