Some women are opting for surgery after experiencing an unexpected side effect from taking Ozempic.
While Ozempic is approved for treating type 2 diabetes in the US and the UK, it is not officially sanctioned for weight loss. Despite this, many individuals are using it off-label to shed pounds. A survey conducted in May 2024 revealed that about 38 percent of those using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic did so mainly for weight reduction rather than managing diabetes, according to Healthline.
Like many medications, Ozempic comes with various side effects, and one particularly notable one is being referred to as ‘Ozempic vulva’.
Though not an officially recognized side effect by the manufacturers, some healthcare professionals have observed that patients report alterations to their genital area, specifically their vulva.
Forbes explains, “This term is being used to describe the sagging skin, weaker muscles and dryness in the vulvar region that some GLP-1 agonist users have been noticing. Some have also commented on experiencing increased vaginal discharge after starting GLP-1 agonists.”
One woman shared her experience on Reddit, writing (via Cosmopolitan), “I’ve lost 20 kg or 44 lbs. I’ve been really lucky, and I have no noticeable sagging skin in my tummy or my arms/legs. Then I went to the gynae today cause I was experiencing pain when biking and sitting for long periods. Turns out I’ve lost all my fat pads in my vulva!”
This phenomenon, termed ‘Ozempic vulva’, is believed to be linked to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself. The sagging skin results from the loss of fatty tissues and pads around the vulva.
The exact cause of the increased vaginal discharge remains uncertain. Consequently, some women are considering ‘labia puffing’ as a solution.
The Centre for Surgery in London describes this procedure as a non-surgical treatment designed to rejuvenate the outer genital area.
Their website states, “With time, or due to factors such as childbirth or significant weight loss, the labia majora can lose their volume, leading to a less youthful appearance.”
Additionally, a labiaplasty can be performed where a surgeon might remove excess tissue, stitch different parts, or insert filler.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, has addressed the reports concerning ‘Ozempic vulva’.
A spokesperson commented, “Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 RA medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. We recommend patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient’s individual medical profile. We recommend that any UK patient experiencing side effects while taking GLP receptor agonists including Wegovy®▼ or Ozempic® report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.”