Study links appendix and tonsil removals with higher pregnancy rates

A new study has offered evidence that women who have their appendix or tonsils removed when they are young are more likely to get pregnant and generally do so sooner.

The University of Dundee research analysed medical records from women across the UK, finding that pregnancy rates were significantly higher among those who had had an appendectomy, tonsillectomy or both compared to the rest of the population.

Time to pregnancy was also shortest among those who had both an appendectomy and tonsillectomy – challenging the established belief that appendectomies can have a negative effect on fertility.

Since appendectomies and tonsillectomies are extremely common surgical operations experienced by tens of thousands of people in the UK alone, these findings could be of great significance.

Mr Shimi said: "This research does not mean that removing a normal appendix directly increases fertility; it does, however, mean that young women who need to have their appendix removed can do so without fear of the risk on future fertility."