Ozempic and Fertility: What to Know About GLP-1 Medications When Trying to Conceive

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic affect fertility and are contraindicated in pregnancy. Covers PCOS benefits, washout timing, and safety guidance.

PLUSReviewed: 2026-04-19

GLP-1 medications — Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound — have changed the conversation around PCOS and fertility in ways clinical guidelines haven't fully caught up with. If you're on one of these medications and thinking about trying to conceive, there are specific things to understand about how they interact with fertility, what the safety picture looks like in pregnancy, and how to plan the transition off them. This page covers what matters most.

Does Ozempic (semaglutide) affect fertility?

GLP-1 receptor agonists affect fertility indirectly rather than directly. The medications themselves don't act on the ovaries, but the metabolic changes they produce can meaningfully improve reproductive function. Weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity both support more regular ovulation, better cycle regularity, and in some cases improved IVF response and miscarriage outcomes. The drug's effect on fertility is downstream of these metabolic improvements — the weight loss and insulin changes are doing that work, not the medication acting on reproductive tissue.

Should you stop GLP-1 medications before trying to get pregnant?

Yes. GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in pregnancy at any dose, and current guidance is to stop before attempting to conceive. This applies regardless of dose — a reduced or microdose doesn't change the recommendation. One additional factor to plan for: weight rebound after stopping is common, and most people regain a meaningful portion of lost weight within 6 to 12 months of stopping if lifestyle changes aren't in place. If ovulation returned because of weight loss on a GLP-1, the transition off the medication is a moment worth planning carefully, not just stopping cold.

What are GLP-1 medications and how do they work?

GLP-1 receptor agonists — including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro,

Can GLP-1 medications improve fertility in people with PCOS?

For people with PCOS specifically, GLP-1 medications can be transformative. Many people with PCOS begin ovulating again as weight decreases and insulin resistance improves. Some conceive naturally for the first time once ovulation returns — ovulation disruption in PCOS is frequently tied to insulin resistance and its downstream hormonal effects, and addressing insulin resistance directly can address a core mechanism of cycle irregularity. The benefit is most pronounced in PCOS cases where insulin resistance is a primary driver of the condition.

What is the recommended washout period for GLP-1s before trying to conceive?

Current guidance is to stop at least 8 weeks before trying to conceive. This is based on the pharmacokinetics of semaglutide and other GLP-1 agents, which have longer half-lives than many medications. Some clinicians advise a longer washout period depending on the specific drug and dose. Discuss your specific medication and timeline with your prescriber — the 8-week figure is the current floor, not necessarily the ceiling. Plan for the washout period in advance so it doesn't compress your TTC timeline unexpectedly.

Are GLP-1 medications safe during pregnancy?

GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy and should be stopped before attempting to conceive. If you find out you're pregnant while still taking a GLP-1, stop the medication and contact your OB the same day — not next week. The available outcomes data to date has not shown dramatic harm from inadvertent first-trimester exposure, but this is a conversation to have with your provider immediately. The lack of adequate human safety data in pregnancy is the reason these medications carry a pregnancy contraindication, and that conversation belongs in the clinic the day you get a positive test.