Quick answer: GLP-1 medications can affect your pelvic floor in a few ways. Rapid weight loss can mean losing muscle as well as fat, constipation can lead to straining that puts pressure on the pelvic floor, and some people notice vaginal dryness. Pelvic floor strengthening, the right dose and a good diet can help, so talk to your prescriber and a pelvic floor therapist.
We're finally having more conversations about how different life stages and experiences, from menopause to GLP-1 weight loss, affect women's health. Pelvic health belongs in that conversation too. For too long, it's been overlooked or only talked about once there's a problem.
As an intimate wellness brand, we quickly realized you can't talk about pleasure without talking about pelvic health. The two are connected, alongside hormones, body autonomy, motherhood, menopause and so much more. So we asked pelvic floor physical therapists Dr. Hannah Meyer and Dr. Amanda Neri, hosts of The Pelvic Freak Show, what GLP-1 users should know.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound), are prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management. They work partly by slowing digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer, which is why many people lose weight quickly on them.
How can GLP-1s affect your pelvic floor?
"Pelvic health is especially important for GLP-1 users because rapid weight loss (a potential result of taking GLP-1s) can have a variety of unwanted effects on the body, including vulvovaginal dryness, thinner-appearing skin and weakness due to a loss in muscle mass. These side effects are often preventable with proper strengthening, dosage and diet while on the medication." — Dr. Hannah Meyer, PT, DPT & Dr. Amanda Neri, PT, DPT, hosts of The Pelvic Freak Show
1. Muscle loss during rapid weight loss
Losing weight quickly can mean losing muscle mass as well as fat, and your pelvic floor is made of muscle too. That's why pelvic floor therapists recommend making strengthening part of your plan while you're on the medication.
2. Constipation and straining
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1s. Straining on the toilet puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor, so it's worth tackling constipation early with your doctor rather than pushing through it (literally).
3. Vaginal dryness and skin changes
Some users report vulvovaginal dryness and thinner-looking skin. Dryness can make sex uncomfortable, and a water-based lube like Generous Gel can help with comfort in the meantime. If it doesn't improve, mention it to your doctor.
Could GLP-1s help with PMOS or endometriosis?
There's interesting early research here. According to Hannah and Amanda, new studies suggest GLP-1s might help ease some symptoms of PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome previously called PCOS) or endometriosis, both of which can heavily affect the pelvic floor and pelvic tension. It's still an emerging area, so talk to your doctor before drawing any conclusions.
How to look after your pelvic floor on a GLP-1
- Talk to your prescriber. Bring up side effects, especially constipation and dryness, and check your dose is right for you.
- Think about your diet. Diet is one of the ways the The Pelvic Freaks say these side effects can often be prevented, so ask your doctor or a dietitian what will support your muscles and digestion.
- Train your pelvic floor, squeeze and release. A pelvic floor therapist can check whether you need strength, relaxation or both. At home, Pelvic Partner gives real-time feedback: it vibrates when you squeeze and stops when you fully relax.
- Don't put up with dryness. A good water-based lube can make a real difference to comfort.
- Keep learning. GLP-1s are still new territory, and research is moving fast. The Pelvic Freak Show GLP-1 episode is a great place to start.
Why this isn't a niche issue
"When one in three women will be affected by pelvic floor problems, this isn't a niche issue. It's something we should all be thinking about proactively. It's exactly why, at Smile Makers, we created Pelvic Partner: to make pelvic floor care simple, approachable and accessible, rather than something we only think about once there's a problem." — Samantha Marshall, Head of Brand, Smile Makers Collection
Seeing major beauty and wellness retailers like Boots in the UK and Ulta Beauty in the US, the first beauty retailer to bring a Kegel trainer onto its shelves, stock pelvic floor trainers feels like a big shift. It takes pelvic health out of the clinical shadows and puts it where it belongs: as a visible, everyday part of women's wellbeing.
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always speak to your prescriber about side effects.
FAQs
Can Ozempic affect your pelvic floor?
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can affect the pelvic floor indirectly. Rapid weight loss may reduce muscle mass, constipation can lead to straining, and some people experience vaginal dryness. Pelvic floor strengthening, the right dose and a good diet can help.
Does GLP-1 weight loss cause vaginal dryness?
Some people taking GLP-1 medications report vulvovaginal dryness. A water-based lubricant can help with comfort, and it is worth mentioning to your doctor if it does not improve.
Why does constipation matter for the pelvic floor?
Straining during bowel movements puts repeated pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Over time, that can contribute to pelvic floor problems, so it is important to manage constipation early.
Should I do pelvic floor exercises while taking a GLP-1?
Pelvic floor therapists recommend strengthening as part of looking after your body while on a GLP-1. A pelvic floor therapist can check whether you need strength, relaxation or both.
