To get Back on Track: a Qualitative Study on Childless Women's Expectations on Future Fertility Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Nilsson-Condori, E.; Järvholm, S.; Thurin-Kjellberg, A.; Sidlovskaja, I.; Hedenbro, J.L.; Friberg, B.
Clinical Medicine Insights. Reproductive Health 13: 1179558119874777
2019
ISSN/ISBN: 1179-5581 PMID: 31523138 DOI: 10.1177/1179558119874777Document Number: 403988
In Sweden, 4700 women seek bariatric surgery annually, many of those being nulliparous. Anovulation is common among obese women, but bariatric surgery is not considered a treatment for infertility. The aim of this study was to explore the motives of women in fertile age for seeking bariatric surgery and their expectations on future fertility. A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews with childless women (n = 12) aged 20 to 35 years. Interviews were conducted 1 to 3 weeks prior to surgery, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with thematic analysis. "To get back on track" was identified as a master theme with 3 underlying subthemes, with the following headings: "A better me," "A fertile me," and "A pregnant me." The participants were hoping that weight-loss would make them feel more content with themselves, break isolation, and make it easier to find a partner. The participants considered fertility to improve after bariatric surgery, mainly based on stories from other patients of bariatric surgery. Having a child was expressed to be of great importance to them. Even though obese young women do not seek bariatric surgery for fertility reasons alone, there is a general perception of enhanced fertility after surgery, which is regarded as positive and important.