Men regret anabolic steroid use due to a lack of comprehension regarding the consequences on future fertility

Abstract

Summary We examined whether men with anabolic steroid induced hypogonadism (ASIH) seeking testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) regretted their decision to use anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and what their reasons were for this regret. An anonymous, prospective survey was distributed to 382 men seeking follow-up treatment for hypogonadism. Prior AAS use was confirmed by self-report and men were categorised based upon whether they regretted (R) or did not regret (NR) their use of AAS. The average patient age was 40±0.9 years (n=79) and 15.2% expressed regret over AAS use. No demographic differences were identified between those who regretted AAS use (n=12) and those who did not (n=67). Regret was not related to ASIH diagnosis or to AAS-related side effects like increased aggression, mood disorders, erectile dysfunction, acne, fluid retention or dyslipidemia. Those who regretted AAS use were significantly more likely to have not comprehended the negative impact on future fertility (p<0.030). Actual fertility issues were comparable in men who regretted AAS use (16.7%) and those who did not (13%). A total of 15.2% of men regretted using AAS. A lack of awareness regarding the negative long-term effects on fertility was the primary factor related to regret of AAS use in men with ASIH.

The global epidemiology of anabolic-androgenic steroid use: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis

“…In this regard, AAS use has been linked to cardiovascular disorders including cardiomegaly, cardiomyopathy, elevated blood pressure, fibrosis, ischemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and myocardial infarction. Other general effects of AAS use include abnormal swelling, alopecia, male pattern baldness, hepatotoxicity, hypogonadism, infertility, oily skin and hair, severe acne, and tendon ruptures (Chahla, Hammami, & Befeler, 2014;Darke, Torok, & Duflou, 2014;Fineschi et al, 2007;Gårevik et al, 2014;Kovac et al, 2014;Kuipers, 1998;Kuipers, Wijnen, Hartgens, & Willems, 1991;Parkinson & Evans, 2006;Pope et al, 2013).…”

Attitudes towards use of anabolic–androgenic steroids among Ghanaian high school students

“…In this regard, AAS use has been linked to cardiovascular disorders including cardiomegaly, cardiomyopathy, elevated blood pressure, fibrosis, ischemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and myocardial infarction. Other general effects of AAS use include abnormal swelling, alopecia, male pattern baldness, hepatotoxicity, hypogonadism, infertility, oily skin and hair, severe acne, and tendon ruptures (Chahla, Hammami, & Befeler, 2014;Darke, Torok, & Duflou, 2014;Fineschi et al, 2007;Gårevik et al, 2014;Kovac et al, 2014;Kuipers, 1998;Kuipers, Wijnen, Hartgens, & Willems, 1991;Parkinson & Evans, 2006;Pope et al, 2013).…”

“…In males, AAS use has been linked to changes in libido, erectile dysfunction and impotence, growth of mammary glands, gynecomastia, reduced natural testosterone and gonadotropic hormones, and sperm motility (Bonetti et al, 2008;Hoffman & Ratamess, 2006;Kovac et al, 2014;Kuipers, 1998).…”

Annual banned‐substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing

“…The misuse of pseudo‐endogenous and synthetic anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) is still the anti‐doping rule violation most frequently detected by sports drug testing laboratories. Besides representing a major issue in elite sport, studies concerning motivation and lack of comprehension of related health issues continue to suggest an alarming situation also among recreational AAS users.…”