Sex After Bariatric Surgery

An improved sex life for both men and women is possible with bariatric surgery.

Improved sex for men

Erectile dysfunction and shortness of breath during intercourse can plague obese men. Following bariatric surgery and significant weight loss, men experience an increased level of testosterone that may benefit their sex lives.

Improved sex for women

Estrogen is stored in the fat of women, and once weight loss begins after bariatric surgery, women also feel an increase in their libido.

Birth control after bariatric surgery

Women are advised to wait at least 12 to 24 months after bariatric surgery before becoming pregnant; therefore, reliable birth control should be used for sexually active women following bariatric surgery. Oral contraceptives are unreliable after bariatric surgery because they are metabolized through the digestive system. Rapid weight loss and shifting hormone levels can also affect the reliability of the pill. Women should consult with their family physician, OB-GYN, or bariatric surgeon to find an appropriate birth control method for them.

When is it safe?

Post-surgery sexual activity, like all other physical activity, should not begin until at least three weeks after surgery. What to Expect after Bariatric Surgery has more information on life post-surgery. Of course, this information is a general guideline, and you must follow the advice of your bariatric surgeon.

Get more information on bariatric surgery

For more information on bariatric surgery, browse the menu options to the left. To find a bariatric surgeon near you, use our bariatric surgeon locator.

Find out if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.