Men Are Reporting 'Ozempic Penis' – But Experts Say It’s Not What They Think

Recently, Redditors in an Ozempic forum shared an unexpected perceived side-effect of taking the semaglutide jab. 

“Increased size, anyone else notice?” the site user wrote.

In the comments, multiple site users confirmed they’d also seen change, which some have called “Ozempic penis.”

They’re not alone. Diabetes.co.uk suggested that the 10% increase in average UK penis size from 2022-24 might be down to other treatments, with consultant urological surgeon Dr Richard Viney writing: “It is theoretically possible new drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy... could also be a factor.”

But why would “Ozempic penis” happen? And is the effect even real? 

Here’s what the experts say.

Yes, some semaglutide users may notice changes ― but not because their penis is actually bigger

Speaking to HuffPost UK, urologist Dr Martina Ambardjieva said the transformation may be something of an illusion. 

“As a urologist, I can say there’s no evidence that semaglutide (Ozempic) or other GLP-1 agonists cause actual penile tissue growth,” she shared. 

“However, there is a plausible physiological explanation for why some men perceive their penis to be larger after significant weight loss.” 

The change, she explains, is not related to penile tissue. 

Sometimes, fat can build up in the suprapubic area (or the part of someone’s body just above their penis.” 

This can create a “buried penis effect,” Dr Ambardjieva shared, as part of the shaft is hidden. 

“When a man loses weight, particularly rapidly as with GLP-1 drugs, this fat pad shrinks, revealing more of the shaft and making the penis appear longer,” she added. 

“It’s not growth, it’s exposure.” 

That’s not the only difference 

Aside from changes to their body, some men on semaglutide may see a change in their circulation – affecting the growth potential of their penis. 

“Another factor is improved vascular health. GLP-1 medications often improve blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance endothelial function,” the urologist wrote.

“These benefits can improve erectile quality, potentially making erections firmer and more noticeable, further contributing to the perception of increased size.” 

Ultimately, Dr Ambardjieva ended, though “Ozempic penis” sounds catchy, it’s not quite accurate. 

“What men are really experiencing is a combination of anatomical unmasking and better erectile function  not penile growth per se.”