It seems to be taking a long time for science to sort out exactly what is going on with the relationship between the GLP-1 genre of weight-loss medications and the creation of new humans. This is partly because deliberate experimentation would be unethical. Researchers can’t take a bunch of women who are pregnant or hope to be, and deliberately administer potentially harmful substances to them.
Scientists who want the knowledge are required to wait patiently for the statistics to become apparent among women who have accidentally found themselves in this situation, or who have knowingly and purposely conceived despite being cautioned against it.
An earlier post looked at the two main situations that provided information in earlier years. In some cases, weight loss alone can facilitate conception, and that includes women being treated with Ozempic or similar drugs. But just because this effect was noticed did not imply that the combination of pregnancy and these meds could be recommended. At the same time, unintentional pregnancies were occurring because the drugs might indirectly cause a patient’s birth control pills to be diluted or expelled.
The GLP-i meds purposely delay stomach emptying, so the user does not experience hunger to the same degree as previously, or as soon. Anything consumed stays in the stomach longer than before, which is not particularly desirable for other reasons.
Additionally, the meds commonly cause vomiting, which could also lead to something quite significant, like an unplanned pregnancy because the birth control pills are vomited up too. One way or another, the absorption factor is affected.
Dr. Phillip Kadaj, for example, has said,
If the hormones in birth control pills aren’t being fully absorbed because of the delayed emptying from semaglutide, there’s a chance that the pill may not be quite as effective.
This is quite an understatement when the possible outcome might result in setting up an online “want list” for baby shower gifts and planning a gender-reveal party. It is not a decision to be lightly made. Meanwhile, animal studies have indicated the possibility of unfavorable outcomes like miscarriage and birth defects. Furthermore, the risk incurred by breastfeeding with these drugs present is still a mystery.
One or all?
Currently, it seems that only tirzepatide might, in and of itself, hinder the effectiveness of oral contraception. But all drugs of this class can potentially cause vomiting, and thus the expulsion of birth control pills. And while this type of medication could increase the potential for an unplanned pregnancy, it could also threaten that pregnancy with as-yet-unknown damage. For one thing, maternal weight loss is not usually recommended when a baby is trying to develop inside, needing resources whose availability, or lack thereof, will affect its entire subsequent life.
As is so often the case, there is not enough research yet to really nail down the answer. The sticking point is that among the hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods, no other current method is influenced by changes in the digestive system. Some doctors don’t say enough about this whole area of risk, while others take a conservative stand and advise patients to start using condoms several weeks before starting a course of weight-loss drugs.
(To be continued…)
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “Is There a Connection Between Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Birth Control?,” Healthline.com, 09/01/23
Source: “What to Know Before Taking Obesity Drugs While on Birth Control,” Health.com, 10/24/23
Image by Alick Sung/Attribution 2.0 Generic
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