Steroid – a common drug name is one of the popular terms in sports, which associates with a range of potential side effects, including erectile dysfunction (ED). In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to avoid erectile dysfunction on steroids with some of the facts.
Using steroids as a sports enhancer is not a common thing to talk about. It is still seen that many athletes try to boost their performance which is completely illegal with the use of steroids. Excess intake of steroids leads to severe deterioration of health or sometimes can cause death.
The connection of ED with the use of steroids is a common thing in men. As steroids lead to lower sexual drive & shrinkage of the testicles where the body is no longer able to produce testosterone on its own.
Let us understand the working of steroids & how to avoid erectile dysfunction on steroids in a defined manner.
What are Steroids & How It Works
Steroids are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions. It is available in various forms like tablets, inhalers, sprays, creams & injections mostly with a valid prescription. Steroids are used for medical conditions & for building muscles.
Steroids used for medical conditions especially treating inflammatory conditions are called Corticosteroids. It is a man-made version of hormones. Corticosteroids work by blocking the chemicals that cause inflammation, which reduces the damage to the tissues. Additionally, it alters the working of white blood cells lowering the inflammatory response of the body. Apart from treating inflammation, it reduces the immune system of the body, which helps to treat autoimmune conditions, a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the body reversely.
On the other hand, the steroids used for the growth of the muscle are known as anabolic steroids. It works by binding with the intracellular steroid receptors which generates more testosterone levels in the body. Helping in the rapid growth of more muscles. The long-term use of it results in degradation of the health.
Do Steroids Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, there is a steroid called anabolic-androgenic steroids which can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent sexual disorder that has affected most men worldwide. There is no particular cause for ED but factor’s like low blood supply to the penis, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are the primary reasons. And the use of steroids that cause ED is only restricted to some users.
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids(AAS)
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made synthetically produced testosterone. The use of it facilitates quick muscle growth, enhances physical performance, and improves physical appearance also. AAS is a class C drug or schedule III drug with the possibility of addiction & withdrawal of it. And is only available with a prescription. Some of the commonly used AAS include:-
- Anadrol (oxymetholone)
- Anavar (oxandrolone)
- Dianabol (methandienone)
- Durabolin, Deca Durabolin (nandrolone)
- Equipoise (boldenone)
- Finajet (trenbolone)
- Winstrol (stanozolol)
How Does AAS Cause ED?
AAS are the synthetic derivatives of testosterone. It can be used for medical conditions like hypogonadism and testicular failure in a legal way.
The long-time use of AAS leads to a significant decrease in the quality & quantity of sperm count and shrinkage of the testicles. Which leads to improper functioning of the male reproductive system.
ED takes place with the use of AAS due to the action of aromatase. Aromatase results in the production of testosterone in the human body, which also produces large amounts of estrogen. But the high level of testosterone & estrogen sometimes leads to hormonal imbalance causing sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfunction.
This continuous use of AAS leads to the suppression of natural testosterone production in the body. And it can’t produce testosterone naturally like before even if the AAS is stopped or given a break. This results in low production of the male sex hormone ultimately giving rise to ED.
Side Effects of Steroids Misuse:-
Side effects of steroids aren’t normal like other medicines rather they have serious medical issues. Some of the listed side effects are:-
- Cardiovascular
- Hormonal imbalance
- Mental Disorders
- Baldness
There may be chances of other side effects related to the use of steroids, it isn’t possible to mention all of them. Long-term misuse can also lead to death sometimes. Due to steroids’ contribution to a lot of serious health issues, professionals use them but under the observation of a doctor.
Methods to Avoid Erectile Dysfunction on Steroids:-
Some of the ways that can manage erectile dysfunction related to the use of steroids:-
Stop Taking Steroids:-
The foremost thing to avoid the effects of steroids is to discontinue the use of it. As it may take time for the body to produce the natural testosterone. Which can take months or years to recover mainly depending on the use of steroids. And it will affect sexual performance until & unless testosterone returns to normal levels.
Consumption of a Healthy Diet:-
Consult with a doctor in your location for a proper healthy diet that can help to regain your energy level. Consumption of proper foods can bring back the lost glory of man. Though sudden improvement can’t be seen rather slow progress can lead to great change in the body.
Regular Exercise:-
A habit of regular exercise will help to keep you fit & improve the immunity power against all possible diseases. A recent study showed that walking for 30 minutes can reduce the risk of ED by 40%.
Counseling With a Doctor:-
After discontinuing the use of steroids consult with a doctor for a quick recovery. As counseling with the doctor will provide you with proper guidance regarding ED. Apart from the use of medicines some of the useful strategies will help to gain sexual confidence.
Use of Medicines:-
Some of the popular or branded medicines used to treat ED will help an individual to get back the lost sexual drive. Popular medicines like Viagra, Cialis, Eriacta, Kamagra & Levitra will help to gain the proper erection required for sexual performance. Talk to a doctor before jumping to use any of these medicines. As the doctor will provide you with the required dose & necessary precautions.
Pumps & Rings:-
Pumps & rings are similar to the effect of medicines but they act fast by directly having an effect on the blood flow to the penis. If you are unsure about the use of those things visit a doctor for clarified information.
The Conclusion
Use of the steroids not only helps to gain a better physical appearance but comes with life-threatening conditions. Moreover, if it is used in a limited or legal manner it can also result in ED, cardiovascular disease, mental disorder, baldness & other possibilities. Rather, using a natural way is far better than suffering from many complicated health conditions.
Consultation with a medical professional, appropriate steroid selection and dosages, monitoring hormone levels, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key strategies. By taking a comprehensive approach to sexual health, individuals can reduce the likelihood of developing ED while using steroids. Always prioritize your health and well-being by making informed decisions with the guidance of healthcare professionals.