The internet is buzzing with claims about an unexpected side effect of popular weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. While nausea and stomach issues are well-documented, a new term has captured public imagination: "Ozempic penis."
Google searches for this phrase have exploded by more than 5,000% in the past month, according to recent data. Meanwhile, Reddit forums are filled with anonymous discussions where men claim their genitalia appears larger after starting GLP-1 medications.
The Optical Illusion Explained
So what's really happening? Urologists say the phenomenon is more about perception than actual physical change. Dr. Paul Turek, a urologist from San Francisco's Turek Clinic, explains that "Ozempic penis is no more than an illusion created by the loss of mons pubis fat surrounding the penis."
"Hidden or 'buried' penises simply come out of their fat hideouts," Turek told HuffPost. He emphasizes that while muscle and fat mass can change dramatically with weight loss, penis size remains static in adulthood, much like height or shoe size.
Turek has observed similar claims following gastric sleeve surgery and other significant weight loss methods. "Trust me, when accurately measured — stretched flaccid penis length from pubic bone to tip — penis length remains unchanged with weight loss," he added.
Mental and Physical Effects on Sexual Health
Another factor might be psychological. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt suggests that some men simply feel better about themselves as their bodies adjust to the medication. "Some patients feel less themselves early in treatment — dizzy, low-energy, sometimes anxious about side effects — and that mental stress affects sexual performance," he explained.
As the body adapts and nutrition stabilizes, most men see these issues resolve, leading to improved sexual confidence. There might even be physical benefits to sexual function from GLP-1 medications.
Dr. Rena Malik, a urologist and podcast host, notes that these drugs offer cardiovascular benefits that improve blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis. "That allows the penis to become more engorged with erection," she said. "If you take your penile measurement at maximum erection, your maximum erection may be larger for some."
The Other Side: Negative Sexual Side Effects
Not everyone experiences positive changes. Some users report that GLP-1 medications have put a damper on their sex drives or caused erectile dysfunction. Women have also reported decreased libido while using these drugs.
One user on the Ozempic subreddit shared: "I have more or less the same feelings that I have when presented with a big meal. Like the thought of having sex is almost nauseating."
Malik explains this might be due to how the medications affect the brain's reward pathways. GLP-1 drugs work on the nucleus tractus solitarius, which controls appetite and satisfaction. "When this receptor is blocked, you see appetite suppression," she said. "People may have lower cravings for food, gambling, alcohol, and potentially sex."
Although not yet tested on humans, Malik noted that mice given GLP-1 drugs showed decreased sexual interaction behaviors.
The good news, according to Turek, is that as weight loss stabilizes, testosterone levels typically rise, and sex drive and erectile function often return. "Because improvements in metabolic health occur with GLP, it can actually lead to better erections in obese and diabetic men," he said. "What I often hear is 'my wood is good again' after GLP-associated weight loss."
