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Topics: Health, Ozempic, Sex and Relationships
Kit Roberts
Health experts have warned against getting an intimate cosmetic procedure to offset what is claimed to be a 'side effect' of Ozempic.
Ozempic is prescribed in order to treat Type 2 diabetes, and does this by helping the body to produce insulin when it's needed, as well as reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and slowing down food digestion.
While it is intended to be used for the treatment of the chronic condition, another effect of how Ozempic works is that it makes you feel fuller even if you don't eat as much.
That means that when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it can assist with weight loss, though it is not currently licensed as a weight loss drug.
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However, some people who have taken the drug have claimed online that they have been told their vulva is 'saggy' afterwards - coining the term 'Ozempic vagina'.
It's worth noting that Ozempic's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has said that this is not a listed side effect of the drug.
But apparently, those suffering the problem have been forking out around $2,000 to get filler in the area - a procedure known as 'labia puffing'.
Dr Michael Tahery has previously explained why some people might experience weight loss around the vulva when taking Ozempic.
"In some women who take Ozempic, the rapid weight loss that occurs throughout the body may result in visible sagging of the labia or vagina because of overall fat and volume loss," he explained on his website.
"This sagging is caused by loose labia loose skin in the vaginal area, wrinkles, or some combination of all three. It’s also common for rapid weight loss to cause the labia to suddenly feel out of proportion compared to how it previously felt."
While some medical professionals have spoken about how a dermal filler can be used as a means of 'improving upon how well your tissues feel and work' down there, others have warned about the risks of this.
Professor Janice Rymer, a consultant gynaecologist and vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told The Sun she is 'concerned' about reports of cosmetic procedures on genitals.
"We are very concerned by reports of genital cosmetic procedures, including labia fillers and vaginal rejuvenation," she said.
"There is a significant lack of peer-reviewed medical research on the safety and efficacy of these procedures.
"As a result, doctors are unable to advise their patients on the risks, benefits or long-term consequences."
Professor Rymer shared that there may be significant consequences, warning: "Complications may include infection, scarring, disfigurement and altered sensation of the labia which may interfere with normal sexual function.
"As with all cosmetic surgery, no procedure is without risk."
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk told UNILAD: "Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We continuously collect safety data on our marketed 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."