Ozempic Users Report Unexpected Vaginal Changes

Weight-loss drugs linked to pelvic floor issues and altered labia appearance.

The popular weight-loss medication Ozempic, while effective for some, is now linked to unexpected side effects, including changes in vaginal health. Some women are reporting a constellation of symptoms dubbed “Ozempic vagina.”

Pelvic Floor Impact

**Dr. Galyna Selezneva**, an aesthetic doctor in London, notes that half of her clients use weight loss injections. She has observed a significant increase in patients reporting a “strange feeling down below.” This phenomenon, termed “Ozempic vagina” can affect the pelvic floor and labia.

These muscles support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and bowel. **Dr. Selezneva** suggests that rapid weight loss from medications may reduce muscle mass, impacting the pelvic floor’s strength.

Digestive issues, like constipation and diarrhea, common side effects of Ozempic, can also strain the pelvic floor. Such strain during bowel movements can lead to tension, potentially worsening constipation and contributing to pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence.

Impact on Intimacy

Some women report feeling insecure and less confident due to perceived looseness. **Dr. Selezneva** adds that rapid weight loss can cause “visible sagging of the labia or vagina because of overall fat and volume loss.”

**Jo**, 31, from London, reported that after losing over 60 pounds, “everything felt out of place, including my vagina. It felt like a post-pregnancy vagina…things didn’t feel right.”

Expert Opinions

**Dr. Shazia Malik**, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains that the likelihood of these symptoms depends on factors like the amount of weight lost and age. She notes that post-menopausal women may be more susceptible due to thinner, less supported tissues.

According to a 2023 study by the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 50% of women experience some form of pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime (Cleveland Clinic).

**Dr. Malik** also points out that weight loss injections can disrupt the gut microbiome, which is linked to the vaginal microbiome. This disruption may increase the risk of vaginal infections, discharge, or dryness. She cautions against oversimplifying the issue, emphasizing the importance of considering overall health.

Recommendations

**Dr. Selezneva** advises those on weight loss injections to be aware of potential pitfalls and take proactive measures. She recommends ensuring adequate protein intake and practicing pelvic floor exercises using apps like Squeezy.

Maintaining muscle mass and strengthening the pelvic floor may help mitigate the unwanted vaginal changes associated with rapid weight loss from drugs like Ozempic.