In recent years, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become household names. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications are now being used more widely for weight management and metabolic health.
Many people exploring fertility treatments also live with conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — all of which can make getting pregnant more challenging. Because GLP-1 drugs can improve metabolic health and hormone balance, fertility specialists and patients alike are asking how these medications fit into a fertility care plan.
As more people begin taking them, many seeking fertility care want to know: Can GLP-1 treatments help or hinder fertility?
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications, also called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), are a type of medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
Some of the most common brand names include:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Zepbound
- Mounjaro
When someone eats, their digestive system breaks carbohydrates down into glucose, or sugar, which moves into the bloodstream. In response, the GLP-1 hormone triggers the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells, where it can be used for energy. GLP-1s also tell the body to release less glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. Together, these actions help keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
Beyond blood sugar control, GLP-1 medications also affect how quickly food leaves the stomach and how the brain senses fullness. By slowing digestion and reducing hunger signals, these medications can help people feel full sooner and stay full longer.
Over time, the effects of GLP-1s can lead to weight loss and better control of metabolic conditions that negatively impact fertility. While these medications were designed for diabetes, researchers are now studying their broader health effects, including their impact on fertility and reproductive health.
GLP-1 and fertility: The research
As GLP-1 medications become more widely used, more people are asking how they might affect fertility and pregnancy. So far, research offers some promising, but still limited, insights.
Early studies show that GLP-1 treatments may improve key fertility factors like reproductive hormone balance, menstrual regularity, and ovulation rates in some people due to weight loss. However, researchers are still determining whether these changes translate into better outcomes during fertility journeys. Most clinical trials so far have been small and short-term, and experts emphasize that more research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
One of the best-known GLP-1 receptor agonists is semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. While research on semaglutide’s direct impact on fertility is limited, early studies show encouraging results for people whose fertility challenges are linked to metabolic or hormonal issues.
Evidence suggests semaglutide may:
- Improve insulin sensitivity and support weight loss in people with PCOS, a leading cause of infertility.
- Lower free androgen levels, which can help regulate hormones disrupted by PCOS.
- Promote more regular menstrual cycles and ovarian function.
At the same time, experts caution that GLP-1 medications should not be taken during pregnancy. There isn’t enough data on long-term safety.
While early evidence suggests GLP-1 medications can help create a healthier metabolic environment for getting pregnant, they should be viewed as a pre-pregnancy tool as someone is preparing for pregnancy.
GLP-1 and PCOS Fertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 6%–13% of people of reproductive age worldwide. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that often causes irregular periods, elevated testosterone levels, insulin resistance, and symptoms such as weight gain. Because insulin resistance can also occur in PCOS, researchers are interested in how GLP-1 receptor agonists might help.
Studies show that GLP-1 medications may help regulate menstrual cycles and restore ovulation in people with PCOS. A meta-analysis review found that GLP-1 use improved both metabolic and reproductive outcomes in people with PCOS. By improving insulin sensitivity and supporting weight management, GLP-1s can help restore a person’s regular ovulation cycles and manage fertility struggles from PCOS.
GLP-1 and IVF Outcomes
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex process that depends on many factors, including hormone balance, egg quality, and overall metabolic health. Since GLP-1 medications can influence these same systems, there is interest in learning how GLP-1s can affect IVF success rates.
Some fertility specialists have started recommending GLP-1 therapy as part of a pre-IVF plan, especially for people with obesity, insulin resistance, or PCOS. However, experts also emphasize that evidence is still limited. Most of the research comes from small pilot studies or animal models, and there are no large-scale, long-term trials yet proving that GLP-1s directly boost IVF success rates.
For now, fertility doctors are taking a cautious, case-by-case approach, using GLP-1s to improve pre-IVF health but pausing them well before attempts at getting pregnant. Future studies will determine whether pre-IVF GLP-1 use can directly increase success rates.
Because of the potential benefits, Carrot provides members with managed access to fertility-supporting GLP-1 medications through Sprints.
Can you get pregnant while on Ozempic?
Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant while taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 medications. These drugs may improve pregnancy outcomes due to improved insulin resistance, reduced inflammation, and weight loss. GLP-1 medications can also interfere with birth control pill absorption, which means oral contraceptives may not be absorbed as effectively.
As a result of using GLP-1s, people who previously had irregular periods or believed they couldn’t get pregnant may experience more regular ovulation — and even unexpected pregnancies! This phenomenon has earned the nickname “Ozempic babies” in popular culture. However, most reports of “Ozempic babies” are anecdotal. At this time, there is no scientific data on how many pregnancies have occurred as a direct result of GLP-1 use.
Because GLP-1s may pose potential risks during pregnancy, trying to get pregnant while actively using these medications is not recommended. Experts advise stopping GLP-1s one to two months before trying to get pregnant to allow time for the drug to fully clear from the body.
When GLP-1s may help vs. when they may interfere with fertility
GLP-1 medications can benefit fertility care, but timing and supervision matter. Whether these drugs support or interfere with getting pregnant depends on how and when they’re used.
When GLP-1s help fertility
For people managing obesity, insulin resistance, or PCOS, GLP-1 medications can support fertility goals before trying to get pregnant. These drugs have been shown to:
- Improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar
- Support weight loss that supports reproductive health
- Reduce inflammation and improve overall metabolic health
By improving the body’s metabolic foundation, GLP-1 medications may help create conditions that support healthy pregnancy outcomes.
When GLP-1s may interfere with pregnancy
The same medications that support pre-pregnancy health can also pose risks if used too close to or during pregnancy. Because GLP-1s remain in the body for weeks, continuing them while trying to get pregnant can expose the embryo during early development. One study found no risk of major birth defects for the baby due to GLP-1 exposure during the first trimester — but more studies are needed to validate these findings.
The bottom line is that the safest and most effective approach for using GLP-1s for fertility is a medically supervised plan that’s personalized to your needs.
Does insurance cover GLP-1s for fertility?
Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications typically depends on why they’re being prescribed. These medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, specifically for weight management.
Coverage is most common when GLP-1s are prescribed for type 2 diabetes or related conditions. Coverage for weight management alone is less consistent. When it comes to fertility, GLP-1 medications are generally not covered for that purpose alone. However, this landscape is evolving. With more people using GLP-1s and research emerging around their broader health impacts, coverage policies may expand.
For Carrot members, GLP-1 medications may be included as part of a personalized fertility plan during the Premester period. Carrot clinicians can review health history, coordinate with prescribing providers, and help members understand coverage options through their employer-sponsored benefits.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can GLP-1 medications improve fertility?
It depends, and the evidence is still emerging. GLP-1 medications can improve multiple factors that contribute to reproductive health and better pregnancy outcomes. For people with PCOS or obesity-related infertility, these changes may make it easier to get pregnant. However, there’s no strong proof yet that GLP-1s are directly tied to improved fertility.
Is it safe to take Ozempic while trying to get pregnant?
No. Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists are not recommended while trying to get pregnant. Experts advise stopping one to two months before pregnancy attempts or fertility treatments. This allows time for the drug to fully clear from the system.
Are GLP-1 medications safe to take during pregnancy?
Currently, GLP-1 medications are not considered safe during pregnancy. Data on the effects of GLP-1s during pregnancy are limited. If someone becomes pregnant while taking a GLP-1 medication, they should contact a healthcare professional immediately for guidance.
Does GLP-1 help people with PCOS conceive?
Research suggests GLP-1 medications can help restore regular ovulation and hormone balance in people with PCOS. These drugs may be more effective than older treatments like metformin for improving cycle regularity. Still, they should only be used under medical supervision and before attempting to get pregnant.
Should I stop GLP-1 medication before IVF?
Yes. Most fertility specialists recommend pausing GLP-1 therapy one to two months before beginning fertility treatments. This ensures the medication does not interfere with early pregnancy or treatment outcomes.
The future of GLP-1s and reproductive medicine
GLP-1 medications have already transformed how clinicians treat diabetes and obesity. Now, researchers are exploring how these same drugs might shape the future of reproductive medicine.
A narrative review argues that GLP-1s may play a role in helping people prepare for pregnancy, but notes that evidence is insufficient at this time. Pre-clinical studies show that GLP-1 medications seem to help the brain release hormones that trigger ovulation, and may also have positive effects on the ovaries and the uterine lining.
As an emerging treatment, experts agree that more evidence is needed before GLP-1s can be routinely used in fertility care. In the coming years, GLP-1s may find a more permanent place in fertility medicine as a pre-treatment option through metabolic-fertility programs like Carrot Sprints.
The Role of GLP-1s in Fertility Care is still evolving
GLP-1 medications have opened a new conversation about the connection between metabolic health and fertility. There is evidence that GLP-1s can make a meaningful difference in reproductive health. At the same time, these medications are still new — there’s not enough long-term data to know exactly how GLP-1s affect pregnancy outcomes.
For people considering GLP-1 medication as part of their fertility journey, be sure to consult with a reproductive endocrinologist familiar with metabolic medicine. Together, you can determine the right timeline, dosing plan, and transition off medication to support the healthiest possible outcomes.
Exercise%20%26%20fertility.avif)
.svg){kind=small}
