Ozempic babies: Does Ozempic increase fertility?

Key Points

• Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults along with diet and exercise. It can also lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, in adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Ozempic is not known to directly increase fertility, but can indirectly improve fertility by promoting weight loss and better glycemic control.
• There is not enough information to know if Ozempic is safe during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Ozempic, tell your healthcare provider right away.
• It is recommended to stop Ozempic 2 months before getting pregnant, under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is injected once a week to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It is also used off-label for weight loss. Ozempic has been associated with weight loss, reduced blood sugar, improved ovulation, and more regular menstrual cycles – all of which may increase fertility.

Recently, there have been many reports on social media about “Ozempic babies” by women taking the medication. While there are some positive associations, additional research is needed to fully understand the effects of Ozempic on fertility.

Can Ozempic impact fertility?

There are not enough studies in humans to know the effects of Ozempic on fertility. In animal studies, Ozempic did not affect fertility in males. Researchers observed longer estrus cycles in female rats, but the relevance of these findings in humans is unknown.

Some research has shown an association between high body mass index (BMI) and poor fertility outcomes. Weight loss in both men and women can improve fertility. In men, it can increase sperm count and boost healthy sperm. In women, weight loss can lead to more regular menstrual cycles and promote ovulation. Because Ozempic commonly causes weight loss, it can indirectly improve fertility rates.

Improving blood sugar levels can also increase fertility, since diabetes is associated with lower fertility rates. It can decrease inflammation in your body, which can favor ovulation and pregnancy.

Why are “Ozempic babies” being reported?

Reports of increased conception rates among women taking Ozempic is likely due to its effects on weight loss and improved blood sugar control. These effects may increase fertility by restoring ovulation and more regular menstrual cycles in women.

Another potential reason for reports of unexpected pregnancies by women taking Ozempic is its effects on birth control pills. There is no evidence that Ozempic decreases effectiveness of birth control pills, but the risk is possible for many reasons. For one, Ozempic delays digestion. Ozempic also causes stomach side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea, which could affect the absorption of oral contraceptives.

Does Ozempic affect birth control methods?

Researchers did not find a significant interaction between Ozempic 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol or levonorgestrel, two hormones commonly found in oral contraceptives. Ozempic product labeling does not recommend any dose adjustments in people taking these hormones based on this data.

There is, however, a general warning about Ozempic affecting medications taken by mouth since it slows down digestion. It is possible for Ozempic to affect the absorption of birth control pills, which can cause them to be less effective. Side effects like vomiting and diarrhea may also cause oral contraceptives to work less well to prevent pregnancy.

For most oral birth control pills, it is recommended to treat a dose as missed if you vomit within a few hours of taking it. If you vomit soon after taking your pill, refer to your birth control pill’s product labeling or ask your pharmacist what you should do.

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How can I avoid an “Ozempic baby”?

If you do not wish to become pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider about a birth control method. Keep in mind that oral contraceptives may be less effective if you have vomiting or diarrhea around the time that you are taking them. If you have stomach side effects from Ozempic, talk to your doctor about more reliable birth control methods. Some examples include an IUD, a hormonal injection, implant, or patch, or condoms.

Is Ozempic safe during pregnancy?

For ethical reasons, there are no prospective studies of Ozempic in pregnant humans to determine how safe it is. However, there is data in animals to suggest it may cause harm to unborn babies. Babies born to animals given Ozempic were smaller and abnormalities were seen in heart blood vessels, kidneys, livers, and bones.

Additionally, some animal studies showed an increase in early pregnancy losses. Pregnant animals given Ozempic ate less food, so it is not clear if these effects were due to reduced food consumption and weight loss or other effects from the medication itself. It is not known if Ozempic increases the chance of miscarriage in humans.

Data on the safety of Ozempic during human pregnancy is limited. A 2023 cohort study of over 50,000 pregnancies in women with type 2 diabetes found that exposure to GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic were not associated with increased risks of major birth defects compared to insulin and traditional type 2 diabetes treatments. While this data is reassuring, more research is needed to confirm the safety of Ozempic in human pregnancy.

In one case report, Ozempic worsened nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. After stopping it, symptoms resolved in about a week. Morning sickness is common in the first trimester, and stomach side effects from Ozempic can make things worse.

The Ozempic product information advises patients to discontinue taking Ozempic at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. This allows for the medication to fully leave your system. Do not stop taking Ozempic without consulting your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I become pregnant while using Ozempic?

If you become pregnant while taking Ozempic, contact your healthcare provider right away. They will help you weigh the risks and benefits of continuing treatment, and might consider alternative treatment options that have more data on use during pregnancy.

Do not stop taking Ozempic on your own without speaking with your healthcare provider. Doing so can cause your blood sugar levels to go up again, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby.

This is not all the information you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.