Many factors can keep someone from getting pregnant. Sometimes, it’s an issue with the female partner, male partner, or both; in 30% of cases, it goes completely unexplained. Still, there may be things you can do to decrease fertility problems and get pregnant safely.
The cause for some fertility issues could be weight related. In turn, a very high BMI could also put you and your child at risk during pregnancy. This is why, in some cases, patients may be encouraged to consider bariatric surgery as an option for creating and maintaining a safe pregnancy.
Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C. understands there are many reasons bariatric surgery might be the necessary treatment option for weight loss. Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov will discuss your needs and help you determine if this procedure is the right fit for you.
Being overweight — just like being underweight — can affect your body’s ability to ovulate regularly. It can also worsen the symptoms of certain conditions affecting fertility, such as PCOS. A high BMI can also affect male fertility, as it can cause low sperm count and low motility.
If you become pregnant, being overweight can also cause problems during the course of your pregnancy. These can include a higher chance of stillbirth as well as miscarriage and possible complications like gestational diabetes.
Fortunately, we have many options available for those dealing with obesity who have found their fertility affected by this condition. Bariatric surgery is an extremely effective treatment that can help you achieve and maintain a normal weight more easily.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. There is also the adjustable gastric band, which has fallen out of favor in recent years and can be removed and replaced with one of these other options if you’ve already gotten it.
Of course, there are several other considerations to make. For one, you shouldn’t try to get pregnant immediately after having the surgery. It’s usually best to wait 12-24 months so your body can adjust to the change. Also, it’s important to have fertility tests done to rule out any other issues that could be responsible for your trouble conceiving.
Though this option isn’t for everyone, many patients have seen fantastic results after bariatric surgery, allowing them to conceive safely and naturally. If you’re interested in this procedure, there’s no time like the present to discuss whether it’s right for you.
We want to help all our patients make their dreams come true, including becoming parents. Find out if bariatric surgery is right for you by booking an appointment with our online tool or calling our Westwood, NJ office at 201-778-5344.
