Does Semaglutide Impact Sex Drive?
October 15, 2024
Semaglutide mimics a digestive hormone in your body to trigger glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that helps regulate blood sugar, reduces food intake, and improve certain metabolic processes. Developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, it works by boosting insulin production to decrease the body’s blood sugar levels. This incretin mimetic also reduces the amount of sugar released into the blood by the liver.
During early clinical trials, diabetic patients began to report substantial weight loss as an unexpected but positive side effect of taking semaglutide to manage their blood sugar levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 74% of adults in the United States are overweight, which includes an estimated 33% of men being obese. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) is 26.6 for adult men and 26.5 for adult women, both are considered overweight.
Since obesity is a chronic illness that can lead to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and sleep disorders, the FDA responded by approving the use of semaglutide in increased dosages for treating obesity and overweight individuals with certain weight-related diseases. These GLP-1 receptor agonists are quite effective for substantial weight loss in many people who have struggled to lose weight following the traditional advice of eat less and exercise more.
Temporary drug side effects...
Since semaglutide causes a man to feel full sooner and longer after eating, the most obvious side effect comes from an overall reduction in food intake with less calories consumed each day. Some men have complained about having less energy for regular activities like sex, as their body tried to adjust after taking these new weight loss medications. However, protein pacing while using semaglutide can help ensure the body has adequate nutrition while food consumption is less.
Semaglutide could cause hormonal changes that may lead to a lowered libido, and some research suggests men using GLP-1 medications may be at an increased risk of erectile dysfunction in those without blood sugar control issues. However, the incidence of ED in males who take semaglutide needs further study. Common drug side effects can include diarrhea and vomiting that can make anyone less inclined to be in the mood for sex.
NOTE: Women who are prescribed semaglutide have reported fewer sexual dysfunctions. But, some have expressed concerns about a decrease in sex drive. So for couples losing weight together, the most common way semaglutide might impact her sex life is through hormonal changes related to a lowered libido.
Erectile Dysfunction While Taking Semaglutide
It is important to recognize that any medication like semaglutide doesn’t provide a magical solution with immediate results. However, clinical studies on semaglutide for men have determined the weight loss drug rather quickly showed a 5-10% reduction in overall body weight for most patients. Since obesity and being overweight are conditions that have an increased risk of ED, GLP-1 injectables coupled with good dietary changes and increased physical activity should reduce the long-term risks of erectile issues.
Obesity can both increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases that are known to impair nerve function and reduce the penile blood flow needed for a sustainable erection. Excess fat also can cause vascular damage and common pathophysiologic processes, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and leptin resistance. Generally speaking, your risk of developing erectile problems are likely less when taking a GLP-1, especially after your body builds normal tolerance.
Experts agree that you may be at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction if you’re only taking semaglutide for weight control. But using a GLP-1 receptor agonist may actually improve erectile function is you have diabetes and need a better way to manage blood glucose. In a recent study that investigated how these revolutionary drugs affect the HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis found that men without diabetes had a higher chance of developing ED by a very low 1.5%. On the other hand, research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists smooth muscle function to improve blood flow.
Benefits of Men’s Sexual Health Exam
A men’s sexual exam provides you with an opportunity to communicate directly with your doctor about sexual health, including how your current weight or weight control strategies may impact erectile function and sexual desire. Plus, addressing common issues like erectile function, ejaculation, and libido can help identify numerous men’s health problems before they become more serious. Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Earl Eye at GAINSWave Jacksonville means having one less thing to worry about when healthy sexual performance is needed.
In addition to addressing your physical needs, maintaining good male sexual health is essential for your emotional well-being. Although men seldom think about their emotional chemistry, the physical spark is usually more important for a man than it is for the woman. Women often complain about loss of desire in the face of relationship adversity and prefer comfortable sexual experiences that are free of coercion. But, the female body needs hormonal balance of estrogen and testosterone, so GLP-1 drugs can interfere with the brain’s chemical messengers.
Just an occasional problem with erectile function, especially when you initially start receiving once-weekly injections of semaglutide, is really not a cause for concern. However, if you continue to experience difficulties, it’s probably a good time to get a check-up. Generally speaking, ED is most often related to reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup as a man ages. Our non-invasive shockwave pulse therapy is particularly effective for mild to moderate ED related to vascular or neurogenic causes and often improves sensitivity.
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GLP-1 weight loss medications like semaglutide may slightly increase the risk of ED in patients who do not have type 2 diabetes. But, we know that most cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by physical problems, particularly those affecting blood flow to the penis. Dr. Earl Eye is board certified in five medical specialties including Age Management Medicine and can help you take control of your sexual health. To schedule your appointment for a men’s health exam, call (904) 500-5500.
