Does Ozempic Affect Sex Drive?

Ozempic, and other semaglutide-based weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Rybelsus, has been making headlines for its proven effectiveness at helping people lose weight. Such drugs can be a game-changer for those who have struggled with weight loss their entire lives, and are helping many people control chronic, life-threatening diseases like diabetes.

Of course, all medications – particularly effective ones – inevitably come with side effects. Well-documented Ozempic side effects include injection-site reactions, fatigue, and a whole host of gastrointestinal issues that deserve their own post. 

Whether by correlation or causation, one particularly interesting side effect of these weight-loss drugs appears to be the way it can impact libido. Below we delve into how drugs like Ozempic work, how it can affect your sex drive, and some ways to cope with ozempic-related fluctuations in libido.

How Ozempic Affect Libido

If you’re wondering if Ozempic can affect your sex drive, the short answer is: Probably.

The body runs on a series of incredibly intricate, interdependent systems, and any disruptions in homeostasis will cause reactions in many parts of the body. If you lose a large amount of weight in a relatively short period, your libido will likely be affected no matter what drug you’re taking. 

While there are anecdotal reports of how Ozempic impacts sex drive, the reports are often conflicting and more studies are needed to explain exactly how the drug impacts libido. It’s important to account for factors like age, hormonal balance, overall health, ozempic drug interactions (if you’re on other medications), and psychological well-being if you notice a change in your libido when on a medication. 

If Ozempic Decreases Your Sex Drive

A recent study suggested that non-diabetic men using semaglutide to lose weight may have higher incidences of erectile dysfunction. Researchers posit that it may be due to the way that the drug tilts the gut-brain axis, along with how weight loss decreases testosterone. Lower testosterone levels can also reduce sex drive in women, and the hormonal changes caused by the changes your body is undergoing may also contribute to a decreased libido. 

A less sexy explanation lies in the unpleasant stomach troubles, including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, that some Ozempic users may experience. When you’re experiencing the frequent bowel issues commonly reported in semaglutide use, your sex drive will naturally become less of a priority.

If You Find Yourself Hornier After Starting Ozempic

Most studies conducted on Ozempic don’t show any increases in sex drive, but some people report an increase in their libido after starting the drug. This may be due to how weight loss in certain people allows them to access a broader range of motion and move around more.

Because you’re moving around more, you may have more energy and your natural endorphin levels may be higher. Moreover, the confidence boost that comes with being more comfortable in your body can also help you feel sexier and increase your desire for sexual activity.

How To Deal With Sexual Side Effects

If you experience significant personality or libido changes on Ozempic, you should always consult with your doctor. Below are some steps that you can take to manage sexual side effects, which your doctor may also recommend:

Communicating With Your Medical Provider

Discussing any concerns about your sexual health with your healthcare provider is an important part of your Ozempic journey. Your doctor can offer guidance, adjust dosage, or explore alternative treatment options.

Modifying Your Diet

Ozempic only helps you eat less; it doesn’t replenish necessary nutrients or help you adjust your existing diet. Getting all your necessary nutrients with a lower caloric intake is essential to healthy sexual function and overall well being.

Consult with your medical provider or a licensed nutritionist to figure out a diet plan that fits your new lifestyle needs and meets all your nutritional requirements so that your body – and sex drive – is functioning optimally.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise boosts testosterone, can help regulate hormonal fluctuations, and gives you more energy – all of which can improve your sex life. 

Seek Support

Participating in a diabetes management support group or online community focused on healthy weight loss habits can help you access potentially important insights from other people who are going through the same struggles.