Since it was first touted as the 'weight loss drug' favoured by the A-List, Ozempic (a diabetes drug, which for some has the added side effect of suppressing their appetite) has become increasingly popular.
In fact, a recent survey found one in five of us would turn to similar injections if they were available for free.
But as more people turn to such weight management efforts, which also include the likes of jabs Wegovy and Mounjaro, some have noticed more unusual side effects: while common side effects include nausea and stomach pains, other users believe they’ve seen a noticeable difference in their vulvas.
Some complaints include sagging, vaginal dryness and weaker pelvic muscles, as well as vaginal discharge.
Here, seven women share their experiences, which they believe could be down to weight loss injections.
'She told me my vulva is saggy'
"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! She told me my vulva is saggy and I will continue to experience pain when biking/sitting." via Reddit
'I am facing this extensive vaginal dryness'
"I have started taking Ozempic. I am facing this extensive vaginal dryness and discomfort Please let me know what remedies you used to overcome this."
via Reddit
'All of me is dry since I got on the injections'
"ALL of me is dry since I got on the injections. My skin, my mouth, my eyes, my lips, and ya, my vagina. But my vagina was never a puddler in the first place."
via Reddit
'Recently, I've had vaginal bleeding'
"I've been on Ozempic now for about 2 1/2 months, everything has been going well. I've had great success in losing some weight as well. But recently I have had vaginal bleeding shortly after I take my injection. Kinda like a light period but without cramps and lasts about 1-2 days then it stops."
via Reddit
'I've started having consistent watery discharge'
"I've been taking semaglutide (Ozempic) since August 2023 for type 2 diabetes and I started taking the 2mg dose earlier this year and I've been on it consistently. Since maybe around September I started having consistent watery discharge."
via Reddit
'My partner claims he didn't notice, but I was highly aware of it'
"As far as I am concerned, I look and feel amazing, and am excited to reenter society as a single woman . . .Well yesterday, I had sex for the first time since starting O, and experienced what I consider to be EXTREME vaginal dryness. My partner (an ex from before marriage) CLAIMS he didn’t notice, but I was highly aware of it the whole time."
via Reddit
'Driving me crazy'
"Has anyone noticed increased vaginal discharge and irritation since starting Ozempic?! Never had a single issue with this before starting Ozempic. Driving me crazy!"
via Reddit
'My pH feels off'
"If my water intake sucks, my pH feels off. Doesn't smell but I feel off, ya know? Once I up my intake, the next day I feel okay again."
via Reddit
So what gives? Well, it may not be down to Ozempic, or weight-loss jabs at all...
Can weight loss jabs change your vulva or vagina?
Dr. Prabha Sivaraman, Consultant Gynaecologist, told Cosmopolitan UK: "Ozempic (semaglutide) itself does not directly affect the vagina, vulva, or pelvic floor muscles. However, rapid weight loss, which is a common outcome of taking this medication, can lead to noticeable changes in body composition and tissue appearance.
"When weight is lost quickly, the skin and supporting connective tissues may not have time to fully adapt, which can result in changes such as looseness or sagging in areas like the vulva. Similarly, significant weight loss can reduce the fat pads in the mons pubis and labia majora, altering the way the vulva looks.
"Vaginal dryness is less likely to be a direct result of Ozempic; instead, it is usually related to hormonal factors (such as declining oestrogen levels with age, menopause, or certain contraceptives).
Dr Sivaraman continues: "Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles is also not a direct drug effect. Pelvic floor muscles should be recognised as being part of the core muscles of the body. If rapid weight loss is not managed with balanced nutrition and exercise, lean muscle mass can be lost, weakening core muscles including the pelvic floor."
So, if rapid weight loss does cause problems *down there*, how can we combat this?
How can you fix vag-related weight loss issues?
"Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist can strengthen muscles, improve support, and reduce symptoms of laxity or incontinence," adds Gynaecologist Dr. Ciara McKay.
"Topical oestrogen (if appropriate) can help relieve vaginal dryness and restore elasticity in postmenopausal or perimenopausal individuals. Contraceptive choices can also be considered carefully. Moisturisers and lubricants can address dryness and discomfort during sex without needing hormones.
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"General fitness and resistance training can improve overall muscle tone, including the pelvic region.
"Surgery, such as labiaplasty, may be considered if the cosmetic or functional concerns are significant and persistent, but most women do not need to go down that route."
A doctor on 'Ozempic vulva'
So, is this anything to worry about? Dr. Bidisha Ghosh, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist explains: "The term 'Ozempic vulva' is more of a social media phrase than a medical diagnosis. While some women do notice changes in the appearance of their vulva after significant weight loss, it is not harmful in itself. These changes do not typically affect vaginal function, fertility or overall gynaecological health. However, they can impact body image adversely and cause indirect but significant detriment to health.
"What does warrant attention is pelvic floor health. If someone experiences new urinary leakage, heaviness, bulging or pain, they should be assessed by a gynaecologist. Vaginal dryness should also be addressed, as it can affect quality of life and sexual health but is highly treatable.
In short, there is no need to be alarmed about Ozempic directly damaging the vagina, vulva or sexual health. Most changes are due to weight loss effects on tissues, and there are supportive strategies and treatments available."
However, if you are ever concerned, be sure to speak to your doctor - it's always better to be safe than sorry.
A spokesperson for Ozempic's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, told Cosmopolitan UK:
"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."
Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper’s Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
