Male sexual dysfunction associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists: a cross-sectional analysis of FAERS data

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management, are known for their metabolic benefits but may have unrecognized side effects. This study investigates the association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and male sexual dysfunction using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports from Q4 2003 to Q1 2024 were analyzed using the OpenVigil 2.1 platform to identify male patients experiencing orgasmic dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, or decreased libido linked to GLP-1 receptor agonists (tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide, and liraglutide). After cleaning duplicate entries, disproportionality measures (reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and relative reporting ratio (RRR)) were calculated, with Evans' criteria applied to assess signal significance. Among 182 cases identified, patients were predominantly aged 40-60 years, with exenatide accounting for 24.2% of reports, followed by semaglutide (21.4%). Diabetes was the most common indication (43.9%). Despite statistically significant chi-squared values (P < 0.0001), low ROR (0.41, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.36-0.48), PRR (0.41, 95% CI: 0.36-0.48), and RRR (0.42, 95% CI: 0.36-0.48) suggest a weak association. These findings underscore the need for monitoring as GLP-1 use expands, though overall patient risk remains low.