People that suffer from excess weight are prone to experience reproductive problems. This is caused primarily by hormonal imbalances, which can result in irregular menstrual cycles in women and lower sperm quality in men.
Interestingly, if an obese man’s partner has a normal weight, chances of a successful conception increase, whereas getting pregnant as an obese woman proves to be more difficult. According to Karine Hammarberg, Senior Researcher of Monash University’s School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, “For a woman with a BMI of 35, the likelihood of getting pregnant within a year is 26% lower, and for a woman with a BMI of 40 it is 43% lower compared with women with a BMI between 21 and 29.”
The main reason for these drastic statistics is that obesity can be the cause of anovulation and irregular menstrual cycles. Obesity is also commonly linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (around 50% of women with this condition are obese), which not only represents a significant obstacle for women who are trying to get pregnant, but it generally causes very painful periods, metabolism problems, and an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Studies show that even a 10% reduction in weight can drastically change reproductive health in both men and women, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Gastric Sleeve surgery’s main purpose is to help obese people lose this excess weight but this loss will translate to a reduces risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus during pregnancy or experiencing preeclampsia during childbirth. It can also help control, or even cure, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
It is best to wait at least one year after Gastric Sleeve surgery to conceive. Once your weight has stabilized, your body should be ready to carry out a safe and happy pregnancy under the care of experienced and certified doctors that will constantly monitor your health.
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