How to Manage Erectile Dysfunction When Using Ozempic?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition where males cannot get or sustain an erection—normally after having been able to previously. Frequently abbreviated as “ED,” erectile dysfunction can have a variety of causes and often the causes vary from patient to patient. Occasionally, medications can cause, worsen, or contribute to erectile dysfunction.

When it comes to semaglutide—branded as Ozempic or Wegovy—there is no clear evidence that it causes erectile dysfunction. Some men do experience ED while taking the medication and it is a rare side effect or occurrence. If you do experience new or worsening erectile dysfunction while taking semaglutide, what should you do? Here are some ways to manage erectile dysfunction when using Ozempic.

1: Consider All Factors

As mentioned, there are often multiple factors involved when it comes to erectile dysfunction. The most common cause is age and the natural decrease in testosterone production. If you are over 50, you may begin experiencing ED—potentially not consistently—but it may occur more frequently. Additionally, other medications and health conditions may contribute to ED and so other causes should also be ruled out.

Semaglutide and other medications are also used to treat diabetes which itself can cause erectile dysfunction. If you already experience ED problems, semaglutide is unlikely to worsen them, and current treatments are likely to still work.

2: Understand Side Effects Are Usually Temporary

Immediately after starting Ozempic or raising the dose is when patients can expect to experience the most and worse side effects. For most people, side effects are mild and temporary. Side effects commonly seen when taking semaglutide usually are categorized as gastrointestinal side effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. However, some other less common side effects do sometimes occur such as headaches, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction.

Normally, as the dose stabilizes and the body gets used to the medication, the side effects improve and subside. If erectile dysfunction continues to be an ongoing and long term problem, it is unlikely to be linked to the use of semaglutide injections.

3: Attend Check-Ins Regularly

Your provider will want to meet with you—either in person or virtually—to discuss how the medication is affecting you and any side effects you may experience. This allows them to alter dosage, the medication, or treatment plan to help minimize adverse effects and find the weight loss plan that works best for you.

Takeaway

Semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications may slightly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction in a small number of patients. However, overall, the side effect of ED is rare or unrelated to the medication. Patients should always consider their current health and what else could contribute to erectile dysfunction such as obesity, diabetes, other medications, and lifestyle—all of which can affect or contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Also, semaglutide does not have major drug interactions with most medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. Therefore, if you currently take medication for ED you can continue to do so, and if you do not, this may be an option to address erectile dysfunction while taking semaglutide for weight loss.