Semaglutide has changed the conversation around weight loss and metabolic health.
But as more people use medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, a new question keeps popping up: how does semaglutide affect fertility?
Can it make pregnancy more likely, or does it come with risks?
Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about family planning while on semaglutide.
Understanding Semaglutide and How It Works
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
These drugs mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar.
By slowing digestion and reducing hunger, semaglutide helps people lose weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
Because body weight, hormones, and reproductive health are closely linked, the medication can have ripple effects on fertility.
Semaglutide and Female Fertility
Let’s take a look at how Semaglutide can influence female fertility:
Impact on Ovulation and PCOS
For women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), insulin resistance and elevated androgens often block ovulation.
By improving metabolic health and lowering androgens, semaglutide can restore more regular menstrual cycles.
This is why “Ozempic babies” have been making headlines, some women who struggled to conceive before are suddenly ovulating again after weight loss and hormonal balance improve.
Fertility Risks and Considerations
Even if semaglutide can improve fertility, it’s not safe to use during pregnancy.
Human research is limited, but animal studies show risks to fetal development.
That’s why doctors recommend using reliable contraception while on semaglutide and stopping the drug well before trying to conceive.
Semaglutide and Male Fertility
Research on men is limited, but what’s available is somewhat reassuring.
Animal studies haven’t shown major harm to sperm or testosterone.
While human data is sparse, losing weight and improving metabolic health generally benefit male fertility.
So, semaglutide isn’t known to damage fertility in men, but it’s also not prescribed as a fertility treatment.
What Are The Safety Guidelines for Pregnancy and Conception
Let’s look at how you can stay safe while on semaglutide:
How Long Before Pregnancy Should You Stop Semaglutide?
Doctors advise stopping semaglutide at least 8 weeks before trying to conceive.
This gives the medication time to fully clear from the body and lowers the risk of exposing a developing pregnancy.
What If You Get Pregnant Unexpectedly?
If you conceive while on semaglutide, the advice is simple: stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor.
Programs like the Wegovy Pregnancy Registry are collecting data to better understand outcomes, but for now, semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy.
Quick Timeline: Semaglutide and Family Planning
- While on semaglutide: Use birth control, as ovulation may return unexpectedly.
- Planning pregnancy: Stop at least 8 weeks before trying to conceive.
- If pregnant while on it: Discontinue immediately and consult your provider.
- After pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk with your doctor before restarting.
Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Fertility Connection
Weight loss often improves fertility, but losing weight too quickly can create new challenges.
Rapid weight loss may lead to deficiencies in folate, iron, vitamin D, and other nutrients that are vital for conception and a healthy pregnancy.
That’s why it’s important to work with a physician or dietitian if you’re transitioning off semaglutide to try for a baby.
Building up nutritional reserves before conception supports both fertility and fetal development.
Semaglutide and Fertility: Pros and Cons
| Potential Benefit | Possible Risk |
| Restores ovulation in women with PCOS | Unsafe to use during pregnancy |
| Weight loss may improve fertility | Requires stopping 8 weeks before trying to conceive |
| Improves metabolic health, lowering insulin resistance | Limited human research on long-term fertility outcomes |
| May indirectly benefit male fertility via weight loss | Not studied as a direct male fertility treatment |
SEE IF SEMAGLUTIDE IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Conclusion: Semaglutide and Fertility
Semaglutide and fertility are connected in important ways.
By improving weight and hormone balance, the drug may restore ovulation and increase the chance of pregnancy.
But it’s not safe to use while pregnant, and it should be stopped well before conception.
If you’re considering pregnancy now or in the future, CardioMender MD can help you manage weight, optimize nutrition, and plan for a safe and healthy path to parenthood.
FAQs: Semaglutide and Fertility
Can you take semaglutide while trying to conceive?
No, semaglutide should not be used if you’re trying to conceive. Doctors recommend stopping it at least 8 weeks before pregnancy to avoid potential risks to the baby.
How much weight can you lose in a week on semaglutide?
Weight loss varies. Some people lose 1–3 pounds per week, but results depend on diet, activity level, and individual response. Healthy, steady progress is more sustainable than rapid loss.
How long does semaglutide last?
Semaglutide stays in your system for about a week after each dose, which is why it’s usually taken once weekly. Full clearance takes several weeks after stopping.
Will I lose belly fat on semaglutide?
Yes, many people notice fat loss around the belly, since semaglutide promotes overall weight loss and helps reduce visceral fat linked to metabolic issues.
How much weight can you lose on semaglutide?
Studies show people can lose 10–15% of their body weight over time, especially when combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
What are the benefits of semaglutide vs tirzepatide?
Both are effective, but tirzepatide often leads to slightly greater weight loss in studies. Semaglutide has been researched longer, while tirzepatide is newer and also targets another hormone, GIP, in addition to GLP-1.
