Contraceptive Counseling for Women Who Undergo Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Background:

Women are counseled to avoid becoming pregnant for 12–24 months after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess contraceptive counseling and use in women who undergo bariatric surgery.

Methods:

A self-administered survey was completed by women aged 18–45 years at a postoperative clinic visit >2 months after bariatric surgery at an urban teaching hospital.

Results:

Of the 69 respondents, 94.2% knew to avoid pregnancy for at least 12 months after surgery. However, 16.3% did not use any contraception 2–12 months after surgery. The most common contraceptive methods used were condoms (30.6%) and oral contraceptives (16.3%). Longer-acting reversible contraceptives were used less frequently; for example, only 4% of women used intrauterine devices. Only 21.2% of respondents were referred to an obstetrician/gynecologist for contraceptive counseling.

Conclusions:

Many women who undergo bariatric surgery are not using very effective contraceptive methods or any contraception. There is a clear opportunity to improve counseling and increase use of more effective contraception in this population.