Sexual functioning of men and women with severe obesity before bariatric surgery

Effects of bariatric surgery on sexual function and fertility: A narrative review

Obesity has emerged as a prevalent global health concern, with its detrimental effects on the reproductive system and sexual function garnering increasing attention. Both men and women affected by obesity face a heightened risk of fertility challenges and sexual dysfunction. Although fertility and sexual function are distinct topics, they are intricately linked and mutually influential in both medical and societal contexts. Bariatric surgery (BS) has generated promising results in alleviating sexual dysfunction and enhancing fertility, results which are often gender specific. In men, improvements in sexual function can often be attributed to weight loss and subsequent optimizations in sex hormone levels. However, improving female sexual function may be related to a range of factors beyond weight loss. Bariatric procedures have shown limited benefits for male fertility; in fact, in some situations it can even be detrimental, leading to a decrease in sperm count and quality. Conversely, BS may positively impact female fertility, improving pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider the potential risks related to the adverse effects of malnutrition and rapid weight loss following BS, making it advisable to wait for 12-18 months before attempting pregnancy.

Weight Gain in Midlife Women

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the evidence and clinical implications of weight and body composition changes during midlife in women and provide an overview of weight gain prevention and management in this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Aging-related changes such as decreased energy expenditure and physical activity are important culprits for weight gain in midlife women. The hormonal changes of menopause also influence body adiposity distribution and increase central adiposity. These body changes can have health consequences including the development of cardiometabolic diseases, osteoarthritis, cancer, worsening in cognition, mental health, and menopause symptoms. Midlife women experience changes related to aging, menopause, and lifestyle which favor weight gain. Clinical practice should focus on early counseling and anticipatory guidance on the importance of dietary changes and physical activity to attenuate this phenomenon. Future research should focus on the longitudinal relationship between weight trends in midlife and health consequences and mortality.

Association between obesity and female sexual dysfunction: a review

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a global health crisis that has been growing over the past few decades. The economic burden associated with obesity is substantial as it is associated with multiple disabling chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and mental illness. Obesity is known to be a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in men, but this association is less well understood in women.

AIMS

To provide a narrative review of the available literature on the relationship between overweight/obesity and female sexual dysfunction, elaborate on the possible mechanisms explaining this association, and discuss the effects of weight loss on sexual function in those with obesity.

METHODS

A search of the medical literature was carried out in PubMed and Medline, focusing on original research and systematic reviews of original research on obesity and sexual function in women.

RESULTS

The relationship between obesity and female sexual function is not consistent across studies. While women with obesity are more likely to have worse sexual function and avoid sexual activity, many studies have failed to identify these associations. Lifestyle changes resulting in weight loss lead to better sexual function, and bariatric surgery has been shown to improve sexual function in the first couple of years following the procedure; yet, the long-term effects of weight loss and bariatric surgery are still uncertain.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence on the relationship between obesity and female sexual function is mixed. Nevertheless, weight loss has been shown to improve sexual function in women with obesity. The impact of weight loss medications and the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on female sexual function require further study.

Sarcopenic obesity is not associated with sexual dysfunction in older adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) and the association between SD and body composition abnormalities, such as sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity.

METHODS

Older adults (≥65 years) were included. Sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed by using newly defined ESPEN-EASO diagram. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Obesity was defined using the fat percentile cut-offs suggested by ESPEN-EASO. SD was determined by Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX).

RESULTS

Two-hundred and sixty-seven volunteers (64.4% female, mean age 73.63 ± 6.22 years) participated in this study. One-hundred seventy-eight individuals (66.7%) had SD. It was present in 83.1% and 36.8% of the females and males, respectively (p < 0.0001). There was no association between SD and sarcopenia alone (OR: 1.359, 95% CI: 0.650-2.838, p = 0.415) or obesity alone (OR: 0.986, 95% CI: 0.543-1.791, p = 0.963). Sarcopenic obesity was significantly associated with SD (OR: 9.116, 95% CI: 1.173-70.851, p = 0.035). However, this significance was lost after the model was adjusted for gender, marital status, and comorbidities (OR: 4.676, 95% CI: 0.578-37.801, p = 0.148).

CONCLUSIONS

SD was present in 66.7% of the older adults and was not associated with sarcopenia, obesity, or sarcopenic obesity. Further longitudinal studies are needed on this topic.

Benefits and Risks of Bariatric Surgery on Women's Reproductive Health: a Narrative Review

Bariatric surgery (BS) is escalating as the most efficient and endurable therapy for severe obesity. Women's reproductive health is essential to women's quality of life and is receiving increasing attention. However, despite the high prevalence of BS among women, the effect of BS on reproductive health remains underemphasis. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of BS on women's reproductive health, including their reproductive health before, during, and after pregnancy. Although limited attention has been given, current evidence highlights the substantial implications of bariatric surgery on reproductive health and reminds us of the importance of adopting decision-making conversations about reproductive health before bariatric surgery.

Health-related quality of life outcomes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus one anastomosis gastric bypass

PURPOSE

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) are effective standard bariatric surgeries with comparable weight loss and remission of obesity-related comorbidities. As procedure-specific health-related quality of life (HrQoL) outcomes have not been directly compared thus far, we conducted this questionnaire-based study.

METHODS

Two hundred forty patients after undergoing either RYGB or OAGB between 2011 and 2016 were contacted and asked to fill out SF36 and BAROS questionnaires. All statistical analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism. Primary objectives were procedure-dependent differences in HrQoL. Secondary objectives were weight loss and remission of comorbidities.

RESULTS

One hundred nineteen of 240 contacted patients (49.6%) replied, 58 after RYGB (48.7%) and 61 after OAGB (51.3%). Follow-up period was < 24 months in 52 and > 24 months in 64 evaluable patients. The mean age was 46 years (range 23 to 71). Regarding the < 24 months groups, both physical and psychological SF36 sum scales were comparably high. Only the subcategory "general health perception" was significantly better after RYGB. Significantly higher excess weight loss (EWL) after RYGB (88.81%) compared to OAGB (66.25%) caused significantly better global < 24 months BAROS outcomes, whereas remission of comorbidities and HrQoL was similar. Both > 24 months groups showed high SF36-HrQoL sum scales. Global mean BAROS results after > 24 months were "very good" in both procedures. EWL in RYGB (80.81%) and in OAGB (81.36%) were comparably excellent.

CONCLUSION

Concerning SF36 and BAROS evaluated HrQoL in early and late postoperative phases, both procedures demonstrated comparable and relevant improvements. Further (preferably randomized) studies should include evaluation of preoperative HrQoL.

Evaluation Of Morbid Obese Patients İn Terms Of Sexual Dysfunctions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: Obesity is a risk factor for sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction in morbidly obese patients. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 78 morbidly obese patients with BMI>40 kg/m2 and 68 individuals with normal weight. The data was obtained using the sociodemographic information form completed by the participants, Beck anxiety scale, Beck depression scale and Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction. Results: The frequency of sexual dysfunction was found to be higher in obese women and men (p

Erectile Dysfunction in Relation to Metabolic Disorders and the Concentration of Sex Hormones in Aging Men

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men as diagnosed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and the respective levels of sex hormones and biochemical parameters, as well as indices of visceral fat accumulation and activity. Material and Methods: The study comprised 148 male (60–75 years) patients from primary care outpatient clinics in the city of Szczecin (Poland). The men were asked to complete a shortened survey questionnaire with sociodemographic data, as well as a shortened version of the IIEF (five items). Venous blood samples were collected. Total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total cholesterol (ChT), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and albumin were determined. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. Results: A correlation was found in the analysis of LAP index values (OR = 1.017; p = 0.050). The analysis of hormone concentrations showed a correlation between the diagnosed trait and the value of TT (OR = 1.216; p = 0.046) and SHBG (OR = 1.020; p = 0.007). Conclusions: VAI and LAP have been shown to be good indicators for assessing erectile dysfunction in men over 60 years of age.

Sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity in a bariatric surgery programme: A qualitative study

AIMS

The objective of this study is to describe and understand the experiences of sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity (MO) who are in a bariatric surgery program.

BACKGROUND

Morbid obesity is a chronic, metabolic disease that affects women's physical, psychological and sexual health. MO is associated with anxiety, depression and body image disorders. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for weight loss in people with MO.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study research design was adopted.

METHODS

Twenty-one heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program were recruited through purposive sampling. Data collection included individual semi-structured interviews conducted between November 2018 and May 2019. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a computer-assisted qualitative data.

FINDINGS

Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) trapped in a body that limits my sexuality; (2) between neglect and hope and (3) the partner as a source of support for sexuality in women with MO.

CONCLUSION

Women hide a body that they do not accept and ignore their own sexuality, focusing on that of their partner. Although the women have doubts about their partners' desire for them, they share the decision-making process with them whilst waiting for bariatric surgery, on which they place all of their hopes for improved sexuality and quality of life.

IMPACT

The findings highlight the importance of exploring the experiences and sexual issues faced by heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program. Bariatric nurses have a privileged position to assess these women's sexuality, recommend alternatives to sexual intercourse or refer them to sexologists. As part of the multidisciplinary team, nurses can contribute to managing the expectations of women with MO and their partners in relation to the improvement of their sex lives following bariatric surgery.

Facing an unexpected reality - oscillating between health and suffering 4-6 years after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a significant public health problem that is on the increase worldwide, and treatment with bariatric surgery is becoming more and more common. This type of surgery has proved to be good for weight reduction and for preventing complications, but few studies have investigated patients' long-term experiences of health and suffering.

AIM

To explore people's experiences of health after bariatric surgery. What are their thoughts about their life, body and sexuality?

METHODS

This study is based on semi-structured interviews with eight women and eight men, 4-6 years after bariatric surgery. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and resulted in 5 main themes and 14 subthemes.

RESULTS

The new body enabled a healthy life due to better treatment in society, enhanced self-esteem, the pleasure of purchasing clothes and the courage to become more sexually active. At the same time, the body could be experienced as so unfamiliar that their life was dominated by despondency, a lack of freedom and a feeling of being lost, which made them wish to return to their old body.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The participants received extensive information before as well as follow-up conversations up to one year after surgery. Nevertheless, they all experienced that changing from life as an obese person to a radically reduced body often meant a confrontation with an unexpected reality that oscillated between health and suffering. This indicates that preparedness for the life changes that bariatric surgery may entail is inadequate and that moving towards health and suffering takes its own time. Therefore, more time should be allocated to talking about how life is and can become in the long term, which may facilitate a dialogical, person-centred approach to the setbacks and situations each person needs to manage in order to improve her/his health.

A review of the psychosocial aspects of clinically severe obesity and bariatric surgery

For the past 2 decades, clinically severe obesity (operationalized as a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2) has increased at a more pronounced rate that less severe obesity. As a result, the surgical treatment of obesity (bariatric surgery) has become a more widely accepted, yet still underutilized, treatment for persons with severe obesity and significant weight-related health problems. Psychologists play a central role on the multidisciplinary team involved in the preoperative assessment and postoperative management of patients. They also have played a central role in clinical research which has enhanced understanding of the psychosocial and behavioral factors that contribute to the development of severe obesity as well as how those factors and others contribute to postoperative outcomes. This article, written specifically for psychologists and other mental health professionals who currently work with these patients or are considering the opportunity to do so in the future, reviews these contributions over the past 20 years. The article highlights how this work has become a fundamental part of international clinical care guidelines, which primarily focus on preoperative psychosocial screening. The article also outlines avenues for future research in the field, with a specific focus on the need for additional behavioral and psychosocial interventions to promote lifelong success after bariatric surgery. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Barocrinology: The Endocrinology of Obesity from Bench to Bedside

Obesity has reached pandemic proportions. Hormonal and metabolic imbalances are the key factors that lead to obesity. South Asian populations have a unique phenotype, peculiar dietary practices, and a high prevalence of consanguinity. Moreover, many lower middle-income countries lack appropriate resources, super-specialists, and affordability to manage this complex disorder. Of late, there has been a substantial increase in both obesity and diabesity in India. Thus, many more patients are being managed by different types of bariatric procedures today than ever before. These patients have many types of endocrine and metabolic disturbances before and after bariatric surgery. Therefore, these patients should be managed by experts who have knowledge of both bariatric surgery and endocrinology. The authors propose “Barocrinology”, a novel terminology in medical literature, to comprehensively describe the field of obesity medicine highlighting the role of knowing endocrine physiology for understating its evolution, insights into its complications and appreciating the changes in the hormonal milieu following weight loss therapies including bariatric surgery. Barocrinology, coined as a portmanteau of “baro” (weight) and endocrinology, focuses upon the endocrine and metabolic domains of weight physiology and pathology. This review summarizes the key pointers of bariatric management from an endocrine perspective.

A New Beginning: Young Women's Experiences and Sexual Function 18 Months After Bariatric Surgery

Introduction

Female patients expect improved quality of life, including sexual health and regain of fertility after bariatric surgery. Little has been published on to the extent to which patients’ expectations are met by the weight loss after surgery.

Aim

To explore how women perceive the effects of bariatric surgery on quality of life, focusing on sexual health and fertility.

Methods

A qualitative study based on thematic analysis, supported by questionnaire data. Interviews following a semistructured guide were conducted with childless women (n = 11) aged 25–34 years recruited from a university-affiliated Swedish bariatric center. The interviews took place 18 months after surgery in the participants’ homes or at the hospital and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed with a thematic approach. Questionnaires were filled in at the time of the interviews and compared with preoperative data using a Wilcoxon test for paired data.

Main outcome measures

Participants described experiences related to female sexual health after bariatric surgery. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires were administered preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

“A new beginning” was identified as the master theme, with 3 underlying subthemes: “Being worthy of love,” “Exploring sexuality,” and “Considering parenthood.” The participants described a transformation into being more comfortable with themselves that affected all areas of life, including sexual life. These findings were supported by lower scores for depression, 6.5 vs 2, and improved total Female Sexual Function Index scores, median 23.3 preoperatively and 29.1 postoperatively, P = .012.

Conclusions

Improved body image and enhanced self-esteem play important roles in improved sexual functioning in women after bariatric surgery.

Nilsson-Condori E, Järvholm S, Thurin-Kjellberg A, et al. A New Beginning: Young Women’s Experiences and Sexual Function 18 Months After Bariatric Surgery. Sex Med 2020;8:730–739.

Association Between Body Mass Index and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Cross-sectional Study from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality

BACKGROUND

Obesity and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are prevalent conditions, and both are associated with significant adverse effects on health and well-being.

AIM

To investigate the association between body mass index and FSD, as well as potential moderators.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed by analyzing medical records of 6,688 women seeking consultation for menopause-related or sexual health-related concerns at women's health clinics at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, and Scottsdale, AZ, between May 1, 2015, and September 15, 2019.

OUTCOMES

Female sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index, and sexual distress was assessed by the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised.

RESULTS

Being overweight or obese was associated with a lack of sexual activity. Among sexually active women, those who were overweight or obese had lower Female Sexual Function Index total scores and sexual function domain scores (indicating worse sexual function), including sexual arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, and pain, and higher levels of sexual distress than those with normal weight. However, on multivariable analysis, these associations were found to be mediated by other factors, including age, level of education, reproductive stage, medication use, and mood disturbances, which are known to impact body weight and sexual function in women.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Overweight and obesity were associated with sexual inactivity and greater odds of having FSD, which should prompt proactive assessment of sexual function.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The strengths of this study include the large cohort size and assessment of sexual problems in addition to sexual distress, a key component of the definition of sexual dysfunction. This study also took into account multiple potential moderating factors. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, which precludes determination of causality as well as lack of diversity in the cohort, potentially limiting generalizability of results. In addition, sexual function was not assessed in women reporting no recent sexual activity, which may confound results.

CONCLUSION

Overweight/obesity and FSD are highly prevalent conditions, which appear to be indirectly associated. These results highlight the need to identify and address FSD in all overweight and obese women, with particular attention to potential contributing factors. Faubion SS, Fairbanks F, Kuhle CL, et al. Association Between Body Mass Index and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Cross-sectional Study from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality. J Sex Med 2020;17:1971-1980.

Review: Sex-Specific Aspects in the Bariatric Treatment of Severely Obese Women

This systematic literature review aims to point out sex-specific special features that are important in the bariatric treatment of women suffering from severe obesity. A systematic literature search was carried out according to Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. After the literature selection, the following categories were determined: sexuality and sexual function; contraception; fertility; sex hormones and polycystic ovary syndrome; menopause and osteoporosis; pregnancy and breastfeeding; pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence; female-specific cancer; and metabolism, outcome, and quality of life. For each category, the current status of research is illuminated and implications for bariatric treatment are determined. A summary that includes key messages is given for each subsection. An overall result of this paper is an understanding that sex-specific risks that follow or result from bariatric surgery should be considered more in aftercare. In order to increase the evidence, further research focusing on sex-specific differences in the outcome of bariatric surgery and promising treatment approaches to female-specific diseases is needed. Nevertheless, bariatric surgery shows good potential in the treatment of sex-specific aspects for severely obese women that goes far beyond mere weight loss and reduction of metabolic risks.

Relationships between eating disorder psychopathology, sexual hormones and sexual behaviours

A growing body of evidences demonstrated that sexuality is an important topic in the clinical research of eating disorders (EDs), due to its association with specific psychopathological features, and etiological factors. The present review took into consideration the complex relationship between sexual behaviours, hormonal alterations and EDs psychopathology. Studies pertaining sexual behaviours in EDs were divided into those focusing on sexual dysfunctions, and those related to risky sexual behaviours. The limited number of studies on sexual dysfunctions, reported a controversial association with weight status and hormonal alterations, and a clear relationship with severity of specific psychopathology (e.g. body image disturbance). Risky sexual behaviours have been associated with impulsivity and dissociation, as well as with abnormal stress response. Finally, both restriction and uncontrolled eating have been found to be responsible for several complex metabolic alterations, determining varied sexual and gynecologic problems, such as amenorrhea, hypogonadism, genital vascular problems, infertility, and miscarriage, although it is also possible that alterations in feeding and stress hormones contribute to altered eating behaviour.

Male sexual dysfunction in obesity: The role of sex hormones and small fibre neuropathy

Context

Multiple factors contribute to sexual dysfunction in men with obesity. Sex hormone levels are commonly abnormal in men with obesity and this abnormality is often the focus of management in clinical practice. The role of small fibre neuropathy in obesity-related sexual dysfunction is not well established.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual function, sex hormone levels and small nerve fibre morphology in men with severe obesity.

Materials and methods

A prospective study of 29 men with severe obesity was undertaken. Sexual function was assessed using the European Male Ageing Study Sexual Function Questionnaire. Small nerve fibre morphology was quantified using corneal confocal microscopy. Sex hormone levels were measured by mass spectrophotometry.

Results

Erectile dysfunction was present in 72% of the cohort with a higher prevalence of diabetes among the symptomatic group (88% vs 38%, p = 0.006). Corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL) and corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD) were both significantly lower in participants with erectile dysfunction compared to those without (p = 0.039 and p = 0.048 respectively). The erectile function score correlated with CNFL (r = -0.418, p = 0.034) and CNFD (r = -0.411, p = 0.037). Total testosterone and calculated free testosterone levels did not differ significantly between men with or without erectile dysfunction (median 8.8 nmol/L vs 9.0 nmol/L, p = 0.914; and median 176 pmol/L vs 179 pmol/L, p = 0.351 respectively), infrequent sexual thoughts (median 8.1 nmol/L vs 9.2 nmol/L, p = 0.650; and median 184 pmol/L, vs 176 pmol/L, p = 0.619 respectively) and decreased morning erections (median 9.0 nmol/L vs 8.8 nmol/L, p = 0.655; and median 170 pmol/L vs 193 pmol/L, p = 0.278 respectively).

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in men with severe obesity. We found an association between small fibre neuropathy with erectile dysfunction with presence of diabetes a likely a significant contributing factor. We found no associations between testosterone levels with sexual symptoms (including frequency of sexual thoughts). The influence of small nerve fibre neuropathy on response to therapeutic interventions and whether interventions that improve small fibre neuropathy can improve erectile function in this population merits further study.

Changes in Sexual Functioning in Women and Men in the 5 Years After Bariatric Surgery

Importance

Short-term improvements in sexual functioning are reported after bariatric surgery, but to our knowledge, little is known about the durability of these improvements.

Objective

To determine the percentage of adults with impairment in sexual functioning who experience durable improvements in sexual functioning after bariatric surgery and to identify factors associated with improvements.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 is an observational cohort study conducted at 10 hospitals in 6 US clinical centers. Adults undergoing their first bariatric procedure were recruited from 2005 through 2009, data were collected through August 2014. Data analysis was conducted from 2016 to April 2018.

Interventions

Participants completed assessments before the procedure and annually thereafter for 5 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess clinically meaningful differences before and after surgery in past-month sexual satisfaction, desire, and activity and physical health limitations to sexual activity among subgroups who reported sexual functioning at less than domain-specific thresholds before surgery.

Results

Of 2215 participants eligible for sexual function follow-up, 2036 (91.9%) completed 1 or more follow-up assessment (1431 [64.6%] at year 5), of whom 1607 (78.9%) were women. At the presurgery assessment, median (interquartile range) age was 47 (37-55) years, and the median (interquartile range) body mass index was 45.8 (41.7-51.3). Among those who were not satisfied with their sexual life before surgery (1015 of 1456 women [69.7%]; 304 of 409 men [74.3%]), 56.0% of women (95% CI, 52.5%-59.5%) and 49.2% of men (95% CI, 42.4%-55.9%) experienced clinically meaningful improvements at year 1; these percentages did not significantly differ during further follow-up. Among those who reported physical limitations to sexual activity at baseline (892 of 1490 women [59.9%] and 267 of 406 men [65.8%]), the percentage experiencing improvement in this domain decreased during follow-up, but 73.6% (95% CI, 69.3%-78.0%) of women and 67.6% (95% CI, 59.6%-75.6%) of men continued to report improvements at year 5. Greater postsurgical reduction in depressive symptoms was independently associated with improvement in 4 domains of sexual life among women (frequency of sexual desire: adjusted relative risk [aRR] per 5-point decrease in Beck Depression Inventory score, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.07-1.18]; P < .001; frequency of sexual activity: aRR, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.08-1.18]; P < .001; the degree to which physical health limited sexual activity: aRR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.14-1.23]; P < .001; and satisfaction with sexual life: aRR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.19-1.31]; P < .001) and 2 domains among men (physical health limitations: aRR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04-1.26]; P = .008 and satisfaction with sexual life: aRR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.33-1.81]; P < .001). Surgical procedure was not associated with improvement.

Conclusions and Relevance

Per this study, approximately half of women and men who were not satisfied with their sexual life prior to bariatric surgery experienced improvements in satisfaction in 5 years of follow-up.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00465829.

Sexual behaviors, risks, and sexual health outcomes for adolescent females following bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Adolescents females with severe obesity are less likely to be sexually active, but those who are sexually active engage in risky sexual behaviors.

OBJECTIVES

To examine patterns and predictors of sexual risk behaviors, contraception practices, and sexual health outcomes in female adolescents with severe obesity who did or did not undergo bariatric surgery across 4 years.

SETTING

Five academic medical centers.

METHODS

Using a prospective observational controlled design, female adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery (n = 111; M_age = 16.95 ± 1.44 yr; body mass index: M_BMI = 50.99 ± 8.42; 63.1% white) and nonsurgical comparators (n = 68; M_age = 16.18 ± 1.36 yr; M_BMI = 46.47 ± 5.83; 55.9% white) completed the Sexual Activities and Attitudes Questionnaire at presurgery/baseline and 24- and 48-month follow-up, with 83 surgical females (M_BMI = 39.27 ± 10.08) and 49 nonsurgical females (M_BMI = 48.56 ± 9.84) participating at 48 months.

RESULTS

Most experienced sexual debut during the 4-year study period, with a greater increase in behaviors conferring risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for surgical females (P = .03). Half (50% surgical, 44.2% nonsurgical, P = .48) reported partner condom use at last sexual intercourse. The proportion of participants who had ever contracted an STI was similar (18.7% surgical, 14.3% nonsurgical). Surgical patients were more likely to report a pregnancy (25.3% surgical, 8.2% nonsurgical, P = .02) and live birth (16 births in 15 surgical, 1 nonsurgical), with 50% of offspring in the surgical cohort born to teen mothers (age ≤19 yr).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric care guidelines and practices for adolescent females must emphasize the risks and consequences of teen or unintended pregnancies, sexual decision-making, dual protection, and STI prevention strategies to optimize health and well-being for the long term.

Metabolic and Endocrine Consequences of Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is one of the most serious worldwide epidemics of the twenty-first century according to the World Health Organization. Frequently associated with a number of comorbidities, obesity threatens and compromises individual health and quality of life. Bariatric surgery (BS) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment to achieve not only sustained weight loss but also significant metabolic improvement that goes beyond mere weight loss. The beneficial effects of BS on metabolic traits are so widely recognized that some authors have proposed BS as metabolic surgery that could be prescribed even for moderate obesity. However, most of the BS procedures imply malabsorption and/or gastric acid reduction which lead to nutrient deficiency and, consequently, further complications could be developed in the long term. In fact, BS not only affects metabolic homeostasis but also has pronounced effects on endocrine systems other than those exclusively involved in metabolic function. The somatotropic, corticotropic, and gonadal axes as well as bone health have also been shown to be affected by the various BS procedures. Accordingly, further consequences and complications of BS in the long term in systems other than metabolic system need to be addressed in large cohorts, taking into account each bariatric procedure before making generalized recommendations for BS. In this review, current data regarding these issues are summarized, paying special attention to the somatotropic, corticotropic, gonadal axes, and bone post-operative health.

A longitudinal examination of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among bariatric surgery patients

BACKGROUND

Past research suggests self-harm/suicidality are more common among adults who have undergone bariatric surgery than the general population.

OBJECTIVES

To compare prevalence of self-harm/suicidal ideation over time and identify presurgery risk factors for postsurgery self-harm/suicidal ideation.

SETTING

The Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 is a cohort study with presurgery and annual postsurgery assessments conducted at 10 U.S. hospitals.

METHODS

Adults with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery between March 2006 and April 2009 (n = 2458). Five-year follow-up is reported. Self-reported history of suicidality assessed retrospectively via the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) and self-reported self-harm/suicidal ideation assessed prospectively via the Beck Depression Inventory-Version 1 (BDI-1).

RESULTS

The SBQ-R was completed by 1540 participants; 2217 completed the BDI-1 pre- and postsurgery. Over 75% of participants were female, with a median age of 46 years and body mass index of 45.9 kg/m². Approximately one fourth of participants (395/1534) reported a presurgery history of suicidal thoughts or behavior (SBQ-R). The prevalence of self-harm/suicidal ideation (BDI-1) was 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7-6.8) presurgery and 3.8% (95% CI, 2.5-5.1) at year 1 postsurgery (P = .06). Prevalence increased over time postsurgery to 6.6% (95% CI, 4.6-8.6) at year 5 (P = .001) but was not significantly different than presurgery (P = .12).

CONCLUSIONS

A large cohort of adults with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery had a prevalence of self-harm/suicidal ideation that may have decreased in the first postoperative year but increased over time to presurgery levels, suggesting screening for self-harm/suicidality is warranted throughout long-term postoperative care. Several risk factors were identified that may help with enhanced monitoring.

Changes in Sexual Function and Positions in Women With Severe Obesity After Bariatric Surgery

Introduction

Severe obesity is most effectively treated with bariatric surgery. The resulting weight loss is expected to improve a variety of obesity-related conditions, including sexual dysfunction.

Aim

To analyze changes in the sexual function of women with obesity following bariatric surgery.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted between April 2015 and April 2016 involving 62 women with obesity who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function. Sexual dysfunction was defined as an FSFI score below 26.55. Patients’ clinical and demographic data were recorded. Sexual frequency of 12 different sexual positions was also evaluated.

Main Outcome Measure

Sexual dysfunction prevalence and the frequency of sexual positions before and 6 months after surgery.

Results

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction decreased from 62% before surgery to 19% 6 months after the procedure. There was a 19.2% improvement in the mean overall FSFI score (P < .01). 6 months after surgery, the mean overall FSFI score had improved in all patients, with a statistically significant change being found in all 6 domains of the questionnaire (P < .05). There was an increase in the frequency of 3 of 12 sexual positions evaluated.

Conclusion

Sexual function in women with obesity effectively improves after bariatric surgery. Favorable changes following weight loss included a significant reduction in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and an increase in the frequency of different sexual positions during intercourse.

Oliveira CFA, dos Santos PO, Oliveira RA, et al. Changes in sexual function and positions in women with severe obesity after bariatric surgery. Sex Med 2019;7:80–85.

Obesity and Sexual Functioning

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Sexual functioning is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of quality of life for many individuals with obesity.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the growing recognition of obesity as a significant, international public health issue, a developing body of research has investigated the relationship between obesity and sexual functioning. Several studies have found that obesity is associated with impairments in sexual functioning. The mechanisms of this relationship, whether physiological, psychosocial, or a combination of the two, are yet to be fully elucidated. Other studies have suggested that weight loss, whether induced by bariatric surgery or less intensive interventions, is associated with significant and clinically meaningful change in sexual functioning and relevant reproductive hormones. This chapter reviews the research in these areas and provides recommendations for future research on these relationships.

Management of Pregnant Women after Bariatric Surgery

The prevalence of obesity is growing worldwide, and strategies to overcome this epidemic need to be developed urgently. Bariatric surgery is a very effective treatment option to reduce excess weight and often performed in women of reproductive age. Weight loss influences fertility positively and can resolve hormonal imbalance. So far, guidelines suggest conceiving after losing maximum weight and thus recommend conception at least 12-24 months after surgery. As limited data of these suggestions exist, further evidence is urgently needed as well for weight gain in pregnancy. Oral glucose tolerance tests for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) should not be performed after bariatric procedures due to potential hypoglycaemic adverse events and high variability of glucose levels after glucose load. This challenges the utility of the usual diagnostic criteria for GDM in accurate prediction of complications. Furthermore, recommendations on essential nutrient supplementation in pregnancy and lactation in women after bariatric surgery are scarce. In addition, nutritional deficiencies or daily intake recommendations in pregnant women after bariatric surgery are not well investigated. This review summarizes current evidence, proposes clinical recommendations in pregnant women after bariatric surgery, and highlights areas of lack of evidence and the resulting urgent need for more clinical investigations.

Quality of life, binge eating and sexual function in participants treated for obesity with sustained release naltrexone/bupropion

Objective

This multicenter, randomized, controlled, open‐label trial examined weight‐related quality of life, control over eating behaviour and sexual function after 26 weeks of treatment with either 32 mg naltrexone sustained release (SR)/360 mg bupropion SR plus a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program (NB + CLI, N = 153) or usual care (UC, N = 89), which included minimal lifestyle intervention.

Methods

Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite, Binge Eating Scale and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale were assessed at baseline (BL) and weeks 16 and 26.

Results

NB + CLI and UC participants lost 9.46 and 0.94% respectively of initial body weight at week 26 (P < 0.0001). NB + CLI participants had greater improvements in Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite total score than UC participants (P < 0.0001). In participants with moderate/severe Binge Eating Scale scores at BL, 91% of NB + CLI and 18% of UC participants experienced categorical improvements. In participants with Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale‐defined sexual dysfunction at BL, 58% of NB + CLI and 19% of UC participants no longer met dysfunction criteria at week 26. The most frequent adverse events leading to discontinuation before week 26 in NB + CLI included nausea (10.5%); anxiety (3.3%); and headache, hypertension, insomnia and palpitations (1.3% each).

Conclusion

Compared with UC, participants treated with NB + CLI experienced greater improvements in weight‐related quality of life, control over eating behaviour, and sexual function.

Sexual satisfaction following bariatric surgery: A prospective exploratory study

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery improves sexual function in obese individuals, although the extent to which sexual satisfaction is improved following surgery is unknown. The aims of this study were 1) to describe sexual satisfaction in severely/morbidly obese men and women candidates for bariatric surgery; 2) to assess the effects of bariatric surgery on sexual satisfaction at 12-months follow-up; and 3) to assess whether weight changes at follow-up following bariatric surgery are associated with changes in sexual satisfaction.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study from February 2011 to June 2014. A total of 44 patients with severe/morbid obesity participated in the study. Sexual satisfaction was assessed (at baseline and 12-months follow-up) through the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of 44 patients who completed the ISS at baseline (mean age 40.3 [SD=9.4] years and BMI 46.9 [SD=6.2] kg/m²), 17 were lost to follow-up. The baseline ISS total scores were 32.0 (SD=20.1) in women and 24.4 (SD=16.0) in men (P>0.05). The proportion of sexually satisfied men and women at baseline was 62.5% and 46.4%, respectively (P=0.360). At follow-up, sexual satisfaction improved significantly in women (average difference 13.7 units; P=0.032) but not in men (average difference 3.6 units; P=0.717). The percentage of women with sexual satisfaction problems was reduced by 33% at follow-up (P=0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively large percentage of severely/morbidly obese women and men present clinically significant sexual satisfaction problems before undergoing bariatric surgery. Sexual satisfaction improves significantly 12 months following bariatric surgery, particularly in women.