Here’s What Happens to Your Sex Drive When You Start Taking Ozempic, According to a Doctor

We’ve learned what happens to your brain when you start taking Ozempic—and other GLP-1 medications—for weight loss and what happens to your brain when you stop taking Ozempic. But what about the in-between period? I was curious about the effects—if any—GLP-1 drugs have on sexual health, so I tapped Craig Primack, MD, the SVP of Weight Loss at Hims and Hers and a specialist in obesity medicine, to learn more about any link between the two.

Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA, is the SVP of Weight Loss at Hims & Hers. Dr. Primack specializes in obesity medicine and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and attended medical school at Loyola University—The Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Primack routinely speaks around the country educating medical professionals about weight loss and obesity care. He is co-author of the book Chasing Diets: Stop the Endless Search and Discover the Solution.

So first things first: Is there any link between GLP-1 drugs and sexual health and wellbeing? Dr. Primack asserts, “Currently, there are no studies that share research on GLP-1 medications’ effect on sexual health or wellbeing, whether positive or negative.” With that being said, though, he explains that treating obesity has many benefits to our sexual health and wellbeing. “Patients with obesity have a lot of fat cells, and unfortunately, these fat cells are typically unhealthy, and when the fat cells are sick, some of the hormones that they secrete are inflammatory,” he tells me, adding that it’s believed that several of these inflammatory cells are what causes many of the problems that come with obesity (fatigue, joint pain, high blood pressure, etc. These symptoms, in turn, can affect sexual health and wellbeing.

Dr. Primack tells me that in women, one of the hormones that fat secretes is estrone, which is a female sex hormone. “Some believe that estrone causes menstrual abnormalities in many women with obesity, and may have some involvement in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome),” he explains. “Studies have shown that women with PCOS are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, including lower sex drive, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction.” Over on the male side, Dr. Primack says that obesity is often the cause of male breast growth. “Male breast growth is often caused by an imbalance of estrogen levels. This can result in physical discomfort, such as tenderness, pain and sensitivity in the breast area.” This discomfort can affect sexual activity and can even cause men to avoid sex, he elaborates.

GLP-1s per the doctor, will decrease the production of estrone, allowing the body to return to its normal physiological state, and allowing the natural sex hormone rhythms to establish again. All of these changes could potentially increase sex drive in those men and women who have been affected by obesity. 

If you are struggling with sexual difficulties as a result of obesity, Dr. Primack assures, “It has been estimated that it doesn’t take a lot of weight loss—just five to ten percent of a person’s initial body weight—for fat cells to become healthier, for the secretion of many of the inflammatory cells to stop and for the person to begin feeling better.” He adds that upon this weight loss, blood pressure will begin to stabilize, you may be sleeping better, joint pain would begin to improve, blood sugar would decrease and more. “These changes affect the whole person, and if they were struggling with sexual health, this should be improved as a result. And, aside from a scientific POV, losing weight and feeling great about yourself can help patients feel more confident, especially in bed.”

The bottom line, according to Dr. Primack, is this: “While there are no significant studies showcasing the effect of GLP-1 injections on patients’ sex drives, there are plenty of ways in which obesity affects sex drive. GLP-1 injections can help reduce these symptoms and increase sex drive as a result.”