Semaglutide and erectile function in obese men without diabetes: what recent findings show
New research from the University of Texas Medical Campus at Galveston explored how the weight‑loss drug Semaglutide interacts with sexual health in men who are obese but do not have diabetes. The study, published in the IJIR: Journal of Sexual Medicine, sought to understand whether appetite suppression and weight reduction driven by Semaglutide could influence erectile function and related hormonal markers.
The investigation focused on adult men aged 18 to 50 with obesity, defined by a body mass index above 30. Participants in the study did not have diagnosed diabetes. The researchers aimed to determine the drug’s impact on sexual function and related measures while the individuals followed a weight‑loss program. Semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone that signals fullness after food intake, helping to reduce hunger and caloric intake. This mechanism is central to recent obesity therapies and has been associated with meaningful weight loss in diverse populations.
The study reported that 1.47% of men prescribed Semaglutide were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction during the trial. In contrast, 0.32% of participants in the control group, who did not receive Semaglutide, developed erectile dysfunction. The data also showed that testosterone deficiency emerged in 1.53% of the Semaglutide group, compared with 0.80% in the control group. These numbers reflect observed differences between the groups, though the absolute event rates were relatively small in both arms of the study.
Researchers proposed that the emergence of erectile dysfunction could be related to the drug’s impact on smooth muscle relaxation. Smooth muscle tissue lines the walls of hollow organs and blood vessels, including the vascular structures essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. While weight loss and metabolic improvements can positively influence erectile function for many men, the study’s authors note that certain pharmacologic effects may transiently affect penile vascular dynamics in some individuals. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and duration of any such effects and to identify which patients are most at risk.
Overall, the study contributes to a broader body of evidence about how obesity treatment choices interact with sexual health. It highlights that even medicines designed to improve metabolic outcomes can have nuanced effects on sexual function, underscoring the importance of personalized care and honest discussions between patients and clinicians. As new obesity therapies continue to evolve, clinicians are encouraged to monitor sexual health parameters alongside weight and metabolic targets, ensuring that treatment plans align with each patient’s priorities and risk factors.
In the context of Canadian and American clinical practice, these findings remind health professionals to consider the full spectrum of outcomes when prescribing weight‑loss medications. While semaglutide has demonstrated substantial benefits for weight reduction and glycemic control in diverse populations, clinicians should remain vigilant for potential changes in sexual function and hormone balance. Patients should be informed about common side effects, advised on strategies to preserve vascular health, and encouraged to report any new or worsening symptoms promptly. The current evidence base supports a careful, individualized approach, balancing the benefits of weight loss with potential risks to sexual health.
In summary, Semaglutide remains a valuable option for weight management in obesity without diabetes. The observed association with erectile dysfunction and testosterone deficiency in this study does not imply causation for every patient, and the absolute rates were modest. Ongoing research will clarify these relationships, guiding clinicians in delivering safe, effective, and patient‑centered care.