Contraception and sexual health in obese women. Issue 4 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simmons, Katharine B.; Edelman, Alison B.
• Is Part Of: Best practice & research. Volume 29:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 466
• Page End: 478
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: obesity -- contraception -- sexual behavior -- pharmacokinetics; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Obstetrics; Gynecology; Obstetrics; Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2014.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-6934

Abstract

Abstract : As the proportion of women with obesity increases worldwide, understanding the influence of body weight on sexual behavior, fertility, and contraceptive effectiveness is critical for health-care professionals and patients. Although many have theorized that obese women are different from normal-weight women regarding sexual health and behavior, current evidence for the most part disproves this. The exception is in adolescents where body image may play a role in riskier behavior, placing them at a greater risk of an unintended pregnancy. Given that most modern contraceptives were not originally evaluated in obese women, understanding how weight affects contraceptive pharmacokinetics and efficacy should be a focus of ongoing research. Evidence is reassuring that most modern contraceptive methods are safe and effective in obese women. This paper reviews what is known about sexual and contraceptive behavior, as well as the effectiveness and pharmacokinetics of modern contraceptives, for overweight and obese women. Highlights: Obese adult women do not differ from normal-weight women regarding sexual health, sexual behavior, and contraceptive use. Body image may lead obese adolescents to engage in riskier behavior, placing them at a greater risk of an unintended pregnancy. Evidence is reassuring that most modern contraceptive methods are safe and effective in obese women. There is some evidence that oral emergency contraception is less effective in overweight and obese women.