The Effects Of Steroids On Fertility And Reproductive Organs

The synthetic form of the male sex hormone testosterone is called steroid. Consequently, use of steroids may have a severe side effect on the reproductive system of both males and females and may affect fertility permanently. The use of any steroid can lead to anabolic (tissue building) and androgenic (masculinizing) effects.

More than 70 side effects of use of steroids have been identified so far. These side effects may range from liver cancer to acne. The areas of the human body most affected by steroids are the liver, the cardiovascular and the reproductive systems. Some side effects like heart attacks or strokes may not be recognized for a long time. On the other hand, side effects like stunted growth may even remain unnoticed.

Steroid is used either in tablet form or by injection. However, the use of injection forms of steroids involves the risk of infection in a case the needles are shared. Thus, it carries the risk of contracting AIDS.

Often steroids are taken by sports people to increase their performance or by occupational users like bouncers, security personnel etc. to increase their muscle size and strength.

Effect of Steroids Use on Male Fertility

Steroid use in men leads to enlargement of the prostrate gland and may increase the chances of prostrate cancer. Besides these, it may lead to accelerated male pattern hair loss.

Since steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, their effect on the reproductive system is obvious. Supra physiological elevations of testosterone are also the result of use of steroids.

Long time use of steroids in high doses results in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, along with reduced serum elevations of LH and FSH and testosterone.

Atrophy of the testes and decreased sperm cell production are caused by a moderate reduction in gonadotropin secretion. It has been reported that oligo, azoospermia and increased sperm cells have been identified in athletes, thus resulting in a decreased fertility.

Steroids cessation will make gonadal functions normal within few months. Also, changes in fertility that occur due to steroids use usually can be reversed within a few months. However, it may take some more time than usual in some cases.

Effects of Steroids Use in Female Fertility

In a normal female body, testosterones are produced in a small amount. Similar to males, synthetically elevated testosterones due to steroids use can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The production and release of LH and FSH gets hampered due to increase in circulating androgens. Consequently, serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogens and progesterone are reduced. It may lead to follicle formation, ovulation and an irregular menstrual cycle. Other side effects of steroids use in females include increased sexual desire and clitoral hypertrophy.

However, steroids used by pregnant women may result in the slow growth of the female fetus. More adversely, it may even lead to fetal death.

Besides all these, if steroids are used during adolescence, then it may lead to stunted growth. The condition of acne gets worse with the use of steroids. Also, prolonged use may have long-term undesirable effects on fertility.

Next article: What Is Lupron And How Can It Help Address Fertility Issues

Email this page to a friend

Featured Fertility Product:

More Articles About Fertility ...

Some Facts About Ovarian Cyst Infertility
Ovarian cysts are generally a common swelling either of one or both ovaries. It is usually harmless. Usually these cysts appear in women who are between the time of puberty and menopause. It is the time...

Why Fertility Rates Are Important
Fertility rates can be quite useful to a society. It gives researchers a glimpse into the future of society and its population. As a result, it can give the government further insight into the things that...

Adoptions - A Basic Guide
All About Adoptions You may have thought about adopting a child, but there are lots of things you'll need to think about before the adoption process can be complete. Here is some information about adoptions...

Recommended Fertility Resources

Ovulite Ovulation Test Kit. Unlimited Testing! Ovulation Testing Unlimited Tests! Home Testing Medical Design. 98% Accurate. Unlimited Number of Tests. Completely Hygienic. FDA Registered. Saliva Based Test. Free Carrying Case. Uses: Ovulite is a simple to use home fertility tester which can predict to a 98% degree of accuracy a woman's likelihood of becoming pregnant on a specific day within her monthly cycle. Ovulite uses a woman's saliva to pinpoint her periods of fertility and infertility by employing a technique similar to staining done in laboratories. It operates on the principle that saliva forms a ferning pattern when dried resulting from the biochemical and hormonal changes (estrogen) taking place in the body during her fertile days. These delicate fern-like shapes, which look like frost on a windowpane, are readily identifiable when observed through the Ovulite personal fertility microscope. Women who wish to conceive can track the patterns of the crystals in order to choose the optimal days for intercourse.

The Infertility Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Cope with the Challenges While Maintaining Your Sanity, Dignity, and Relationships Testimonials from men and women who have survived fertility difficulties accompany exercises and practical strategies designed to help readers make informed decisions, cope with stress and anger, consider third-party reproductive options, and decide when it's time to quit treatment and move on.

For more information about Fertility-related resources, see our Parenting resources section, subscribe to our Parenting Newsletter containing news, updates and insider tips, or go to more articles about Steroids And Fertility.

Related Topics ...

Search for more information on "steroids and fertility" below:

You are here: Home » fertility » The Effects Of Steroids On Fertility And Reproductive Organs