The word on everyone’s lips… Ozempic! Ozempic and other GLP-1 like receptor agonists — like semaglutide (Wegovy, Rybelsus), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), lixisenatide (Adlyxin), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and exenatide (Bydureon) — are medications that aid in the management of type 2 diabetes, and in some cases, obesity. They have recently garnered attention for their potential role in positively and negatively impacting fertility in women and men, however, let’s dive into what we currently know and the specific considerations when freezing your eggs.
Impacts on Preservation Cycles
While there is no current evidence linking the use of these medications with negative outcomes on egg freezing stimulation or egg quality, ongoing studies show an increased chance of complications related to the anesthesia associated with egg retrievals.
Before undergoing anesthesia, it is generally recommended to stop taking Ozempic. This is because GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic can affect gastric emptying and delay digestion. Anesthesia affects gastrointestinal motility, often requiring patients to fast at least 12 hours prior to a procedure to empty the stomach. If a patient is on Ozempic at the time of anesthesia, this can lead to complications such as delayed gastric emptying, gastrointestinal discomfort, and potential aspiration.
For the safety of the egg retrieval procedure, healthcare providers often advise patients to discontinue Ozempic and other GLP-1 like receptor agonists for 2 dosing intervals (~15 days) prior to undergoing anesthesia to reduce the risk of these complications. Patients may also be asked to undergo a specific fasting protocol or liquid diet in the 24 hours leading up to their egg retrieval.
The recommended timeframe in which to discontinue Ozempic before starting the egg retrieval process may also be impacted based on a patient’s personal history and whether she has additional risk factors for aspiration. The decision to undergo egg freezing while taking Ozempic should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider so they may provide appropriate guidance and recommendations based on your clinical history.
Valerie Shafran, MSN, FNP-C is an empathetic board certified nurse practitioner who is passionate about educating women regarding their reproductive health and their future options surrounding fertility. Valerie has been with Extend Fertility for over 4 years and has an extensive background in women’s health. She has worked within the postpartum and OBGYN settings and has dedicated her career to providing exceptional and personalized care to each of her patients. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Washington University in 2017 and received her Masters Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2021.
Learn more about Extend Fertility’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
