Editorial
Editorial processWritten by the Men's Health Istanbul editorial team, based on the published sources listed below.
Published
Updated
The short answer
GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide improve weight, blood sugar and heart risk, which in theory should help erections. Some research supports this, but other reports raise questions. The evidence is still emerging.
Key takeaways
- Specialists are discussing whether the heart and metabolic benefits of GLP-1 drugs carry over to erectile function.
- Reviews describe a possible benefit, but early reports have also raised concerns.
- Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; talk to your doctor if your erections change.
What are GLP-1 drugs?
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, were developed for type 2 diabetes and are now widely used for weight loss. They lower blood sugar, reduce weight and have shown benefits for the heart.
Why they might help erections
Obesity, diabetes and poor heart health are major causes of ED. Because GLP-1 drugs improve all three, researchers expect they could help erections too, and a growing body of research points that way. In September 2026, a commentary in the International Journal of Impotence Research looked at how these cardiometabolic benefits might translate into erectile outcomes.
Why the picture isn't clear yet
A 2025 review in the journal Biomolecules noted that while a benefit is widely assumed, some early reports have raised concerns about a possible link between GLP-1 use and ED. A 2024 genetic study concluded that a cause-and-effect relationship is still unclear. Individual case reports exist, but a single case cannot prove anything.
What you can do
Don't stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. If your erections change after starting a GLP-1 drug, tell the doctor who prescribed it. Regular exercise helps erections on its own: one 2026 review links around six hours of easy walking a week with better erectile function.
The bottom line
GLP-1 drugs may help erections indirectly by improving overall health, but the research is still catching up. Watch this space.
Questions men also ask
Do weight-loss jabs cause ED?
There is no clear evidence that they do. Some reports raise questions, and research is ongoing.
Will losing weight improve my erections?
For many men with obesity, weight loss and exercise improve erectile function.
Sources & further reading
- International Journal of Impotence Research (Nature) Comment: GLP-1 receptor agonists and male sexual health (4 Sep 2026) (opens in a new tab) (2026)
- Biomolecules The impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on erectile function: friend or foe? (opens in a new tab) (2025) Kounatidis D, et al.
- Frontiers in Endocrinology GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of erectile dysfunction: a drug-target Mendelian randomization study (opens in a new tab) (2024)
- Trends in Urology & Men's Health Advances in erectile dysfunction management: what does work (opens in a new tab) (2026)
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This article summarises published research for general information. Some treatments mentioned are experimental and not approved. It is not medical advice; please speak to your doctor before starting or changing any treatment. Read our editorial policy and medical review policy.
