Some men on social media claimed that their penis size increased after taking Ozempic (semaglutide). This effect might have more to do with weight loss rather than the medication itself.

Why Might Ozempic Increase Penis Size?

Extra fatty tissue in the lower belly may hide some of the penile length visually.

As men get older, especially if they gain weight, some fat may accumulate below the pubic bone, according to Juan J. Andino, MD, a board-certified urologist at The Men’s Clinic at UCLA Health.

When they lose weight, more of the external penile length becomes visible, Andino said.

Another possible explanation is that people taking semaglutide have improved blood flow. Having overweight or obesity can contribute to poor circulation and erectile dysfunction (ED).

“Weight loss will often result in improved cardiometabolic health and resultant improved erections due to better blood flow. This can be perceived as improved penile girth,” Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, a urologist specializing in male infertility and sexual dysfunction at NYU Langone Health, told Verywell in an email.

However, Ozempic or similar medications are unlikely to have a “direct effect” on penile length or girth, he added.

Can Ozempic Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Some Reddit users have reported experiencing ED while taking Ozempic.

Andido said he has spoken with patients who believe semaglutide has caused worsening blood flow or ED.

“Mechanistically, I really don’t know what it is, but it is something that I think we have to be really careful, really aware of. And so far, it’s been a balancing of benefit and risk for these patients,” he added.

If you notice any changes in erectile function—whether related to a new medication or not—it’s important to speak with a trusted healthcare provider. ED can affect younger men too, and effective treatments are available.

“If folks are getting some health benefits, but they’re noticing the side effects, they shouldn’t suffer in silence. They should bring it up to their physicians or clinicians and get a chance to have a conversation about it,” Andido said.

Don’t Ignore Penile or Testicular Changes 

If something seems off down there, don’t ignore it. ED can signal other cardiovascular problems because the blood vessels supplying the penis are smaller than those in other body parts, Sadeghi-Nejad said.

“Patients can undergo a thorough hormonal and vascular evaluation by trained specialists that can not only address the ED, but also possibly unmask other health problems that can be treated,” Sadeghi-Nejad added.

Still, more than half of U.S. men don’t get regular health screenings, according to a 2022 Cleveland Clinic survey. While discussing sexual and reproductive health can feel uncomfortable, doing so may help lower your long-term health risks.

“Get comfortable and learn to do testicular self-exams. That is probably one of the most life-saving things for young men in their teens to their mid or late 30s,” Andido said.

If you find a new lump or bump on the testicle, get an ultrasound to confirm it is not a testicular tumor or cancer, he added. Other signs of testicular cancer include pain or swelling in the scrotum. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, ultrasound, and blood tests.