Does Ozempic Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

More people are taking semaglutide — either as Ozempic or Wegovy — for diabetes and obesity. Like any medication, semaglutide can cause side effects. Most of these side effects involve the gut. However, some people have reported symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) while taking semaglutide. 

ED is a medical condition that causes trouble getting or keeping an erection. Certain medications can lead to ED. But is semaglutide one of those medications? The answer may surprise you. 

Does semaglutide cause erectile dysfunction?

Experts are still investigating how medications like Ozempic and Wegovy affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the system of the body that controls reproductive and sexual function. 

There’s some evidence that semaglutide can increase the risk of ED in people without diabetes. In a recent study, researchers found that people without diabetes who took semaglutide for weight loss had a higher chance of developing ED. But the overall rate of ED in this group was still very low — just 1.5%. 

Can semaglutide ever help with erectile dysfunction?

Yes, semaglutide may actually improve symptoms of ED. There’s evidence that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists may improve ED in people with diabetes. One small study found that adding liraglutide (another GLP-1 medication) to treatment with testosterone and metformin improved ED in people with diabetes. 

Another study found similar results. In this study, people with diabetes and ED received both metformin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This group had improvement in their ED symptoms. 

Researchers think there are a few ways GLP-1 receptor agonists may help with ED, including:

• Better smooth muscle function

• Improved blood flow 

• Less damage to the testicles 

What to do if you experience erectile dysfunction?

If you notice ED after starting Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication, there are several steps you can take:

• Talk with a healthcare professional. Don’t stop semaglutide on your own. Your prescriber can figure out whether your ED is related to the medication, an underlying condition, or something else.

• Review other possible causes. ED is often linked to diabetes, heart disease, low testosterone, stress, sleep problems, or other medications.

• Give your body time to adjust. Some side effects may improve as your body adapts to semaglutide or as your weight loss stabilizes.

• Ask about treatment options. Many ED treatments are safe for most people to take with Ozempic and may help manage symptoms.

• Focus on overall health. Managing blood sugar, weight, and getting enough exercise and sleep can all support sexual function.

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Written by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

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