Wegovy and Fertility: What Women Need to Know
As Wegovy (semaglutide) becomes more widely used, many women of reproductive age are facing a difficult question: how does this medication fit into a fertility journey? For some, Wegovy has meant restored cycles, improved insulin resistance, and real hope after years of trying to conceive. For others, it has raised fears about timing, safety, and mixed medical advice.
Across Reddit and other public forums, women share a surprisingly wide range of experiences-some encouraging, some conflicting, and some emotionally complex. While these stories are not clinical guidance, they offer a candid picture of what many are navigating behind the scenes.
This article explores the major themes that emerge from these discussions, including real-world TTC experiences, IVF planning challenges, medical advice differences, unexpected pregnancies, and the emotional strain of balancing health with fertility goals.
"Can I Stay on Wegovy While TTC?" - The Conflicting Advice
One of the clearest themes from user conversations is how inconsistent the medical guidance can be. Different clinicians-even within the same speciality-give strikingly different recommendations, leaving many women unsure about the safest or most effective approach.
Some women describe receiving very strict guidance to stop early:
After consulting a reproductive endocrinologist, one user explained that her doctor urged a long wash-out period before trying to conceive:
"My RE said not to take it 6 months to a year before trying." -throwawaymafs
Others received shorter timelines but equally firm instructions. A different user shared that her doctor recommended a two-month break before TTC, emphasising uncertainty around fetal safety:
"My doctor told me I needed to be off my GLP-1 for two months prior to TTC… there aren’t any studies of its affect on the fetus yet." -NurseCarlos
Yet in contrast, some women report that their doctors see Wegovy as a tool that can support conception-particularly if weight or metabolic issues are part of the fertility picture. One user described being surprised when her OB/GYN noted that fertility specialists sometimes prescribe Wegovy to improve TTC outcomes:
"Reproductive endocrinologists have put patients TTC on Wegovy and instructed them to take the medication in an effort to aid conception." -jkaurb
The result is a landscape where women are often left to reconcile these contradictory recommendations on their own.
Success Stories: Weight Loss, Restored Cycles & Surprise Pregnancies
Despite the uncertainty, many users report experiences that feel incredibly hopeful-especially those with PCOS or longstanding infertility. For some, Wegovy seems to support fertility indirectly, by improving insulin resistance, reducing inflammation, or restoring predictable ovulation.
One woman shared that after years of TTC and several early losses, Wegovy seemed to be the turning point. She conceived naturally just weeks into treatment:
"After 6-8 weeks on it I found out I was pregnant! This baby stuck and she's a perfectly healthy 1 year old." -Sammmmyp98
Others describe regaining cycles that had been absent or irregular for years. A user with PCOS explained that semaglutide was the first thing that helped her body ovulate consistently-and eventually led to a natural pregnancy after a long TTC journey:
"After 3 years TTC with PCOS… I got pregnant naturally while taking Semaglutide. I'm 37 weeks now with a healthy baby girl." -mineonlyinmind
Even women who were not actively trying to conceive sometimes found themselves pregnant sooner than expected, often after significant metabolic improvements:
"I was on Wegovy when I got pregnant… I immediately stopped and so far the pregnancy has been completely normal and low-risk." -Dry-House-7814
Stories like these fuel the popular term "Ozempic babies"-surprise conceptions that occur after weight loss or restored ovulation.
"My Doctor Says No" - Strict Guidance to Stop Before TTC
Despite the positive outcomes, many clinicians still advise a conservative approach due to the lack of long-term human data. For those in fertility treatment, the guidance can feel particularly strict.
One user shared that both her primary care doctor and fertility specialist were firm in their recommendation to stop semaglutide before any assisted reproduction:
"I was told unequivocally to stop taking it two months before an IVF transfer." -moonshineandtarot
Others described being told to stop even earlier. A user recounted that her doctor recommended a multi-month washout period, citing concerns raised from animal studies:
"My doctor told me to stop for at least 3 months before trying to conceive due to instances of birth defects and miscarriages." -kotnax3
In some families, the warnings came not just from physicians but from medical professionals they trust personally. One woman shared that her nurse step-father strongly cautioned her about continuing the medication while pregnant:
"My step father is a registered nurse. He strictly told me to stop using it if I get pregnant because it can cause miscarriages and baby deformities." -Migastic
These cautions illustrate why many providers prefer a risk-averse, data-driven stance-even when patients feel they benefit from remaining on the medication.
Safety Concerns and Negative Experiences
While most shared experiences are positive or neutral, a smaller number of women report outcomes that raise difficult questions-not necessarily because semaglutide caused the issues, but because the uncertainty around the medication creates emotional complexity.
One mother described the stress of navigating specialist appointments for her child, while still wondering whether semaglutide could have played a role:
"I now have a 12 month old that is going to three different specialists… They can’t tell me if it’s from the ozempic, genetics, or something else." -92artemis
Other users point to animal studies as a reason for caution. A woman undergoing RE treatment highlighted concerns from preclinical research that shaped her doctor’s guidance:
"There were studies done on rats that showed semaglutide while pregnant/TTC can increase stillbirth/MC rate." -Nova-star561519
Others are warned directly about potential risks by their clinicians. One user summarised the advice she received from her provider:
"They warned me it has a risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications… you really shouldn't conceive while still using it." -ExpectingHobbits
These accounts contribute to the anxiety many women feel when weighing the benefits of metabolic improvement against the unknowns.
"My Fertility Specialist Put Me on It" - When Doctors Recommend Wegovy
Interestingly, several users describe the opposite experience: not only being allowed to take semaglutide while TTC, but being encouraged to do so.
One woman shared that her doctor viewed Wegovy as compatible with trying to conceive-and something she could continue until she saw a positive test:
"My doctor said I can still use it while TTC and that I’m only gonna stop using it once I get a BFP." -Dependent-Gear-524
Others explain that their clinicians weighed their metabolic needs against theoretical pregnancy risks. A user with insulin resistance described why her fertility specialist felt continuation made sense:
"My fertility specialist said the benefit outweighed the risk because my blood sugar is so well managed with it." -FluffyResource983
And in some cases, fertility doctors emphasised that the medication’s risks are unknown-not proven. One user explained how her specialist framed the decision:
"The only reason they suggest stopping before conceiving is because they haven't tested the effects on pregnancies." -Rare-Visual6253
These experiences reflect the real-world clinical divide and the nuanced, case-by-case decisions some providers are making.
Wegovy During IVF: Egg Retrieval, BMI Requirements & Mixed Outcomes
Women preparing for IVF face additional complexities, including BMI thresholds, medication interactions, and procedural considerations.
Some clinics allow semaglutide during the weight loss phase but require stopping before embryo transfer. One woman explained that her fertility doctor was comfortable proceeding with the early stages:
"My fertility doctor suggested we may be able to move forward with egg retrieval without ceasing semaglutide injections." -ThatTeacherLife
Other clinics focus on anaesthesia safety. A user shared that her team required stopping before egg retrieval to reduce aspiration risk, since semaglutide slows gastric emptying:
"I was told I have to stop a week before the retrieval because of slower gastric emptying and aspiration risk." -sharkandawesome
But the experiences during IVF are not always smooth. One woman described undergoing back-to-back retrievals-one before semaglutide and one shortly after starting it-leading to unexpectedly different embryo results:
"We got 19 eggs… only 3 came back normal. I can’t help but wonder if maybe my results would have been different if I did not take that first shot." -Sudden-Huckleberry-7
Her uncertainty reflects a broader theme: cause and effect is impossible to determine, but women understandably examine every variable during fertility treatment.
The Emotional Landscape: Hope, Fear & Timing Pressure
Trying to conceive can already be emotionally taxing. Adding a medication that helps dramatically-but comes with unknowns-makes the experience even more layered.
Some women fear judgment from providers or worry about losing hard-earned progress. One user described her anxiety before visiting a specialist:
"I am honestly very nervous… I feel judged and worried about losing all the progress." -Adventurous-Rice9924
Age-related pressure also weighs heavily. A woman in her late 30s shared how difficult the decision felt while facing IVF delays:
"I’m 38 and running out of time… it was such a hard decision but I did decide to use Wegovy." -SpecificAnybody438
Others simply feel frustrated that a medication that transformed their health is surrounded by stigma:
"These medications get so much hate, when they can be life changing for some!" -Adventurous-Rice9924
Across these emotion-filled stories, the common threads are hope, fear, and the desire to do the "right" thing-even when that isn’t clear.
What Helps Women Make Their Decision (According to Users)
Across hundreds of discussions, several practical strategies come up repeatedly. These are not medical recommendations, but insights women found helpful as they navigated their choices.
Clarifying With All Providers
Some women feel unsure whether their fertility specialist knows they’re still taking semaglutide-highlighting the importance of full transparency. One user admitted she chose not to disclose her prescription because her doctors recommended stopping early:
"I didn’t disclose the Semaglutide prescription to my fertility doctors… I made a personal choice to continue it while TTC." -mineonlyinmind
Understanding Wash-Out Timelines
Many users share washout periods given by their clinicians. For some, these timelines shape their entire TTC schedule. One woman explained:
"My doctor gave me semaglutide but said I had to be off it for three months before trying to conceive." -lace_roses
Managing Fear of Weight Regain
Stopping semaglutide can trigger real fear about losing progress-especially after long TTC delays. One user described how stress and failed cycles caused her weight to return:
"I gained all the weight and then some back after stopping… stress eating after two failed transfers." -CryOnTheWind
Tracking Cycles After Stopping
Some women find that their cycles remain stable even after discontinuation. A user who conceived soon after pausing the medication shared:
"I was off it for 5ish months but didn’t gain any weight back… got pregnant pretty much right away." -brainz88
Considering Alternatives
A common strategy among clinicians is switching to medications that are considered safer while TTC. For example, one user explained that her doctor moved her to metformin:
"My doctor switched me to Metformin once TTC because it’s safer for pregnancy." -golden_skans
When to Seek Professional Guidance
As women weigh these insights, some situations clearly require direct medical advice-especially when multiple medications or treatments are involved.
One user described how her doctor insisted she choose between semaglutide and active TTC:
"My doctor told me to choose Ozempic or fertility treatment. She wouldn't let me do both." -kotnax3
Another user wasn’t sure whether her OB realised she was still using semaglutide while starting ovulation medication:
"I was concerned my OB wasn't aware I was still on the shot while starting clomid." -AggressiveRule1135
These examples underline the importance of being fully supported and medically supervised when making these decisions.
Pharmacist Comment
We asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, to share his perspective on semaglutide and fertility:
"While semaglutide has clear benefits for metabolic health, it is not licensed for use during pregnancy, and we simply don’t have enough long-term human data to confirm safety. Most clinicians therefore recommend a washout period before trying to conceive-typically between two and three months, depending on the case."
He also highlighted why guidance can differ so widely:
"Fertility specialists sometimes recommend semaglutide prior to TTC because improving insulin resistance and reducing excess weight can significantly support ovulation and pregnancy outcomes. However, once someone is actively trying or preparing for embryo transfer, stopping the medication is generally advised. In all cases, decisions should be made with the patient’s full medical team to ensure safe and coordinated care."
Conclusion: Balancing Fertility Goals With Health Needs
Across the stories shared online, one theme stands out: women are doing their best to navigate a medication that profoundly improves their health, while also wanting to protect their future pregnancies. Wegovy can support fertility indirectly-through weight loss, improved insulin resistance, or restored cycles-but the medication itself remains untested in pregnant women, leading many clinicians to advise caution.
For some, stopping semaglutide feels like a setback; for others, it becomes a turning point that helps them move toward IVF, IUI, or natural conception. The diversity of experiences shows that there is no single "right" path-only the one that aligns best with each woman’s health, timeline, and medical guidance.
If you are considering Wegovy while TTC or preparing for fertility treatment, the most important step is open communication with your care team. With personalised advice and proper planning, you can make choices that support both your long-term health and your fertility goals.
