A doctor has revealed the truth behind what is being dubbed the 'Ozempic vulva' as the drug surges in popularity.
Now, as we know, a whole load of buzzword phrases have surfaced following the drug's increase in usage among both celebrities and regular people alike with examples including 'Ozempic breast', 'Ozempic mouth', 'Ozempic baby', 'Ozempic finger', 'Ozempic face' and, of course, 'Ozempic butt'.
But, apparently, the GLP-1 medication can also have an impact on your private parts and, specifically, your vulva.
Sherry Ross, M.D., an OB-GYN in Santa Monica, CA, explained to Health Central all the ins and outs of what exactly 'Ozempic vulva' is and how to manage the reported side effect.
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"Ozempic vagina is not a medical diagnosis," Dr Ross confirmed, adding that some people might use it to refer to vulvovaginal changes while on a GLP-1 agonist.
She also outlined that, despite the newly-coined term, vaginal and vulval changes can accompany any other semaglutide or GLP-1 agonist medication like Wegovy, Rybelsus, Trulicity, etc., not just Ozempic.
What is 'Ozempic vulva'?
While there's not actually surveys or data on this phenomenon yet, Dr Ross states that the phrase 'refers to the visible sagging of the vulvar skin'.
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"The rapidity of this weight loss can cause visible skin sagging, laxity, and wrinkles throughout the body," the expert shared, explaining that the skin simply doesn’t have enough time to adapt to the weight-loss changes, which it might with slower weight loss.
"All areas of the body can show visible skin-changes in response to this significant weight loss."
In particular, she elaborates, the skin that makes up the inner labia, outer labia and pubic mound.
'Ozempic vulva' changes
Dr Ross also highlights that 'several other vulvar and vaginal changes' may occur while on this class of drugs.
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Some of which include:
- Alterations in discharge consistency and colour
- Changes in odour
- Decreased lubrication
- Increased incidence of vaginal infections
- Loss of fullness in the pubic mound and other vulvar areas
- Loss of pelvic floor strength
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Symptoms associated with a weakened pelvic floor
- Thinning of the delicate inner or outer labia skin
The bottom line
Now, while 'Ozempic vulva' may, understandably, be a eye-catching - it's also somewhat misleading as any vaginal or vulva changes that users experience while taking Ozempic or any semaglutide or GLP-1 medication are not due to the drug itself but instead a result of symptoms that can occur response to rapid weight loss of any kind.
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"Those who are eligible for semaglutide but are on the fence due to concerns of vulva or vagina changes should try to remember that the potential health benefits really should outweigh the concerns about normal body and skin changes," Dr Ross concludes.
A spokesperson for Ozempic's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, told LADbible Group in a statement: "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/."
Topics: Ozempic, Health, Women's Health, Life
Rhiannon Ingle