IMPACT OF BARIATRIC SURGERY ON FERTILITY AND PREGNANCY OF OBESE WOMEN

Abstract

Obesity is a globally prevalent health condition, associated with a series of complications and negative impacts on different aspects of life. Among the less discussed but equally important ramifications is the impact of obesity on women's fertility and pregnancy. The relationship between obesity and reproductive complications has been the subject of study, and bariatric surgery has emerged as a significant intervention for weight loss in cases of extreme obesity. However, the implications of this surgery on fertility and pregnancy require further analysis. Understanding the effects of bariatric surgery in this context is crucial to provide informed information for obese women who are considering or have already undergone this procedure, as well as for health professionals who deal with reproductive health. Objective: This study aims to carry out a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on fertility and pregnancy in obese women. We will seek to synthesize and analyze recent studies, published in the last 10 years, present in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using five main descriptors: "bariatric surgery", "obesity", "fertility", "pregnancy" and "complications ". The objective is to provide a comprehensive view of the available scientific evidence, contributing to the understanding of the consequences of this procedure in the reproductive phases of obese women. Methodology: The review will follow the guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist. The search will be conducted in the aforementioned databases, with articles published in the last 10 years. Studies that address the impact of bariatric surgery on fertility and pregnancy in obese women will be included. Inclusion criteria include observational studies and controlled clinical trials. Articles that do not fit the scope of the topic, studies with non-representative samples and those whose methodology does not meet the established quality criteria will be excluded. Results: The results of this systematic review reveal a variety of findings related to the impact of bariatric surgery on fertility and pregnancy in obese women. Among the main topics, hormonal changes, conception rates, gestational complications and neonatal outcomes stand out. The critical analysis of the selected studies provides a comprehensive view of the benefits and challenges associated with bariatric surgery in this specific context. Conclusion: In summary, this systematic review highlights the need for an individualized approach when considering bariatric surgery in obese women of reproductive age. Although the intervention may offer significant weight loss benefits, it is crucial to consider the potential impacts on fertility and pregnancy. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these complexities when counseling patients about bariatric surgery, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to optimize reproductive outcomes and the overall health of obese women.