-1752240939460.webp)
Lately, Ozempic drugs have taken the world by storm. The drug is touted to be a magical driving force for weight loss. Semaglutide, another name for Ozempic, is a drug that is primarily used to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. It is administered once a week and functions by mimicking the body's natural GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone. This hormone slows down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, helps decrease hunger, and encourages your body to produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Although the drug might help you lose weight, there is a growing concern that it might be decreasing your libido levels and hence becoming a bane for intimacy between couples.
What Are Libido Levels?
Your general interest in engaging in sexual activity is reflected in your libido, or sexual desire. It includes all of the biological, psychological, and social elements that influence sexual fantasies, thoughts, and behaviours. In addition to being impacted by hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, libido also reflects cultural attitudes, interpersonal relationships, and emotional health. Sexual desire is vital to human intimacy and relationships, despite the fact that it can differ widely from person to person and change with age.
Also Read: How Female Sex Hormones Affect Progression Of Eye Disease; Study
-1752241344090.jpg)
How Does Ozempic cause intimacy issues?
Dr Vijay Dahiphale says that one of Ozempic's common side effects is rapid weight loss, which can throw off hormonal balance. For example, when fat stores, which aid in the regulation of these hormones, diminish, the levels of oestrogen and testosterone may change. These imbalances can have a direct effect on libido, causing some people to noticeably lose their desire for sex. Mood swings brought on by hormonal changes can also lessen the desire for closeness.
“Typical Ozempix adverse effects Particularly in the early phases of use, Ozempic is known to cause adverse effects like nausea, bloating, and upset stomach. One's desire for sexual activity may be considerably reduced by these physical discomforts. When you have ongoing digestive problems that can make you feel ill or self-conscious, it can be challenging to feel sexually engaged,” Dr Vijay adds.
The precise effects of Ozempic on sex drive in different populations are still being investigated by researchers. However, in a recent study, researchers discovered that males without diabetes who took semaglutide, the active component of Ozempic and Wegovy, were much more likely to suffer from an erectile dysfunction (ED) than those who took a placebo. Overall, though, ED was discovered to be a relatively uncommon side effect, occurring in less than 2% of study participants. Although ED doesn't directly cause low libido, it can cause stress, affect confidence, or coexist with common underlying medical conditions.
Also Read: Can You Have Sex During IVF? What Fertility Expert Recommend
-1752241445847.jpg)
The Counter Study
According to a different study, GLP-1 receptor agonists, which include Ozempic and Wegovy, may actually help some men's libido and erectile function by raising testosterone levels in those who don't have any. In the meantime, a scientific study of online debates about GLP-1 receptor agonists revealed that opinions differed, with some people claiming that semaglutide increased their libido. It's obvious that much more research is needed before anyone can say with certainty how Ozempic influences sex drive.
Bottom Line
Even though Ozempic has its perks and is prescribed by medical professionals to those who need it, one must be careful in choosing to administer it and consult a doctor before making any decisions.