Infertility

Some fertility issues associated with obesity include irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles, increased risk of miscarriage, increased risk during infertility surgery, decreased success with fertility treatments, and in men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is an increased risk of sperm DNA fragmentation.^29,30

Being overweight or obese affects fertility in women by causing an imbalance of normal hormone levels and type 2 diabetes is associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which also leads to hormonal imbalance and infertility. Pregnancy in severely obese women involves many complications including hypertension, preeclampsia, late fetal death and gestational diabetes.^11,31

Sex hormone levels can return to normal in patients who have experienced weight loss after bariatric surgery. These patients also have restored menstrual regularity and improved fertility. Weight loss of 5-10% may dramatically improve ovulation and pregnancy rates while reducing the negative effects of diabetes.^11,29

While obesity-related infertility often resolves with weight loss, the adjustability feature of laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) surgery can help lower obstetric complications.²⁸

Relevant Links:
Physician Resources—Infertility
Standards of Care—Infertility