As medications like Ozempic and Wegovy become increasingly common, questions about their side effects are rising just as fast.
GLP-1 agonists—drugs that mimic a natural hormone to control blood sugar and appetite—have transformed treatment for obesity and diabetes.
But alongside their benefits, new concerns have surfaced, particularly around their impact on sexual health and erectile function in men.
Recent research has suggested a potential link between semaglutide use and erectile dysfunction, sparking headlines and online debate.
In one study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, men between the ages of eighteen and fifty who took semaglutide for weight loss, rather than diabetes, were more likely to report erectile dysfunction and lower testosterone levels than men who didn’t take the medication.
The finding surprised researchers because weight loss is typically associated with higher testosterone levels and improved sexual health.
However, the study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Experts suggest that the observed connection may be related to hormonal cross-signaling.
GLP-1 agonists work by imitating a hormone that influences insulin production and appetite regulation.
Because these drugs interact with hormonal systems, it’s possible that some of their effects may overlap with the pathways that control testosterone production.
Dr. Joseph Sonstein, a urologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch, notes that the overall risk in the study was small—less than two percent—and the benefits of semaglutide for many patients far outweigh the potential risks.
This nuance is important.
Not all GLP-1 medications appear to have the same relationship with sexual health.
In contrast, a separate study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that liraglutide actually improved erectile function and sperm count in men with obesity-related low testosterone, a condition often linked with metabolic disorders like diabetes.
The difference likely lies in how these drugs interact with the body’s hormonal axis—the connection between the brain, pituitary gland, and testes that regulates testosterone production.
For men who are overweight or have metabolic syndrome, GLP-1 medications may reduce inflammation, enhance hormonal balance, and improve blood flow, all of which can positively influence sexual function.
For others, particularly those using semaglutide for cosmetic weight loss rather than a medical condition, the hormonal effects might vary more widely.
This diversity in outcomes underscores the importance of individualized care.
Anyone experiencing changes in libido, energy, or erectile function while using GLP-1 medications should discuss their symptoms with a healthcare provider.
A simple blood test can measure testosterone levels, and a urologist can help determine whether the issue stems from the medication or another cause.
It’s also worth remembering that sexual health is influenced by many factors beyond medication, including stress, sleep, cardiovascular health, and diet.
Men who experience persistent erectile difficulties should not discontinue their medication without medical guidance, as GLP-1 agonists also offer significant benefits such as improved blood sugar control and a reduced risk of heart attack or stroke.
As research continues, one thing is clear—GLP-1 medications represent a remarkable advancement in chronic disease management, but like any therapy that influences hormones, they require awareness and personalized oversight.
The early data invite further study, not panic.
In most cases, the potential benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health outweigh the small risk of sexual side effects.
Still, staying informed and communicating openly with your healthcare team ensures that treatment remains both effective and aligned with your overall well-being.
Your health journey, like your hormones, is interconnected—every system in balance supports the others in kind.