Amidst the surge in popularity of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, a new term is making the rounds online: “Ozempic® vulva” (also referred to as “Ozempic® vagina”). 

This is due to the unexpected vaginal changes women have reported after losing weight on Ozempic® or a similar GLP-1 drug. But are vaginal changes actually a side effect of GLP-1 medications, or is something else at play?

What is Ozempic® vulva?

Ozempic® vulva is a colloquial term coined on social media and isn’t an officially recognized medical diagnosis.

The term arose from women describing issues like sagging skin, vaginal dryness, weaker pelvic muscles, or increased discharge after losing a lot of weight quickly on a GLP-1 drug.

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The real: What causes Ozempic® vulva

While Ozempic® vulva isn’t an official medical diagnosis or side effect of GLP-1 medications, rapid weight loss can cause vaginal changes. This is due to the weight loss itself, not the direct action of GLP-1 drugs.

Here are a few vaginal issues women have noticed after losing weight on a GLP-1 like Ozempic®:

• Fat pad reduction. The vulva area contains fatty tissue that gives the labia volume. Rapid weight loss may shrink these pads, leading to a sagging or deflated appearance.
• Reduced skin elasticity. Quick changes in body composition can outpace skin and connective tissue adaptation, resulting in looser tissue.
• Pelvic muscle loss: Weight loss can deplete muscle mass without proper resistance training, which may weaken the pelvic floor muscles.

Again, these changes are due to rapid weight loss, not the GLP-1 medication. Sudden changes to body composition don’t leave the body much time to adapt, which can lead to unexpected symptoms and skin appearances.

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The hype: What Ozempic® vulva isn’t

Other side effects have also been brought up that have been attributed to Ozempic® vulva. However, these vaginal changes are often hormonal and aren’t tied to GLP-1 medications or weight loss.

• Vaginal dryness. This is almost always a hormone issue, often caused by menopause or contraceptives. 
• Discharge. Once again, this is usually a hormone issue, not a medication side effect. 

If you experience hormonal changes, whether you’ve lost weight or not, talk to a medical provider before making any assumptions. Ozempic® vulva isn’t a “new” side effect of GLP-1 medications, but rather an unexpected effect of rapid weight loss, some of which may affect the vulva—which naturally has gotten a lot of women talking. 

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Other factors to consider

Common side effects of GLP-1 medications—including digestive discomfort, constipation, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms—can affect your body in other ways, which may have an indirect effect on vaginal symptoms.

• Dehydration. Staying hydrated is especially important when you’re on a weight-loss medication. If you’re not drinking enough water, this could affect lubrication.
• Gut changes. What happens in the gut definitely does not stay in the gut. Slowed digestion from GLP-1 drugs may change the body’s gut microbiome, which can alter the vaginal microbiome as well.

In short, weight loss affects our bodies in ways we may not expect and cannot always control, especially if we lose weight quickly. This is why Shed offers a slow and steady approach to weight loss, prescribed by physicians and supported by Coaches, to help patients make changes that are sustainable.

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What to do about it: How to “treat” Ozempic® vulva

If you’re noticing vaginal discomfort after losing weight on a GLP-1, the first thing you should do is set up an appointment with your provider. These changes may not have anything to do with the GLP-1 or weight loss at all, so it’s important to know the full picture before making any kind of plan.

Lifestyle habits can also help your body adapt to changes caused by weight loss:

• Hydration
• Protein-rich diet—you can kill two birds with one stone with Shed’s Clear Protein Hydration!
• Resistance training, including pelvic exercises
• Reduced sugar intake
• Cosmetic products like moisturizers and lubricants 

While “Ozempic® vulva” may not be a real diagnosis or GLP-1 side effect, it’s always a good idea to listen to your body, especially when you’re trying to lose weight. So if you notice vaginal changes or discomfort at any point during your weight-loss journey, make an appointment with your doctor.

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Ozempic® vulva: Not what it seems

The buzz around GLP-1 drugs isn’t going to die down any time soon, so keep in mind that not all “side effects” of weight loss can be tied back to GLP-1s directly—sometimes weight loss isn’t even the issue at all. If you have questions about any vaginal symptoms you’re experiencing, consult your healthcare provider.

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Frequently asked questions about Ozempic® vulva

Is Ozempic® vulva a real side effect of GLP-1 drugs?

No. Ozempic® vulva is a colloquial term for changes some women notice after rapid weight loss and is not a side effect caused by GLP-1 medications.

Can Ozempic® cause yeast infections?

The medication itself doesn’t cause yeast infections, but its effects (i.e., weight loss, changes in digestion) can increase the risk of yeast infections, especially in women who have lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time. Blood sugar changes and bacterial shifts in the vagina may create conditions for yeast overgrowth.

What are the most common symptoms of Ozempic® vulva?

Women have reported sagging skin or deflated labia, vaginal dryness, weakened pelvic support, and changes in vaginal discharge. Some of these—like sagging skin and weakened pelvic support—are likely due to rapid weight loss, and others—like vaginal dryness and discharge—are usually hormonally caused. Ozempic® doesn’t directly cause what has become colloquially known as Ozempic® vulva.

When should I seek medical assistance?

Consult a licensed medical provider any time you have questions about vaginal changes or weight loss. 

What can I do to prevent Ozempic® vulva?

Rapid weight loss is the main culprit behind what is known as Ozempic® vulva. Slow, steady weight loss is best, as it gives your body the time it needs to adjust to weight loss and fat redistribution.

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*This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

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