Losing weight without any help is hard, and for some, it can be impossible. Many people are now turning to newly FDA-approved GLP-1 weight loss injections to help them lose weight and become healthier. Most people are aware of the common gastrointestinal-related side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc., but there are some side effects that we are not hearing much about, such as how weight loss drugs affect intimacy and sex.
Today, we are going to take a look at medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide (Wegovy and Mounjaro), which are proving to be very effective in helping people shed unwanted pounds, but they can also influence aspects of your personal life you may not be aware of, such as your sex drive and libido.
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How GLP-1 Medications Can Affect Sex Drive
Experts have a good understanding of the way GLP-1 medications work for weight loss and some of the more common side effects, but there is not much information to answer questions such as “Does semaglutide or tirzepatide increase your sex drive?” or “Does Ozempic affect testosterone?”
There have been only a handful of studies that looked at how weight loss drugs affect intimacy or if they impact sexual desire or performance. The results of these few studies are conflicting, with some reporting zero impact on testosterone and some demonstrating that it can improve sexual function.
Losing extra pounds often causes hormonal shifts, which can boost testosterone levels and increase the sex drive in men, and increase sexual satisfaction and desire in women. Weight loss can also improve confidence levels and reduce anxiety or stress that may have previously inhibited them in their intimate relationships.
Some research reports that these medications affect GLP-1 receptors that are present in reproductive tissues and can have a direct effect on the sexual organs or boost blood flow to these organs, which can enhance erectile function in men and lubrication in women, and arousal in both partners.
Studies Regarding GLP-1 Medications
Personal experiences with GLP-1 medications and how they work for weight loss, influence hormones, or affect intimacy are very diverse. Some individuals have reported a significant reduction in sexual desire when taking these medications, but others have indicated that the medications increased their sex drive or improved their self-esteem and sex life due to weight loss.
These improvements may be due to better body image, increased self-esteem, and hormonal changes associated with weight loss. For example, weight reduction can lead to better testosterone levels in men, which can enhance their libido and erectile function. Other people say they have seen a decrease in their sexual desire while on GLP-1 medications, which may be connected to how these drugs interact with their brain's reward system.
Real Stories: How GLP-1 Medications Impact Sex Lives
Take a look at some personal antidotes found on social media of patients who give different viewpoints on GLP-1 usage and their sex lives.
GLP-1 Usage Caused Lack Of Libido
"I've been on GLP-1 medications since last July, and since then, I have noticed a significant decrease in my sex drive. I am 25, married, and previously had a very active sex drive, but over the past year, my interest has dramatically declined. At first, I thought this change was temporary, but after a year, it is starting to affect me emotionally. My husband is very supportive, but I still feel guilty about it, and I still have more weight to lose…”
“I have been on Ozempic for a few months now, and I love it. I have had almost no side effects, and I am down 30 lbs, which is halfway to my goal weight. The only thing I have noticed that is causing issues in my life is that I have absolutely no sex drive at all, and even thinking about it is almost repulsive. I have pretty much the same feelings that I have when presented with a big meal. Like the thought of having sex is almost nauseating. If I were single this really would not impact my life very much, but I live with my boyfriend of several years, and the sharp decrease in our sex life is causing issues in our relationship. We had been arguing and growing distant, so I tried having sex recently and was genuinely fighting revulsion the entire time. It is not anything to do with him; it is that sex feels deeply unappealing, in exactly the same way overeating now feels unappealing.”
GLP-1 Usage Enhanced Intimate Relations
“My sex drive is actually up quite a bit. So is my overall energy.I think the energy being up may be because I am eating healthier, and I guess the libido is part energy, part me just being excited to have some confidence again and the thought of putting myself out there again.”
“ I had a very low libido when I started the GLP-1 medication. I never wanted any, now my husband is having a hard time keeping up. It has to be that my hormones are balancing because of the weight loss; that is what I am thinking … something is happening in there.”
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What Should You Do If You Feel Your Weight Loss Drug Is Affecting Intimacy?
If you notice changes in your sex drive while taking GLP-1 medications, you may wish to consider the following:
- Be open and honest, and communicate with your partner about what is going on and the changes you are experiencing so you can both understand and work together to adapt to these changes.
- Speak with your doctor because they may be able to determine if the medication is the source of the issue, and if so, they can help find a solution such as changing your dosage or your medication, or try an alternate solution such as a gastric balloon or non-surgical endoscopic weight loss procedure like Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).
- Find activities that help you relieve stress, that you enjoy, and that help improve your health and mood. Some people like to jog, others find taking a 15-minute walk relaxing, or spending time in the garden. Getting regular physical activity and doing something enjoyable can enhance your mood, relax your mind, and give you a more positive mood.
Where Can I Get Help With GLP-1 Medications In New York?
If you want to learn more about GLP-1 medications or any of the potential side effects, including changes to your sexual desire or function, contact Dr. Steven Batash. He is an expert in medical weight loss and has been helping people just like you for over 30 years.
He and his team can determine if GLP-1 medication is the right choice for you and create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals. Set up your in-person or virtual consultation today and let the experts at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center help you navigate your pathway to better health and improved quality of life.
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