Analysis of FDA adverse event reports found signals of erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and orgasmic dysfunction associated with multiple GLP-1 drugs.
6 GLP-1 drugsFAERS analysis covering tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide, and liraglutide
What the researchers found
FAERS disproportionality analysis found signals of male sexual dysfunction (ED, decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction) associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Why it matters
With millions of men taking GLP-1 drugs, even uncommon sexual side effects affect a large absolute number of patients.
The numbers in context
182 cases total; exenatide 24.2%, semaglutide 21.4%; ages 40-60 predominant; ROR 0.41 (below 1); chi-squared P<0.0001 but low ROR indicates no disproportionate signal.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional pharmacovigilance analysis of FAERS data (Q4 2003 – Q1 2024) using OpenVigil 2.1 with disproportionality measures.
Who was studied
Male patients reporting sexual dysfunction while on GLP-1 RAs (FAERS database)
What this study cannot tell us
FAERS data is spontaneous reporting — cannot establish causation, incidence rates, or control for confounders like obesity and diabetes themselves.
How to read the evidence
Pharmacovigilance signal detection — useful for hypothesis generation but cannot prove causation due to reporting biases.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, covering 20 years of adverse event reports through early 2024.
The bigger picture
As GLP-1 drug use expands rapidly, pharmacovigilance studies like this help build a more complete picture of real-world side effects.
Questions still open
- Is the sexual dysfunction caused by the drug, the weight loss, or underlying conditions?
- Do specific GLP-1 drugs have higher risk than others?
Common questions
Can GLP-1 drugs affect sexual function in men?
Should I stop my GLP-1 drug if I have sexual problems?
Read the original research
Male sexual dysfunction associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists: a cross-sectional analysis of FAERS data.
International journal of impotence research, 37(8), 661-667
Citation
Pourabhari Langroudi, Ashkan; Chen, Abby L; Basran, Satvir; Sommer, Elijah R; Stinson, James; Cheng, Yu-Sheng; Del Giuduce, Francesco; Scott, Michael; Eisenberg, Michael L. (2025). Male sexual dysfunction associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists: a cross-sectional analysis of FAERS data.. International journal of impotence research, 37(8), 661-667. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-025-01061-2