Ozempic and sex drive: what to expect

Let’s talk about sex, baby — specifically, the relationship between Ozempic and sex drive (aka libido).  If you’re wondering whether the medication can affect your libido, the answer is yes, Ozempic can affect sex drive. 

Research on the connection between Ozempic and sex drive is still in the early stages, but it’s clear that the medication can affect libido. The effects of Ozempic on sex drive can vary — some people find it increases libido, others find it decreases it, and many find it has no effect. 

Noticing a higher or lower sex drive after starting Ozempic and wondering why? We’ve tapped experts and called upon available research to explain everything you need to know about Ozempic and sex drive and how to handle these changes. 

Yes, Ozempic can affect your sex drive. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but early studies suggest the medication can affect libido. What’s most interesting, though, is some studies show it may increase libido, while others show the opposite effect.  

• Ozempic has been linked to a higher risk of ED, which can contribute to reduced sex drive for some people. In one study, researchers found that people without diabetes who took semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) had a higher risk of being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) than those who took a placebo (though the risk remained low overall). ED doesn’t necessarily cause a low sex drive, but it can contribute to it by affecting confidence, creating stress, or overlapping with shared underlying health conditions. 

• But Ozempic may also improve libido in some men. One study suggests that GLP-1s (aka glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy) may improve sex drive and erectile function, possibly by increasing testosterone. 

• Other research shows mixed experiences. 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. Some people linked these changes to weight loss, improved body image, better metabolic health, and mental well-being, while others suggested age or underlying health conditions may also play a role.

In short: Both anecdotal reports and the limited available research suggest Ozempic may have sexual side effects (both positive and negative) when it comes to libido, but they’re not the same for every person, and more research is needed.

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What are real people saying about Ozempic and sex drive?

While clinical research is limited, plenty of people on Reddit’s r/Ozempic subreddit and TikTok report changes to their libido while taking Ozempic. Here are a few snippets of what people are saying on social media about Ozempic and sex drive:

• “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.” — Reddit user Mysterious-Ad3756

• “With Ozempic, I constantly want it now. So yes it impacted my sex drive, but for the better.” — Reddit user SadTemperature5132

• “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.” — Reddit user Littlesweetslovee

• “The more weight I lose, the higher [my sex drive] goes. I’m about 18 months in and OMG.” — Reddit user Forsaken_Increase_68

These are, of course, anecdotal reports, but they align with available data showing that real-world experiences with Ozempic and libido can vary. 

Does Ozempic affect sex drive in women?

Yes, Ozempic may affect sex drive in women. Research is limited, but a few studies suggest the medication may lower libido in some women. 

• One study found that weight loss can reduce testosterone levels in women, which may lower sex drive — especially in older women. However, the study looked at weight loss in general, not weight loss specifically caused by Ozempic.

• Research about GLP-1s and libido is still limited, but one case report indicated GLP-1s may affect sexual function. In this case, a woman who started semaglutide reported sudden changes in arousal and orgasm. After stopping the medication, her orgasms returned. Researchers suggested this could be related to effects on blood flow and the central nervous system, both of which are involved in sexual arousal in women. 

Does Ozempic affect sex drive in men?

Yes, it’s possible that Ozempic can affect sex drive in men. Research is still emerging, and results are mixed. Some studies suggest Ozempic may increase sex drive in some men, while others say it could decrease sex drive. Overall, it’s clear that Ozempic can affect libido, but how it affects you may vary.

• Some reports show weight loss can increase testosterone, which can increase libido. One study found that men who lost weight through diet or bariatric surgery had higher testosterone levels. Since testosterone plays a key role in libido, weight loss from any method — including Ozempic — may increase sex drive.

• Ozempic can improve libido in men. In small studies of men with obesity and low testosterone, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic were linked to weight loss, higher testosterone, and better libido and erectile function. These benefits are likely driven by weight loss and improved metabolic health, but the evidence is still limited.

• In some cases, Ozempic has been linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). In one study, researchers found that men without diabetes who took semaglutide had a slightly higher risk of being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) than those who took a placebo. ED isn’t the same as low libido, but they can overlap.  

Wondering why exactly Ozempic has you all revved up — or totally uninterested in sex? While research is limited, here’s what we know so far about why Ozempic may affect sex drive (for good or bad). 

1. Dopamine receptor activity

Ozempic reduces food cravings by acting on reward pathways in the brain. Some experts, including urogynecologist Michael Tahery, MD,  think it may affect sex drive in a similar way. 

Eating, drinking, and sex all activate dopamine, a brain chemical linked to pleasure and motivation. In animal studies, GLP-1 drugs lowered dopamine signaling, which reduced interest in rewarding behaviors. If this happens in humans, it could explain why some people notice lower cravings overall, including for sex.

2. Undesirable side effects

Another possibility is that Ozempic doesn’t directly affect your sex drive, but some of the gastrointestinal (GI) 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. 

3. Hormonal changes

Ozempic’s potential impact on testosterone levels may also be to blame for lower — or higher — libido while taking the drug. 

In one study on men between 18–50 without diabetes, those taking semaglutide were shown to have a higher risk of developing testosterone deficiency, which can lead to low libido. That said, the effects of Ozempic on testosterone are not clearly understood because some men with pre-existing testosterone deficiency actually experience improvement in testosterone levels on Ozempic.

4. Improved self-confidence

Feeling better about yourself can lead to an increase in libido. 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. 

5. Enhanced blood flow

Blood flow to the genitals matters for arousal and sexual pleasure in both men and women. GLP-1 drugs can improve blood vessel function and circulation in the body, which could support sexual arousal for some people.

If you’re experiencing changes to your libido and you’re worried they might be permanent, you can breathe a sigh of relief — so far, there’s little to indicate that Ozempic’s potential impact on sex drive is permanent. 

• The impact might be short-term. “The good news is that when changes in libido occur, they tend to be short-lived,” says Eric Smith, DO, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of POP Recovery Systems. “For most patients, symptoms improve within a few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication. Proper dose regulation often helps resolve these issues.”

• But it’s hard to know for sure how long it lasts. That said, Dr. Smith also notes that no long-term studies have been conducted yet, so we don’t know for sure how long the impacts may last. 

• In rare instances, the impact can last for several months. One commenter on Reddit said they’d been on Ozempic for 6 months and noticed their libido dropped and has stayed low. Another commenter said they’d been on the medication for months and experienced increased libido that seemed to be longer lasting.

• Other side effects have lasted anywhere from a few days to about a month. One trial found side effects like nausea and vomiting to last a few days after injection; the same trial found the side effect of constipation to last around a month. This suggests that when side effects do happen, they’re usually temporary and improve as the body adjusts.

Does Ozempic have a permanent effect on sex drive?

Science doesn’t have an answer on this just yet, but it seems unlikely that Ozempic has a permanent effect on sex drive in most people. As Dr. Smith noted above, changes in libido tend to be short-lived and resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. 

That said, if you’ve noticed a change in your sex drive after starting Ozempic and you’re concerned about how long that might last, bring it up with your healthcare provider. 

Ozempic might increase, decrease, or have no effect on your libido. If you’re experiencing unwanted changes, here are steps you can take: 

Consider making some lifestyle changes

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

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. 

A study found that low sexual desire in women is strongly linked to depression; it also found that anxiety disorders are linked to low sexual desire, orgasmic difficulty, and sexual pain. Additionally, research suggests depression and, somewhat ironically, antidepressants are associated with sexual difficulties in both men and women.     

Communicate with your partner. 

Research has found that better sexual communication is associated with greater sexual desire and function. Talking to your sexual partner or partners about changes to your libido may feel awkward, but can be worth any discomfort. Letting your partner know about this change can hopefully alleviate any uncomfortable misunderstandings and allow you to find solutions that work for you. 

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,” Dr. Sultán explains.

 A healthcare provider can also evaluate whether you might benefit from certain prescription medications, such as Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil). If erectile issues are part of the problem, these medications are often considered first-line treatments for ED. 

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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 GI 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 best to discuss these with your healthcare provider.