Ozempic users are claiming they’ve lost interest in masturbating, as experts weigh in on how weight-loss drugs can have a devastating impact on our libidos.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved Ozempic for tackling blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes back in 2017.
While it isn’t licensed as a weight loss treatment, its active ingredient, semaglutide, can help regulate your appetite; keeping you full for longer and thus aid you in shedding a dress size or two.
For all its good, the GLP-1 medication has some well-documented side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
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Others have described impacts on their masturbation habits - but what are the effects, and how can you tackle them?
What is Ozempic masturbation?
Clinical research on whether Ozempic injections have an impact on our sex drives is currently still in its early stages.
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However, American telehealth company Ro has claimed that some research suggests a link between the medication and decreases or increases in libido.
Despite clinical research being limited, some users have previously reported experiencing erectile dysfunction whilst using GLP-1 injections like Ozempic.
This may be because rapid weight loss can put stress on the body, causing side effects like erectile dysfunction, Revitalize Weight Loss stated.
Others have complained that their libidos have tanked and that their interest in watching pornography and masturbating has dramatically plummeted since being on the off-label weight-loss drug.
Social media users share Ozempic experience
One Redditor claimed that before being on weight-loss drugs, they were watching porn and masturbating between five and six times per week.
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“Before semaglutide I used porn every day and was addicted. Now I use it maybe 5 min a week and don’t find it that interesting.”
In a follow-up comment, the same user penned: “After Ozempic, I almost [have quit] porn. My interest in normal sex is the same, but maybe my libido is a bit lower (but I like that),” they stated.
Another commented: “Mine is down, but now I just don’t masturbate but still have the same amount of sex.”
More social media users said their ‘dopamine reward system is substantially changed’. They alleged that, like watching porn, food is no longer ‘on the brain’ and shopping is off the cards too.
Experts weigh in on how Ozempic influences your sex life
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Anyone who is on drugs like Ozempic is likely to experience short-lived changes in their libido, according to Eric Smith, a bariatric surgeon and the medical director of POP Recovery Systems.
He told Ro: “For most patients, symptoms improve within a few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication. Proper dose regulation often helps resolve these issues.”
Anyone who is suddenly experiencing a lack of desire to masturbate is advised to consider making changes to their lifestyle.
This could include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep - healthy behaviors that will ‘increase the stimulation of the dopamine receptors and improve mood and sex drive’, according Dr Michael Tahery, a urogynecologist.
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Anyone experiencing the ‘Ozempic masturbation’ is also advised to communicate their feelings with their partners.
Psychological factors like stress and depression could also be the reason why you no longer want to pleasure yourself.
Studies have previously linked anxiety disorders with low sexual desire, orgasmic difficulty, and sexual pain.
Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic, has previously issued a statement to UNILAD when contacted about the impact of Ozempic on sex drive, saying: "Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk, and we recommend patients take these medications for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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"We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. As part of this work, we continue to monitor reports of adverse drug reactions through routine pharmacovigilance.
"We recommend that any patient experiencing side effects while taking GLP-1 RA medicines, including Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide injection), report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. "
Topics: Ozempic, Health, Sex and Relationships, Reddit, Social Media
Ella Scott