If you are looking to improve your performance, look no further than anabolic steroids. These drugs have been around since the 1930s, and they can provide several benefits, including increased muscle strength and growth and improved recovery rates. However, many people are unaware that steroid use can also authentically impact male fertility. And this isn’t just something that can happen to people who take these drugs for long periods either—even short-term use of anabolic steroids can have devastating consequences for male fertility. Read on to learn more about anabolic steroids and how they can impact male fertility.
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids are a group of artificially created drugs to mimic the hormone testosterone. This can help increase muscle mass and strength and reduce fat. Various types of anabolic steroids contain the same essential components: testosterone and the male hormones dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and nandrolone decanoate.
Steroids and Male Fertility
There are several ways in which steroids can impact your fertility.
- They can decrease sperm count, which in turn decreases the male’s ability to get pregnant.
- They can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to erectile dysfunction.
- They can dramatically alter hormone levels, which creates changes in the testicles, prostate and other reproductive system areas. These changes make it more difficult for sperm to be produced or for semen to be released.
- They could inhibit natural testosterone production, which can lead to infertility.
How does steroid use affect male fertility?
The use of steroids can affect male fertility in several ways. Namely, it can decrease sperm count and quality, making natural conception difficult if not impossible. In addition, the increased levels of estrogen caused by steroid usage can result in gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and erectile dysfunction.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances identical to testosterone that affect muscle development and metabolism. They may be prescribed for various medical purposes, such as delayed puberty or muscular dystrophy treatment. Still, they are often abused by people who want to build muscle quickly or athletes who want to improve their performance.
Anabolic/androgenic steroids are substances related to the male sex hormone testosterone. The term “anabolic” refers to the ability of these drugs to promote the growth of skeletal muscles and connective tissues; “androgenic” refers to increased masculine traits among males, such as a deep voice, body hair growth and prostate enlargement. For decades anabolic-androgenic steroids were used unlawfully, seeking improved strength or enhanced appearance without any accompanying medical need until 2004. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) created a list of more than 100 prohibited drugs, with anabolic-androgenic steroids at the top.
Long-term effects of steroid use on male fertility
Long-term use of steroids can have a significant impact on male fertility. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that long-term users of anabolic steroids had substantial decreases in their sperm count, semen volume and sperm motility. These factors contribute to fertility problems.
Conclusion
If you are starting a family, it is essential to take note of the potential effects that steroids can have on male fertility. It is necessary to educate yourself on the risks and long-term effects of steroid use before using steroids. If you are currently using steroids, it is essential to consult your doctor about the best ways to protect your fertility.