Does Ozempic affect your sex drive?

Let’s talk about sex, baby—specifically, the relationship between Ozempic and sex drive (aka libido). While clinical research on Ozempic sex drive changes is still in the early stages, some studies do suggest a link between the medication and decreases or increases in libido. A quick scroll through Reddit or TikTok also unearths plenty of people sharing their experiences with the drug, including details about how it impacted their interest in bedroom activities.  

Ozempic, which is a prescription medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes, is also prescribed off-label for weight loss. And while the drug’s slimming down effect may lead to a boost in confidence and, in turn, libido, it’s just one of the potential reasons why Ozempic may affect sex drive. So, what are the others? 

We’ve tapped experts and called upon available research to explain everything you need to know about Ozempic and sex drive, from why the drug may impact your sexual interest and appetite to how to handle changes, specifically a lower sex drive. 

While there aren’t any sexual effects listed in the prescribing information for Ozempic, it is possible for the drug to affect your sex drive—at least according to some early research and anecdotal reports across social media. 

Let’s start with the science: Researchers are still exploring exactly how Ozempic might impact sex drive in various populations. That said, in one study, researchers found that non-diabetic males who took semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) had a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) than those who took a placebo. All things considered, however, ED was found to be a fairly rare side effect, with less than 2% of people in the study developing the condition. Keep in mind ED itself doesn’t directly cause low sex drive, but it can contribute to reduced libido by affecting confidence, creating stress, or overlapping with shared underlying health conditions.

Another study suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists—the drug class that includes  Ozempic and Wegovy—can actually improve libido and erectile function in some men, perhaps by improving testosterone levels in those with no levels. Meanwhile, a scientific analysis of online discussions around GLP-1 receptor agonists found that experiences varied, with some reporting an increase in libido while taking semaglutide. Clearly, there’s still plenty of research to be done before anyone can definitively say how Ozempic affects sex drive. 

While clinical research is limited, there are plenty of people on Reddit and TikTok who report experiencing changes in their libidos while taking Ozempic. 

For example, Reddit user Mysterious-Ad3756 shared that their libido has “skyrocketed” on the medication, writing, “I used to have sex 2-3 times a month. Now, it’s that per week. I would probably do more than that but I’m grateful my wife was very willing to enjoy the increased orgasms for both of us.”

Similarly, Reddit user SadTemperature5132 shared, “...with Ozempic I constantly want it now. So yes it impacted my sex drive, but for the better.”

In the same r/Ozempic subreddit, user Littlesweetslovee described a different experience: “Personally mine lowered a ton. I'm a 23-year-old female and mine was almost non-existent. Going off of it this week after 5 months and excited to have that back.” 

Point being: Both anecdotal reports and the limited available research suggest Ozempic may have sexual side effects when it comes to libido, but they’re not the same for every patient. 

Ozempic may affect sex drive by promoting significant weight loss, improving self-confidence and body image, and potentially influencing dopamine pathways in the brain, which are linked to pleasure and sexual desire—and these are just a few of the reasons. Now, let’s zoom in and take a closer look, beginning with why Ozempic may negatively impact libido. 

One theory is that Ozempic can impact your brain’s dopamine receptors and dopamine production, which are associated with sexual desire. In case you’re unfamiliar, dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that’s responsible for the feelings of pleasure and motivation experienced in response to activities like eating, exercising, having sex, or achieving a goal. (In other words, it’s released primarily due to these experiences as well.) 

“The exact mechanism by which GLP-1 medication impacts these centers has not been identified yet,” explains urogynecologist Michael Tahery, MD. “One theory is that eating or drinking is involved in a feedback to the dopamine systems in our brain, making them less responsive to more eating or drinking, sex, or any other motivational behavior. This has been shown to be the case in animal models. As GLP-1 makes the animal eat less, dopamine receptors are then turned down, making them less sensitive. This may be the pattern also in humans, reducing cravings of all kinds.” 

Put simply, by reducing your cravings for food, Ozempic may also be reducing your interest in sex. 

Another possibility is that Ozempic doesn’t directly affect your sex drive, but some of the gastrointestinal side effects—like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation—can make it difficult to get into a sexy state of mind. The same could be said of less common side effects of the medication, such as fatigue. 

Ozempic’s potential impact on testosterone levels may also be to blame for reduced libido while taking the drug. A study of non-diabetic men aged 18–50 found that those taking semaglutide had a higher risk of developing testosterone deficiency compared to individuals not taking the drug. While more research is needed to understand how the medication can impact hormone levels, it’s well established that low testosterone can significantly reduce sex drive and impact erectile function in some people. 

So, the thinking is that by lowering testosterone levels, Ozempic may ultimately lower libido as well. Though this might be concerning, the effects of Ozempic on testosterone are not clearly understood because some men with pre-existing testosterone deficiency actually experience improvement in testosterone levels once they are on the medication.

Okay, but what if you’re finding Ozempic to increase your libido? Why might that happen? A boost in sex drive may be due to weight loss rather than the drug itself. (Remember: Though Ozempic is not indicated for weight loss, it has been shown to cause such an effect and, thus, is often prescribed off-label for that reason.) 

Research suggests that weight loss in general (not specific to Ozempic) can often lead to a more positive perception of your body, boosting your self-confidence and comfort in intimate situations. This, in turn, may rev up your sexual desire. One study, for example, found that women who lost at least 2%  of their body weight through changes in exercise habits and diets had improved sexual function. Similarly, another study found that both surgical and non-surgical weight loss improved sexual function in men. Hormones may play a role; one analysis found a link between weight loss and increased testosterone levels in men with obesity.

Additionally, a scientific review of 36 studies found consistent improvements in self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and body image following weight loss interventions. In other words, feeling better about yourself can lead to an increase in libido.  

As mentioned above, there’s some evidence that GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, may improve testosterone, and, thus, ED and libido. This effect may stem from GLP-1s’ ability to promote significant weight loss and enhance blood flow. 

Since Ozempic’s impact on libido is still being studied, there’s little clinical information about how long the effects can last. “It’s important to note that no long-term studies have been conducted to confirm the duration or prevalence of this side effect, given the relatively recent introduction of semaglutide into widespread use,” explains Eric Smith, DO, bariatric surgeon and medical director of POP Recovery Systems.

That said, “the good news is that when changes in libido occur, they tend to be short-lived,” Dr. Smith says. “For most patients, symptoms improve within a few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication. Proper dose regulation often helps resolve these issues.” Dr. Tahery also notes that there aren’t enough studies to give us a reliable answer about the duration of Ozempic’s impact on sex drive. “But it’s likely libido in those affected will continue to be altered as long as Ozempic is on board,” Dr. Tahery says.  

Other side effects of Ozempic have reportedly lasted anywhere from a few days—this is how long effects like nausea and vomiting usually last according to one trial—to about a month (the same trial found constipation tends to last a little longer). So, it’s also possible that changes in libido may linger for a short period as well. 

It’s a good idea to discuss any significant changes in sex drive (think: lasting more than one month) and any other side effects with your healthcare provider. Of course, have an open discussion with your partner as well. 

Ozempic might increase, decrease, or have no effect on your libido. There is still plenty of research to be done on how and why Ozempic can affect sex drive. But if you’re worried about the medication having a negative effect on sexual appetite, there are things you can do to address it. 

Consider making some lifestyle changes

Dr. Tahery suggests that people who experience a lower libido on Ozempic consider making changes to their lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and making time for positive social interactions can all help increase libido. “These healthy behaviors increase the stimulation of the dopamine receptors and improve mood and sex drive,” Dr. Tahery explains. 

Another idea may be to reduce your alcohol intake. A study found that alcohol abuse can impact sexual performance and desire negatively in both sexes. Not to mention, of course, the fact that imbibing too much can lead to “whiskey dick,” aka alcohol-related erectile dysfunction. And, as we’ve covered, any down-there dysfunction can also lower libido. 

Address psychological factors 

“Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact libido,” says Ryan S. Sultán, MD, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and founder of Integrative Psych. 

It can be hard to feel interested in sex if your mind is going a million miles an hour trying to manage work, family, school, and everything else that’s on your plate. A study found that low sexual desire in women is strongly linked to depression; it also found that anxiety disorders are linked with low sexual desire, orgasmic difficulty, and sexual pain. Additionally, research suggests depression and its pharmacologic treatment are associated with sexual difficulties in both men and women.     

If you think these feelings might be impacting your libido (and perhaps other parts of your life), you may want to consider speaking to a mental health professional, such as a licensed counselor or therapist. Another option may be to incorporate mindfulness and stress-reduction strategies into your daily routine.  

Communicate with your partner

The key to a good sex life is open communication. Research found that better sexual communication is associated with greater sexual desire and function. Talking to your sexual partner or partners about the change in your libido may feel awkward, but can be worth any discomfort.  Letting them know about this change can hopefully alleviate any uncomfortable misunderstandings and allow you to find solutions that work for you. Maybe you agree to reduce the amount of sex you’re having and focus on other forms of intimacy for a few weeks. Maybe you start incorporating sex toys into the bedroom to ensure they still get to feel good, even when your body isn’t quite up for it. Maybe you find other ways of engaging in sex, like mutual masturbation or oral sex. You get the idea!

Consult your healthcare provider 

As always, it’s a good idea to discuss concerns with your healthcare provider. “They can assess whether Ozempic is the likely cause and determine if adjusting the dosage or switching medications is appropriate,” explains Dr. Sultán. 

A healthcare provider can also evaluate whether you might benefit from certain prescription medications, such as Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil), which are often considered first-line treatments for ED. Lastly, they can also help explore whether there might be any underlying factors, such as hormone imbalances or cardiovascular issues, that could be contributing to your decreased sex drive. 

Research on the relationship between Ozempic and sex drive is still in its infancy, but some evidence—both scientific and anecdotal—suggests it can influence libido. Here’s a quick summary of what we know so far:

• Libido changes with Ozempic are possible. While Ozempic’s prescribing information does not list sexual side effects, some patients report changes in their sex drive, ranging from increased libido to significant decreases.

• Ozempic may impact sex drive for a variety of reasons. Ozempic may impact sex drive indirectly by influencing dopamine receptors in the brain, affecting hormonal levels, or causing gastrointestinal side effects that can interfere with desire.

• Not everyone will experience changes to their sex drive on Ozempic. For some, the weight loss associated with Ozempic may boost confidence and libido, while others might experience the opposite due to side effects like fatigue or nausea.

If you notice changes in your sex drive while taking Ozempic—whether positive or negative—it’s a good idea to discuss these with your healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause and recommend strategies to maintain a healthy libido. Options might include adjusting your medication dosage, making lifestyle changes, or addressing underlying psychological or physiological factors.

Remember: Every person responds differently to medications like Ozempic. Open communication with your partner and healthcare provider is key to managing any unexpected changes.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

December 13, 2024

Written by

Jamie Ballard

Fact checked by

Beverly Tchang, MD and Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewers

Beverly Tchang, MD

Beverly Tchang, MD, is an Obesity Medicine Advisor for Ro. She is also an assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Obesity Medicine.

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.