Ozempic is an innovative new medication to address both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in helping those living with this form of diabetes reduce weight and blood sugar levels while simultaneously managing to lower both.
However, some patients taking this medication have reported experiencing decreased sexual drive as a side effect of taking this drug.
Medications
Ozempic, more commonly known by its pharmaceutical name semaglutide, is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It increases insulin production while slowing digestion to help manage blood sugar levels and avoid long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. Ozempic has also been demonstrated to improve erectile function among men suffering from ED while decreasing cholesterol levels.
Ozempic may cause mild side effects that typically dissipate with time. Gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are the most frequently experienced adverse reactions of this medication; redness, swelling, or itching at injection site reactions are also possible.
People taking this medication should inform their physician if they have any allergies to it or its ingredients, including any over-the-counter and herbal supplements they are currently taking, which could interfere with how this drug works. They should also notify their physician if they have had pancreatitis.
Lifestyle Changes
Ozempic and other GLP-1 injections quickly gained widespread attention after celebrities such as Elon Musk and Chelsea Handler raved about its effects on weight and sex drive, garnering praise from Elon Musk himself and Chelsea Handler herself. Unfortunately, however, some individuals reported experiencing uncomfortable side effects caused by Ozempic, including swelling or shrinkage of faces, fingers, or wrists due to drug side effects.
Other symptoms may include gas, burping, nausea, and heartburn; to minimize these issues, try eating slowly while drinking plenty of water and avoiding high-fat foods, carbonated beverages, and spicy, salty, or fried food products.
Ozempic should be discussed with a healthcare provider if there is any history of thyroid problems, as animal studies suggest an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors due to this medication. A comprehensive list should also be shared of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements they are taking; this will allow their doctor to make any necessary dose adjustments or closely monitor kidney and liver functions as Ozempic may worsen existing failure or damage in some people.
Exercise
Exercise in your daily routine can help you shed extra weight. Not only may this enhance sexual function and libido, but training may also be used to manage type 2 diabetes and weight control, with Ozempic and Wegovy approved by the FDA for use alongside diet and exercise for managing type 2 diabetes or bodyweight issues. Exercise may help relieve constipation caused by these medications while increasing blood sugar control and overall health benefits.
Finding motivation to exercise while taking weight loss drugs may seem complicated. Still, small changes like listening to music or podcasts instead of conversing on the phone while working out can increase motivation significantly. You might also try joining group fitness classes or walking with friends, as activities you enjoy doing together can improve it even further. Studies show that aerobic and resistance training workouts yield incredible weight-loss benefits; plus, they build muscle while strengthening joints!
Other Treatment Options
If you are taking Ozempic and experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, there are ways you can improve your sexual health. This may include adopting healthier lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity and managing stress more effectively. Furthermore, open communication must be maintained between yourself and the healthcare provider.
Notify your healthcare provider of all medications, such as over-the-counter products or supplements, including Ozempic. Some can interact with it and cause side effects; for instance, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic may slow stomach emptying, potentially interfering with the absorption of medicines that need to move quickly through your stomach, such as insulin and sulfonylureas.
Side effects of Ozempic may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, flatulence, and acid reflux. Some individuals may also experience severe allergic reactions, including swelling of their face, lips, tongue, throat, or eyes; difficulty breathing or swallowing; rash; or dizziness. Others may develop gallbladder issues, including gallbladder inflammation (pancreatitis) or clay-colored stool formation.