Can Obesity Cause Infertility in Females?

Undoubtedly, the invention of various devices and technological developments has made human life very easy. Moreover, everyone wants to enjoy these facilities as much as possible. These factors have a significant impact on the way people live. Unfortunately, in this modern facilitating era, people are often adopting sedentary lifestyles, taking poor diets, mostly living in a polluted environment and taking unusual stress. All the discussed elements are resulting in widespread multiple diseases such as obesity and infertility in females. Hence, they are influencing the overall quality of life.

When it is said that a woman is suffering from fertility issues or has infertility, it indicates that she is unable to conceive. It may occur for numerous reasons. Obesity lies high on the list in this regard. How excessive fat piles can be a reason for infertility? Can any surgery be a solution to the issue? Keep reading to explore in detail the mechanism, reasons, and treatment choices for infertility in females through weight loss surgery.

Knowing All About Female Body Structure And Infertility

The human body is a combination of various systems that perform their specific jobs. The reproductive system in females enables them to reproduce or give birth to a new human. Hence, it is one of the most precious systems of the body. The following internal and external organs make up the female reproductive system and work together to give birth to a new individual. 

The working of the reproductive system is significantly based on the hormonal discharge from ovaries that conveys a specific message to the brain. As a result, the brain passes orders to the body to respond according to the received message. In normal situations, ovaries produce eggs periodically (approx. 21 days), which travel to the uterus through fallopian tubules. The eggs wait there for a specific time to receive sperm from males. If it happens, sperm penetrates the egg, and the egg has a new name, a fertilized egg, which grows further into the baby. On the other hand, if fertilization does not occur, the eggs burst, and the female undergoes bleeding, whose specific name is the menstrual cycle.

Watch the Video for Insights on How Obesity Affects Female Fertility

Possible Complications That Lead To Infertility

Obesity, genetic makeup, lifestyle choices, meal quality and mental health are the main factors that can significantly interfere with the health of the female reproductive system. Numerous issues that can impact fertility and general health can arise with the female reproductive system. Some significant problems include;

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): A state of hormonal imbalance leading to irregular menstrual periods and difficulties with ovulation.
• Endometriosis: A medical condition where tissue resembling the uterus lining develops outside the uterus, causing pain and often impacting fertility. 
• Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus region that can result in excessive bleeding. 

Furthermore, ovarian cysts can develop and result in discomfort or other issues, and therapy for cervical or uterine cancer may have an adverse effect on fertility due to its ability to disrupt reproductive organs. 

How Can Obesity Cause Infertility In Females?

Reproductive health in females or fertility significantly relies on the balanced discharge of hormones, especially progesterone and estrogen. Any disturbance to this discharge may lead to various medical conditions, including the main causes of infertility. The presence of extra body fat throws off the delicate hormone balance needed for ovulation and reproductive health. Hence, obesity can have a major effect on female fertility. It can interfere with egg release and lead to irregular menstrual cycles, which are more common in obese women.

Moreover, irregular ovulation often occurs due to improper hormonal discharge. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is frequently associated with obesity, can further impair fertility. In addition, obesity raises the possibility of pregnancy problems and miscarriage.

Role Of Bariatric Surgery In Treating Infertility

It’s common not to think about surgical approaches for the treatment of infertility in females. However, it is a surprising fact that bariatric surgeries can do wonders for the reproductive health of females who have infertility due to obesity. Indeed, obesity, which is actually fat accumulation in various parts of the body, lies at the top of the list of reasons for infertility. Therefore, weight loss surgical procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery are a rapid action solution for the treatment of the issue. Here are some highlights that explain the significance of bariatric surgery for preventing infertility in females. Here we are explaining some wonders that weight loss surgery can do to treat infertility in females;

Improved Hormonal Balance

For women who struggle with infertility due to obesity, bariatric surgery can drastically improve their hormonal balance. Hormonal imbalances resulting from excess body weight, specifically high levels of estrogen and insulin resistance, can cause numerous problems. These may include irregular menstruation and ovulation limitations. The outcomes of bariatric surgery include significant weight loss, which facilitates ovulation and returns to a normal menstrual cycle by restoring appropriate hormonal discharge. Hence, the surgery increases the chances of pregnancy and general reproductive health by reversing these hormonal abnormalities.

Reduction of Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is frequently associated with obesity and can have an adverse effect on fertility. Bariatric surgery is an important tool in the fight against this condition. Excess body fat creates a challenging environment for reproductive health. Moreover, visceral fat is more dangerous in this regard. It is so because it releases cytokines and other inflammatory indicators. Infertility may result from this persistent inflammation’s disruption of hormonal equilibrium. Bariatric surgery minimizes visceral fat and systemic inflammation by encouraging a large reduction in body weight. Reduced risk of infertility results from this improvement in the body’s inflammatory condition, which improves the environment for conception.

Decreased Risk Of Pregnancy Complications

Premature birth, hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia are all linked to obesity and can pose a risk to the mother and unborn child. Bariatric surgery plays a critical role in reducing these risks by improving metabolic health. Moreover, reduced weight results in a safer and healthier pregnancy. Furthermore, compared to women who do not receive treatment for their obesity, bariatric surgery patients frequently have better results and a decreased risk of pregnancy-related problems.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, bariatric surgery has a great deal of promise for preventing infertility in females, especially in obese ones. It assists in restoring hormonal balance, lowering chronic inflammation, and improving metabolic health. Indeed, all of these are critical for boosting fertility and are encouraged through significant weight loss. Furthermore, the procedure reduces the likelihood of pregnancy difficulties, which makes it the best choice for those dealing with reproductive issues associated with obesity. Therefore, weight loss surgical procedures can transform the overall health status of many women, opening the door to safer and more successful pregnancies and increased fertility.