Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs have become increasingly popular, not just for managing Type 2 diabetes but also for helping with weight loss. A recent study by Axios found that around 4 per cent of Americans used these medications last year. While many people have seen positive results, many patients are reporting unexpected and serious side effects.
Some of the more common side effects include vision problems, severe gastrointestinal issues, intestinal blockages, persistent vomiting, pancreatitis, and kidney damage. But there’s another side effect which is making rounds on social media: changes in the genital area, often referred to as “Ozempic vulva” or “Ozempic vagina.”
What is Ozempic Vulva?
Ozempic was originally approved to treat Type 2 diabetes but became widely used for weight loss because it helps suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar. Some women using the drug have noticed unusual changes in their vulva, such as sagging skin, dryness, altered discharge, loss of fullness, and pelvic weakness.
Experts say these changes are usually linked to rapid weight loss, shifts in hormones, and changes in hydration. “The rapidity of weight loss can cause visible skin sagging, laxity, and wrinkles throughout the body,” said Dr. Sherry Ross, OB-GYN and author of She-ology. “All areas of the body can show visible changes in response to significant weight loss, including the lower belly, pubic mons, and inner and outer labia,” she further told the New York Post.
The labia, the folds of skin around the vagina, can appear smaller or deflated as a result. Labia majora are the outer, larger folds, while labia minora are the inner folds. Women experiencing changes often report that their labia majora seem to have lost volume, giving a deflated or aged appearance.
What are the treatment options?
Some women are turning to cosmetic procedures to restore volume and firmness. Labia puffing, for example, uses dermal fillers or fat grafting to restore fullness. Dr. Michael Tahery, an OB-GYN in Los Angeles, says the fillers are similar to facial fillers, lasting up to eight months with no recovery time. Fat grafting involves transferring a small amount of a patient’s own fat, taken from the thigh, abdomen, or another area, into the labia. “The benefit is that it doesn’t risk rejection since it uses the patient’s own fat, which is naturally reabsorbed over time,” Tahery explains.
Other procedures like labiaplasty, which reshapes the labia, and vaginal tightening to restore firmness to the vaginal canal, may also provide relief. Dr. Justin Perron, a specialist plastic surgeon in Australia, said consultations for vaginal rejuvenation have surged as GLP-1 drugs have grown in popularity. “I personally see these requests several times a week,” Perron told The Daily Mail.
Other side effects of Ozempic
While genital changes are a newer discussion, GLP-1 drugs have also been linked to other unusual side effects known as “Ozempic finger,” “Ozempic breasts,” “Ozempic face,” and “Ozempic butt.” More commonly, these medications can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly when starting the treatment.
Experts explain that while these drugs can help with weight loss and diabetes management, patients should be aware of potential side effects and monitor any unusual changes in their body. Women noticing changes in their vulva or experiencing discomfort should consult a doctor as soon as possible rather than self-diagnosing or ignoring symptoms.
As GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic gain popularity, awareness of both their benefits and potential side effects is growing. Rapid weight loss can affect the body in unexpected ways, including changes in the genital area. Hence, before taking any of these weight-loss drugs, one must consult a doctor.
