Does anabolic steroids cause low sperm count or infertility? | fitROSKY

 

In the previous article we told you that there are lots of factors which responsible for your low sperm count and misuse of drug or medication is one of them, in this article we are going to talk about 'does anabolic steroids cause low sperm count or infertility?'. 

Anabolic steroid also prescribed to those patient who are suffering from certain disease like AIDS, Cancer to gain weight or muscle mass. 

Due to its muscle mass growth proprieties, misused by bodybuilders and athletes to increase muscle mass or lower body fat percentage. 

Steroids are synthetic drug which mimic the effect of  testosterone (a male hormone). but misuse of anabolic steroid can decrease the sperm count and also show some other side effects. 

 

Related article: What's considered as steroid in bodybuilding

>> Side effects of Steroids in Bodybuilding : Anabolic Steroids

Studies reveals that anabolic steroid cause low sperm count

• An article of 2017 on 'Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the Reproductive System of Athletes and Recreational Users', has been shown that the athletes who are AAS user shows low gonadotropin and testosterone level, which last for several weeks after AAS withdrawal and it also shown prolong effect on the reproductive systems of athletes. 
• Another study of 2015 on 'Prolonged hypogonadism in males following withdrawal from anabolic-androgenic steroids: an under-recognized problem' has been shown that anabolic-androgenic steroid misusers after withdrawal hypogonadism appears to be common, frequently prolonged. 
• Study of 2021 on, 'Adverse Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: A Literature Review' has been shown that longer use of AAS (Anabolic Androgenic Steroid) can alter the secretion of both FSH and LH, cause infertility.
•  A case control study of 2016, 'Former Abusers of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Exhibit Decreased Testosterone Levels and Hypogonadal Symptoms Years after Cessation', has been shown that Former AAS abusers exhibited significantly lower plasma testosterone levels than healthy control participants years after AAS cessation.

So according to the above research article it is clear that misuse of anabolic drug can make you infertile for a while. 

 

Related article: Most common anabolic steroid which used in bodybuilding

 >> Natural bodybuilder vs Steroid users : Side effects, Spot difference, Which one is better

 

Treatment of anabolic steroid-induced infertility 

According to a study steroid-induced azoospermia that is persistent after cessation of steroid use can be treated successfully with hCG and hMG.

In most of the case infertility or sperm count tend to normalize within 4-12 months after cessation of anabolic steroids. 

But in some cases it remains for a longer period. 

Related article: What are natural bodybuilders and how to spot differences between natural and steroid users

Other side effect of Anabolic steroids

• Erectile dysfunction
• Enlargement of breasts in men
• Shrinking of testicles
• Enlarged prostrate
• Cyst development
• Acne
• Aggressive behavior
• Changes in menstrual cycle in women
• Heart problems
• Liver disease
• Growth of facial hair
• Stomach pain
• Deep voice
• Hair loss
• Reduced sperm count
• High blood pressure
• Blood clotting
• Fluid retention