Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Yuliia Kokosha
Topics: Ozempic, Weight loss, Health, US News
Liv Bridge
Topics: Ozempic, Weight loss, Health, US News
Women are apparently forking out to have their genitals repaired after suffering so-called 'Ozempic vagina'.
Though designed to tackle Type 2 diabetes, more and more Americans are reaching for GLP-1 pens like Ozempic to help them lose weight.
As seen in the faces of some Hollywood celebs, it's enormously effective at melting away the pounds and making way for jaw-dropping transformations - like Sharon Osbourne, for example.
However, it certainly comes at a cost - from short-term symptoms, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation and vomiting, to sagging skin and a lesser known side effect dubbed 'Ozempic penis' in men, and 'Ozempic vagina' for women.
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While the manufacturers haven't officially recognised the side effect, medics have been reporting Ozempic users who claim to have spotted some concerning signs down there.
Some women have shared on Reddit how they appear to have lost their 'fat pads' in the delicate region.
"She [the gynecologist] told me my vulva is saggy and I will continue to experience pain when biking/sitting unless I have surgery or put on fillers," one user wrote.
According to Dr Michael Tahrey, it's actually not so surprising women are experiencing weight loss around the vulva.
"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.
“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.”
As well as apparent weight loss, there are other changes Ozempic could possibly impact, including discharge consistency or color, odor, less lubrication, increased vaginal infections, loss of fullness from the vulva areas, less pelvic floor strength, changes to the menstrual cycle.
Apparently, women suffering the problem have been turning to cosmetic surgery by forking out around $2,000 to get filler in their vulvas.
The process, dubbed labia puffing, has been around since the 2000s, but is having a resurgence in popularity due to the 'Ozempic vulva' issue.
"Labia puffing uses dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid or fat, to restore volume to the labia majora (the outer lips of the vulva)," explains consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist for The Portland Hospital Dr Shazia Malik to the Metro.
"The minimally invasive procedure is designed to enhance appearance by increasing fullness, smoothness, and symmetry."
She added: "The procedure is most sought after by women looking to regain a youthful, fuller appearance due to age, weight loss, or childbirth."
Dr Malik says the procedure is a 'personal choice' and just like any medical or cosmetic decision, 'should be approached with careful consideration'.
"While it can offer aesthetic benefits and boost confidence, it’s important you seek procedures for your own reasons and not because of societal pressures or unrealistic expectations."
As previously stated, the procedure is non-invasive, meaning it might involve just local anaesthetic.
The benefits of this is that it has a shorter recovery time and doesn't come with as many risks as things like a labiaplasty, for example.
However, while not dangerous, there are still some risks to consider, like swelling, bruising and 'irritation at the injection site', she said.
"Allergic reactions to the filler material, though rare, can also happen, and some patients may generally experience mild discomfort."
Overfilling could also be a risk, which might give the labia an even bigger, puffed-up look than desired.
"In some cases, the filler material could shift or form lumps, leading to an unnatural appearance.
"There are some more serious complications like infection or damage to surrounding tissues too, but choosing a qualified practitioner can help minimise these risks."
LADBible Group has contacted Novo Nordisk, the manufacturers of Ozempic, for comment.