Obesity and Infertility

Obesity immediately brings to mind associations with hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Yet, most people are surprised to learn that there is an association between obesity and infertility. Studies indicate that women who have excess weight tend to have a more difficult time becoming pregnant than normal-weight women. Obesity accounts for 6% of primary infertility in women. Obesity can cause infertility in women when extra fat cells disrupt the balance of hormones needed to get pregnant. Obesity can negatively impact male fertility as well, leading to lower sperm counts.

A large percentage of infertile women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which makes it difficult to ovulate and conceive. PCOS is a disorder with symptoms ranging from infertility, obesity, excess facial and body hair, sleep apnea, hormone imbalance and fatigue. PCOS is associated with irregular menstrual cycles, decreased or stopped ovulation, and elevated levels of male hormones.

Obesity and the affect on Hormones

For many years, fat was thought to be nothing more than energy storage. It is now understood that fat is actually a very hormonally active tissue, producing both estrogen and testosterone. This is why some obese women have male hair patterns (like facial hair) and why obese men can have low sperm counts.

Women who suffer from the disease of obesity experience changes in their menstrual cycles. It is recognized that when body fat is above 25%, the body produces too much estrogen and begins to react as if it is on birth control, limiting the chances of getting pregnant. Obese women endure irregular and unpredictable cycles. Menstruation is often heavy and prolonged, which correlates with increased estrogen production.

As weight loss occurs, the hormonal effect of excess fat decreases. This may result in a substantial increase in both male and female fertility. Although we do not think of bariatric surgery as a treatment for infertility, many couples who were previously unable to become pregnant find that they become pregnant after substantial weight loss. The significant weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery, be it Gastric Bypass, Lap-Band or Gastric Sleeve, has been shown to improve menstrual cycles and ovulation in women and thus can reverse infertility for women who have been diagnosed as infertile due obesity and PCOS.

Weight Loss Surgery & Infertility Treatment in Connecticut

A growing number of women are having bariatric surgery to boost their fertility. Successful weight loss for people with a BMI of at least 30 who have tried diets, exercise and pharmacotherapy, can most often be achieved with weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is often described by patients as a life-changing event. This is certainly true when we talk about infertility.

Dr. Timothy Ehrlich reports that in his Connecticut office, about 15% of his female patients are choosing bariatric surgery to help them get pregnant. Dr. Ehrlich can help answer questions about infertility and how weight loss surgery can help boost fertility.