How Bariatric Surgery Improves Fertility and Balances Hormones

Bariatric surgery is another term for weight loss surgery. It is a procedure that can help those struggling with obesity. Bariatric surgery can positively impact the health and well-being of patients. One of the unexpected benefits of bariatric surgery is improved fertility and balanced hormones.

Dr V. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare in Sydney is a specialist bariatric surgeon who enjoys using his surgical expertise to help patients lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Here, Dr Kuzinkovas explains how bariatric surgery improves fertility and balances hormones.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

There are a number of different types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, Lap Band and gastric sleeve. If you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, your surgeon will discuss your surgical options with you and determine which procedure may best fit your needs. Your surgeon will also discuss the potential benefits of bariatric surgery, including possible fertility and hormonal benefits.

How Does Obesity Impact Fertility?

Morbid obesity has been known to decrease fertility in both men and women. Obesity disrupts normal hormone levels and impacts reproductive health.

In women, morbid obesity can impact their levels of leptin (a hormone). Leptin controls the normal physiology of the female reproductive system; it interacts with the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis by a complex mechanism that connects energy homeostasis with reproduction. The higher levels of leptin disrupt the hormonal balance and impact the menstrual cycle and fertility outcomes. In men, obesity reduces male fertility by causing a reduction of sperm production and decreased sperm motility. Additionally, in both men and women, obesity has also been linked to disrupted levels of reproductive hormones resulting in infertility.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Fertility in Men and Women

The impact of obesity on fertility has led to a number of studies examining the effects of bariatric surgery on fertility in men and women. These studies have shown that bariatric surgery significantly improved hormonal balance and sexual functions in both men and women. Additionally, bariatric surgery significantly improved sperm count in men and pregnancy in females.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Women

There have been various studies that have examined the effects of bariatric surgery on different hormones in women. Two studies reported significant increases in the major female sex hormone. Two studies also reported other notable effects likely due to improved hormonal balance. Additionally, a number of studies reported that after bariatric surgery pregnancy rates improved.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Men

A number of studies have shown that sex hormones show significant improvement in men after bariatric surgery. Notably, weight loss in male patients after bariatric surgery led to an increase in total and free testosterone levels. One study also found that sperm viability and volume significantly improved after bariatric surgery.

Contact Dr V Kuzinkovas

If you are considering bariatric or weight loss surgery and have questions about the potential health benefits then you should contact Dr V. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare at 1300 551 533.