Boost Sexual Health through Bariatric Surgery

Women who undergo bariatric surgery to treat obesity have higher chances of improving their sex life, according to a new study. 

A healthier sex life is almost always guaranteed because women are able to achieve healthier hormone levels after conducting the said surgery. Majority of the 106 women who were involved in the study reported significant improvements in overall sexual functioning and other key aspects of sexual function, including arousal, lubrication, desire and satisfaction, according to Med Page Today.

David B. Sarwer, PhD, lead author of the study from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia confirmed that doctors oftentimes ignore certain unanticipated changes for couples after one undergoes bariatric surgery. Sarwer and colleagues found that women experienced significant gains in every quality of life measure, with obvious sexual changes emerging immediately after surgery, even if desired weight goal has not yet been reached. The results of the study published in JAMA Surgery also confirmed that women most changes took place among women whose sexuality was once compromised due to their weight gain.

"When we think about extreme obesity and sexual behavior, it's one of these 'don't ask, don't tell' issues," he said in a telephone interview. "What this study really shows us is that women experience clinically significant changes within the first year, and sexual behavior is clearly one of these areas." "Sexual behavior is driven by hormones as well as the thoughts and feelings of both people", said Dr. Sarwer. "This is an area we don't spend a lot of time talking about with our patients," he added. "It's something that is on their minds. For many people, sex is an important part of quality of life. We need to talk about their questions related to sexual behavior."