Weight Loss Surgery Improves Sex Life Among Women: Study

Weight-loss surgery can do wonders to one's sex life. A latest study states that women who undergo bariatric surgery have satisfying sex life.

For the study, researchers at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania examined 106 women who underwent bariatric surgery. Study participants had an average body mass index (BMI) of 44.5.

The researchers said that nearly half of all women who seek bariatric surgery experience sexual dysfunction symptoms.

In the first year post-surgery, participants lost an average of 32.7 percent of their original body weight, and 33.5 percent by the end of the second year. The women reported sexual satisfaction, improved self-esteem, less depression and contentment with physical appearance.

Around 85 participants underwent gastric bypass surgery and 21 had a gastric banding procedure during the course of study.

The study results showed that post weight loss surgery, women reported improved sexual arousal and desire and lubrication. They also said that they were happier with their sex lives.

Furthermore, the researchers found the blood tests revealed that levels of sex hormones increased in women. According to David Sarwer, study lead researcher, physical and emotional satisfaction could be linked to sexual gratification.

"Sexuality truly is one of those phenomena where our behavior lies at the intersection of what's happening with us physiologically and what we are experiencing psychologically," said Sarwer, who is a professor in the psychiatry and surgery departments of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said in a press release.

"I think this is an important nuance that shows the interaction in sexuality between the physical and the psychosocial," Sarwer said. "Are improved hormone levels creating this rapid improvement, or is it that they are feeling better about themselves? Or is it a combination of the two?"

Sarwer also said that women reported the poorest quality of sexual function before bariatric surgery witnessed significant improvements one year after surgery, compared to those who had satisfying sexual life before surgery.