Understanding the connection between Mounjaro and your sex drive

Started taking Mounjaro and noticed your sex drive isn’t quite what it used to be? You might be hornier than usual, or experiencing a sudden disinterest in sex entirely.

Both reactions are totally normal and fairly common. Let’s get to the bottom of the Mounjaro-sex drive connection.

Does Mounjaro affect sex drive?

Not everyone who takes Mounjaro will go through a change in libido, but many people report a difference in their sex drive after they start using it.

Some find their libido increases, while others see a decrease. You might be in the mood more often than you’re used to, or maybe you’ve gone in the opposite direction and the thought of getting intimate is less appealing than doing your taxes.

There are lots of potential causes behind the change in sex drive, from hormonal to lifestyle – we’ll dive into those a little further down.

How Mounjaro may impact libido

You might experience no changes to your sex drive when you’re taking Mounjaro, but if you do detect a shift, it could go in either direction. Here’s how and why Mounjaro affects your libido in different ways.

Increased sex drive

Feeling a little hornier than usual? There could be several reasons behind it.

As far as weight loss is concerned, Mounjaro is most effective alongside lifestyle changes like increased exercise and improved diet, which is why you’ll likely implement healthier habits when you begin taking it. These kinds of lifestyle changes can increase your libido thanks to their feel-good effects. Research shows that both can lift your energy levels and your mood and support mental health, potentially leading to increased libido [1][2][3][4].

Another is that you’re reaping some of the other benefits that come with losing weight, such as improved body image and confidence. When you’re becoming healthier and more comfortable in your own skin, you may be more inclined to get intimate.

Another still is that taking Mounjaro may alleviate some of the underlying health issues associated with sexual dysfunction, such as insulin resistance and high blood pressure. As a result, you may experience a boost to your libido and greater sexual satisfaction.

Decreased sex drive

On the other hand, you might also notice your libido has dropped. Once again, there are multiple possible causes, but a big one is hormonal. 

When you have sex (or do anything else that brings pleasure, such as shopping or eating chocolate), your brain releases a hormone called dopamine. Dopamine makes you feel good, which is why it’s commonly referred to as the ‘reward hormone’.

The thing with Mounjaro is that it can interrupt your natural dopamine release, making activities like shopping, eating chocolate and sexual activity seem not quite as gratifying. When it comes to sex, suddenly you’re not getting as much pleasure out of it, and your desire to get intimate goes down.

You might also be suffering other common Mounjaro side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue or bloating – none of which exactly scream getting intimate. It could simply be that the symptoms alone are enough to make you want to skip out on sex entirely.

Reduced calorie intake is another potential cause of your lack of interest. Mounjaro decreases your appetite, and taking in fewer calories can contribute to lower energy levels and libido.

If your libido has dropped, it may only be temporary. Some people find that when their body adjusts to the medication, their sex drive returns to normal and the nasty side effects disappear, making sex seem all the more appealing.

Is it safe to have sex while on Mounjaro?

It sure is! There’s no reason you should avoid sex when you’re taking Mounjaro, unless, of course, you’re not up for it. If you’re nauseous or bloated and sexual arousal is a struggle, it’s completely understandable that you’d want to pass.

That being said, you should take extra care if you’re using contraceptive pills (AKA the pill). There’s a risk that Mounjaro can interact with the pill, possibly making it less effective. Mounjaro works by slowing gastric emptying, and it can cause symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting, which can potentially interfere with how your body absorbs the contraceptive pill.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recently advised that women using GLP-1 weight loss drugs should use contraception both while using Mounjaro and for one month afterwards before trying to conceive. It also recommends using a condom for four weeks after starting Mounjaro or changing to another form of birth control entirely, such as an IUD or implant [5].

You should also avoid taking Mounjaro while you’re trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do other weight loss injections affect your sex drive?

Similar to Mounjaro, other weight loss injections can influence your sex drive both positively and negatively, and for many of the same reasons. It’s worth noting, though, that taking these medications may have no impact at all – it all comes down to how your body responds to taking them.

Wegovy

Like Mounjaro, Wegovy can alter your hormone levels, possibly making you more or less interested in sex. 

Common Wegovy side effects, including headache, constipation and fatigue, may also decrease your libido simply because sex is less appealing, while the positive outcomes of taking Wegovy – weight loss, greater overall health, and better body image and confidence – might make you more inclined to get intimate.

Ozempic

Ozempic and Wegovy are more or less the same medication, with both relying on semaglutide as the active ingredient. The difference is that Ozempic is prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes and used off-label to treat obesity and weight loss, while Wegovy is designed specifically for weight loss and comes in a slightly higher dose, possibly making it just a little more effective when it comes to losing body weight. 

All of this is to say that the impacts on sex drive are much the same, too: Ozempic can cause similar hormonal changes and side effects that make sex less appealing, but it can also lead to weight loss that improves how you see yourself and your overall health. Those taking Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes may also notice an improvement in their condition, which could boost libido in the process.

Saxenda

Saxenda is another GLP-1 injection, but it has a different active ingredient (liraglutide) and is taken daily rather than weekly. Much like the others, though, it can cause rather unpleasant side effects such as headache, fatigue and constipation, all of which can wreak havoc on your sex drive. 

That said, the significant weight loss effects of Saxenda may restore your libido over time, largely through improved self-esteem, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Can weight loss improve sexual health?

Yes, it can, for both men and women. Research shows a strong correlation between obesity and reduced sexual function, with one study finding that 48.3% of participants struggled with desire, 35.9% with getting aroused and 45% with lubrication [6].

However, there’s plenty of solid evidence that losing weight can have a hugely positive effect on your sexual health, leading to improvements in sexual function, arousal, lubrication and satisfaction.

Several studies have demonstrated a positive link between female sexual function and weight loss. In a 2012 review, researchers concluded that obesity can reduce sexual functioning, while losing weight can increase it [7].

Many studies have also found that women who are overweight and obese (with or without type 2 diabetes) show greater sexual function after losing weight through lifestyle changes like increased physical activity and a reduced calorie diet [8][9].

There could be several reasons for this, including hormonal changes triggered by weight loss that enhance libido; improved confidence and self-esteem; better overall health; and increased energy levels and mood resulting from exercise and diet changes.

How to support a healthy sex drive on Mounjaro

If your libido’s a little lacking while you’re taking Mounjaro, there are a few things you can do to try and boost it:

• Move your body: Mounjaro is most effective when combined with a balanced diet and exercise, but it’s worth reiterating the libido-enhancing effects of physical activity. Regular exercise that includes both aerobic and strength training offers a bunch of benefits, such as better circulation, energy levels and mood, all of which can bolster your sex drive.
• Keep stress in check: Stress can really mess with your mental wellbeing, making you much less likely to want to get intimate. Implementing stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, mindfulness exercises, journaling, and deep breathing may help, as will nailing the basics like diet, sleep and carving out some relaxation time each day. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress!
• Limit substance use: Alcohol and nicotine are known libido disruptors. Drinking excessively can reduce sexual desire and function, making it harder to get sufficient lubrication and reach orgasm. It can also mess with the hormones associated with a healthy sex drive. Nicotine – whether from vaping or cigarettes – does much the same thing, with one study showing it’s linked to lower libido in women [10].
• Involve your partner: You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. Communicating openly with your partner and discussing your concerns may help to alleviate some of the pressure. If you’re just not in the mood, you can also try to build intimacy with them in other ways, like cuddling or sharing a relaxing bath.
• Try a lubricant: If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness or pain during sex, you could try lubricants or moisturisers that make you more comfortable.

When to talk to your doctor or health coach

Low libido can be a really tricky thing to deal with, so if you need additional support, don’t be afraid to seek it. Your doctor, health coach or another healthcare provider can guide you through any physical symptoms or feelings you’re going through and figure out possible treatment options. They can also assess whether there might be something else going on that’s contributing to your reduced sex drive, such as an underlying health issue.

How to know if Mounjaro is right for your weight loss journey

Understanding why side effects happen and taking steps to prevent them can help you manage this side effect while staying focused on your ultimate goal — achieving a healthier, happier you.

While one person may experience zero side effects when starting Mounjaro, others might be better suited to Wegovy.

Can you switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy?

As of 1 September 2025, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), increased its UK list price to align with other developed countries. This nationwide change applies to providers including pharmacies, private clinics, and digital platforms.

In response, we’ve lowered the price of our Wegovy programme by 25%, and we’re making it easier for patients to switch without starting over, so that effective treatment remains within reach for as many people as possible.

So, if you've been wondering if you can switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, the good news is that it's both safe and straightforward.

When making the switch, Juniper patients don’t need to restart at the lowest dose. If clinically appropriate, they can continue at a higher dose aligned with recent treatment history. We also only require a 7-day gap between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose — unlike most providers, who require 28 days.

At Juniper, we make that switch seamless and fully supported — so you can protect your progress without paying more than you need to. Our clinical switching protocol is is simple and safe:

• Review — Your clinician assesses your treatment history and dose tolerance.
• Match — If eligible, you start on an equivalent high dose to avoid losing progress.
• Transition — Only a 7-day window is required between your last Mounjaro dose and your first Wegovy dose (most providers require 28 days).
• Support — Pharmacist check-ins, dose adjustments, and lifestyle guidance keep you on track.

Start your Wegovy switch today →

Mounjaro vs Wegovy

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are considered the gold standard when it comes to aiding weight loss efforts. Thus far, the two medications haven't been directly compared to each other in medical trials.

It's long been thought that Mounjaro leads to more significant weight loss outcomes than Wegovy but with recent research, that is changing.

In clinical trials, patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight, compared to 20.9% with Mounjaro at its highest dose — showing that both can be highly effective when used consistently and with the right support [11][12]. With Juniper, Wegovy is delivered as part of a complete programme that includes expert care, coaching, and tracking tools — to help you get the most from your treatment.

This higher dose of Wegovy isn’t available just yet, but it’s expected to launch in the UK soon.

Thinking about starting your own weight loss journey?

The Juniper Programme includes access to proven weight loss medication tailored to your health history and goals — never a one-size-fits-all approach. With an integrated app, you can track your weight and habits, stay connected to your care team, and access unlimited medication adjustments, personalised support, and expert guidance at no extra cost. We also provide structured tools to help you build lasting habits and offer ongoing support once you reach your goal weight.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy, a groundbreaking weight loss injection that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

We help you make lifestyle and habit changes and we’re in it with you for the long run; having helped thousands of women achieve their weight loss goals.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here.

And if you need help navigating the impact of Mounjaro on your sex drive, Juniper’s supportive clinical team can offer practical advice and strategies for maintaining your libido.

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