Misinformation unfortunately abounds about erectile health, predictability, and what you can expect from your penis as you age. Now that weight-loss drugs are on the scene, it’s important to understand their impact, not just on your physical health but also on your sex life. GLP1s (aka Wegovy, Zepbound, and Ozempic), the latest and greatest in weight-loss treatment, seem to be everywhere. But what do these ubiquitous new pharmaceuticals do to your arousal and erections? Let’s look at the science and dispel the myths.
The Link Between Weight Loss and Sexual Health
Losing weight, whether via a weight-loss drug or the old-fashioned way, can help you increase your testosterone levels. So can getting better-quality sleep, exercise, and focusing on nutrition. Erections can improve when vascular health improves. The arteries in the penis are small, which is why some men first notice vascular dysfunction when it shows up in the form of ED. Further, diabetes can take a toll on your sex life, and GLP1s can help you avoid diabetes. However, some people report losing an interest in sex as well as other appetites for food, nicotine, or alcohol. It can be tough to determine if a weight-loss drug will lead to better erections—or a loss of libido.
What Science Has to Say
Recent studies have shown that only about 1% of people have sexual side effects from these new prescription drugs. While rare, it does occur, and it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor if you think a prescription drug is causing you harm. When GLP-1s do get in the way of sex, it is usually due to lost arousal. In certain cases, this side effect resolves after your body acclimates to the new drug. In other cases, the low libido may continue until the medication is halted. GLP-1s can make you feel nauseated, which isn’t exactly a turn-on, either.
Typically, side effects showed up early after starting the medication. If you have been taking GLP-1s for a while and haven’t noticed any changes, you might be in the majority that is sexually unaffected. There is a chance that taking GLP-1s for weight loss may be protective against ED, but more research is necessary.
Right now, the data is still emerging. If you can’t get the quality of erections that you’d like, the first step is talking to your primary physician—not getting on a weight-loss drug. It’s also important to remember that urology is its own field, and there is a constellation of medical options available to you.
Working with a trusted health provider is key to solving the mystery. If the first option doesn’t work, don’t give up! You deserve sexual pleasure and fulfillment, and trial and error is often part of the process. From PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra) to injections to prostheses, modern medicine can help you get back in the saddle. If an invasive medical procedure like surgery isn’t in the cards for you, sex toys can help too, like dildos you can wear in a harness. Further, prostate orgasm is an under-hyped way for people with penises to reach orgasm even when their erections are absent. The earlier you start reviewing your options, the sooner you’ll find your way back to sexual pleasure. Waiting for it to go away on its own isn’t always a good idea. An erection is available to you—you just need to find the right solution.
You won’t want to miss this video that goes into more depth about how to get better erections, naturally:
There are other risks that go hand in hand with this new class of pharmaceuticals. GLP-1s don’t just make fat vanish—you could be losing muscle at the same time. For a more in-depth look at the effects they can have on your health, reach out to a trusted health provider.
Next Steps
If the source of your erectile problems is psychological, the solution may be, too. Finding a therapist who specializes in sex is crucial. When you’re ready to take that step, request an appointment with me.