Ozempic and Sex: The Surprising Sexual Side Effects of GLP-1s

You may notice changes to your sexual performance and love life if you take glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepound, Mounjaro). These medications are prescribed primarily to address blood sugar issues and weight loss, but they can also affect your brain, personality, and self-esteem, potentially leading to changes in the bedroom, for better or worse.

Although some sexual side effects of GLP-1s may be related to the medications themselves, others come from weight loss or changes to body image. Most research into the sexual side effects of GLP-1 medications is still very preliminary, and the reports on these changes are driven by anecdotes and social media as much as they are by clinical trials.

1. Sex Drive

Some researchers have begun to investigate how GLP-1 drugs might affect your libido, or sex drive.

“It’s not surprising [that GLP-1 medications] might also affect other forms of pleasure, including sex,” Szoke says.

Szoke adds that he has had patients who have seen a boost to their sex drive after starting a GLP-1 medication but that it’s hard to tell if that’s related to the drug or the weight loss.

“Their self-esteem and confidence might be up,” he says. “But what if the drug helped them start drinking less or smoking less marijuana? It’s all connected. We can’t pinpoint one cause or effect without more research.”

“It’s very plausible that losing weight with help from a GLP-1 can boost your sex drive, not because of the GLP-1, but simply because of the weight loss, especially the fat around the abdomen,” Szoke says.

2. Inability to Orgasm

3. Increased Fertility

“If a woman is living with obesity, this means there is likely also significant inflammation and potentially abnormal testosterone levels,” says Szoke, adding that obesity can affect ovulation and menstrual cycles, as well.

4. Erectile Dysfunction

Some males have reported having erectile dysfunction while taking GLP-1s, though others have noted an opposite effect.

“If losing a lot of weight improved a person’s blood pressure levels, for example, then they’ll probably see a boost in their ability to get and maintain an erection,” Szoke says. “But some people might be more susceptible to the effects on smooth muscle function.”

Erectile dysfunction could be the sign of other health issues unrelated to GLP-1 medications. Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms.

5. Premature Ejaculation

In addition to erectile dysfunction, some males have reported ejaculating sooner than wanted during sex, known as premature ejaculation, while taking GLP-1 medications.

Premature ejaculation has a variety of potential causes, some physical and some mental.

Diabetes and obesity are considered risk factors, in addition to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions affecting hormone balance, such as hyperthyroidism.

6. Dating Life Changes

A GLP-1 treatment can have a major impact on your love life. Significant weight loss can change your self-esteem, confidence in dating, current relationships, and sexual performance.

Not all users report positive changes. Sixteen percent of respondents said they experienced a decrease in sexual desire, compared with 18 percent who saw an increase. Potentially negative effects of weight loss may include saggy skin throughout many areas of the body, side effects commonly referred to with names like “Ozempic butt” or “Ozempic face,” which can negatively affect appearance and self-confidence.

“Sagging skin is really impossible to avoid when you lose a lot of weight quickly,” Szoke says. “While skin removal surgery isn’t always an option, it’s important to also work with a therapist and focus on your mental health throughout this transition. Your weight is not just physical. It is a big part of your identity.”

7. ‘Ozempic Penis’ and ‘Ozempic Vulva’

Some people who have taken GLP-1 medications have said on social media that they have noticed an increase in penis size, weakness in vaginal muscles, or vaginal looseness. Szoke says that GLP-1 medications will not change the size of your sexual organs, despite rumors saying otherwise. These changes are likely the result of weight loss and sagging skin, which can change the appearance of the genital area.

“No, we have no reason to believe Ozempic can suddenly increase the length of your penis,” Szoke says. “But weight loss can have surprising benefits beyond simply reducing the bulk around that area of your body.”

Weight loss with GLP-1s can lead to various changes in the body, Szoke says. Primarily, it may lead to fat loss in unintended areas, including the breasts, buttocks, and even the labia. Men also store body fat around the base of the penis in the groin.

“When you lose a significant amount of body fat quickly, several areas of your body are inevitably going to have that looser skin,” Szoke says. “This can be really hard to deal with, especially in the stomach and the arms. Body fat definitely accumulates in the vaginal area, too.”

The Takeaway

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications not only help manage weight and diabetes issues but also may have sexual side effects.
• Changes to libido, ability to have an orgasm, and fertility are among reported GLP-1 side effects.
• Research is still needed to determine if many side effects are related to medication or other factors, such as weight loss or blood sugar.
• GLP-1 medications will not change genitalia size, though losing a significant amount of weight could make body parts appear different.