What do you need to know about Ozempic and fertility?
It’s no secret that the news has been talking a lot about Ozempic and fertility. One story that our Las Vegas infertility clinic has been following relates to the uptick in pregnancies among people taking Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide.
As more people have started to give birth to so-called “Ozempic babies,” patients have been asking our doctors a lot of questions about this medication. To help shed some light on this topic, we’re explaining how Ozempic and medications like it can affect fertility.
Explaining the link between Ozempic and fertility
Studies have shown that overweight patients who lose just 5% of their body weight can see improvement in ovulation. This applies to both patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and those without the condition.
Although medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved to treat diabetes, many people have started taking them to help with weight loss. The FDA has even approved Wegovy (a version of Ozempic) and Zepbound (a version of Mounjaro) for just that purpose.
Basically, these drugs result in weight loss by reducing a patient’s appetite. As the patient eats less, they tend to lose weight. This weight loss can rebalance hormone levels and regulate ovulation. This is typically what people mean when they say there is a link between Ozempic and fertility.
It’s also worth noting that there is evidence that medications such as Mounjaro and Zepbound can interfere with medication absorption. This can result in birth control pills being less effective.
Right now, few clinical studies have linked semaglutide and tirzepatide to higher pregnancy rates. However, there are many anecdotal reports of people having surprise pregnancies after taking these medications, which has created a perception of a link between medications like Ozempic and fertility. Despite the increase in “Ozempic babies,” the doctors at our Las Vegas infertility clinic do not view semaglutide and tirzepatide as fertility treatments.
Important considerations for patients planning to become pregnant
If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, our doctors stress that Ozempic and Mounjaro are not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is not currently known whether these medications are safe for expectant mothers and their babies. Animal studies with Wegovy even suggest that they could harm the developing baby.
For this reason, our Las Vegas infertility clinic recommends stopping Ozempic and medications like it at least two months before trying to conceive. Our doctors suggest two months because it typically takes this long for these injectables to be removed from the body.
To continue or maintain weight loss without the medication, our team suggests implementing lifestyle changes related to nutrition, movement and stress management.
If you have questions about Ozempic and fertility, our team can help you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options.
