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01-05-2018 | Original Contributions

Contraception, Menstruation, and Sexuality after Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Cohort Study

Authors: Julie Luyssen, Goele Jans, Annick Bogaerts, Dries Ceulemans, Christophe Matthys, Bart Van der Schueren, Matthias Lannoo, Johan Verhaeghe, Luc Lemmens, Lore Lannoo, Jill Shawe, Roland Devlieger

Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Background

Women with a history of bariatric surgery are recommended to avoid pregnancy at least 12 months after surgery. Evidence on the impact of bariatric surgery on contraception, menstrual cycle, and sexuality in the first year postoperative is therefore indispensable.

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to prospectively study changes in contraception, menstrual cycle and sexuality in women of reproductive age following bariatric surgery.

Setting

The study was conducted in two secondary medical centers and a tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

Women attending for bariatric surgery or who recently underwent bariatric surgery completed online questionnaires about contraception, menstrual cycle, and sexual behavior before surgery and 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

The study included data from 71 women, including 70 and 47 women at 6 and 12 months after bariatric surgery, respectively. Preoperatively, 43.6% (n = 31/71) used a short-acting hormonal contraceptive, the usage of which decreased significantly to, respectively, 32.8% (n = 23/70; p = .031) and 27.7% (n = 13/47; p = .022) 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Usage of long-acting contraceptive methods increased from 26.7% (n = 19/71) preoperatively to 38.6% (n = 27/70; p = .021) and 42.6% (n = 20/47; p = .004) at 6 and 12 months. Combined oral contraceptives (COC) remained used (39.4% preoperatively, 27.1 and 14.9% at 6 and 12 months postoperatively). Menstrual cycle (frequency, pattern, duration of the cycle, and the menstruation itself) and sexual behavior (intimate relationship, frequency of intercourse, and satisfaction) did not differ significantly before and after surgery.

Conclusions

Women undergoing bariatric surgery appear to switch their type of contraceptive from oral, short-acting hormonal contraceptives to non-oral, long-acting contraceptives. No changes in menstrual cycle and sexual behavior were shown.

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Title: Contraception, Menstruation, and Sexuality after Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Julie Luyssen
Goele Jans
Annick Bogaerts
Dries Ceulemans
Christophe Matthys
Bart Van der Schueren
Matthias Lannoo
Johan Verhaeghe
Luc Lemmens
Lore Lannoo
Jill Shawe
Roland Devlieger
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Obesity Surgery / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0960-8923
Electronic ISSN: 1708-0428
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-017-3033-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Contraception, Menstruation, and Sexuality after Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Setting

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Setting

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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