Can Steroids Cause You Erectile Dysfunction?
Steroid use, especially misuse, can disrupt hormone levels and lead to erectile dysfunction. This blog explores ways to avoid ED while using steroids, including incorporating ED medicines when necessary.
Let's start with a quick intro to Steroids and find out how they can cause ED.
What are steroids?
Steroids are organic compounds with a four-ring carbon structure. They include hormones, vitamins, alkaloids, and medicines. Steroids are commonly associated with treating inflammatory conditions like asthma or eczema and enhancing muscle growth in gyms.
The two main types of steroids are corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in conditions like rashes, asthma, and multiple sclerosis but may cause side effects such as immune suppression, weight gain, mood swings, and high blood pressure.
Anabolic Steroids: Artificial testosterone is prescribed for hormonal deficiencies, like delayed puberty or low testosterone, but is often misused for muscle building.
Do steroids cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, steroid misuse can cause ED, especially anabolic steroids. A study from the National Library of Medicine highlights this risk, even in men with normal testosterone function. Anabolic steroids, often prescribed for hypogonadism and testicular failure, are commonly abused for performance enhancement, worsening sexual dysfunction in males.
Is there any link between steroids and erectile dysfunction?
Steroids, especially anabolic steroids, can significantly impact sexual function in men. A study by NCBI shows that prolonged anabolic steroid use disrupts hormonal balance by reducing testosterone and increasing estrogen levels. This leads to decreased libido, weaker erections, and reduced sperm count. Anabolics also damage endothelial tissues, impairing penile blood flow and contributing to ED.
Which steroids are more likely to cause erectile dysfunction?
Two types of steroids linked to ED are:
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone): Used to treat inflammation and allergies but can temporarily lower testosterone levels, causing Erectile dysfunction.
- Anabolic Steroids: Artificial testosterone derivatives used legally for conditions like hypogonadism or illegally for muscle gain. They disrupt hormonal balance, affect blood flow to the penis, and reduce sexual function and desire. Prolonged use increases the risk of ED, heart attacks, and cardiovascular issues.
How do we treat erectile dysfunction caused by steroids?
To treat steroid-induced ED, you can consider these ways:
- Stop Steroids: You can cease anabolic steroid use and allow natural testosterone production to resume, which may take 13 to 24 weeks to get back to normal levels.
- ED Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications like Viagra or Cialis for vascular ED.
- Consult a Doctor: If ED persists after testosterone levels normalise, seek medical advice for alternative treatment options.
Can Quitting steroids reverse Erectile Dysfunction?
Stopping steroids can help treat ED by allowing the body to restore natural hormone levels and sexual function. But results depend on steroid dosage, duration, age, health and underlying conditions.
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Partial Recovery: If blood vessel damage is severe, stopping alone may not be enough and further ED treatment may be needed.
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Caution: Stopping steroids abruptly can cause serious side effects. See a doctor to manage the risks and ensure safe recovery.
How long does Erectile Dysfunction last after steroids?
The duration of ED after stopping steroids varies based on factors like dosage, duration of use, age, lifestyle, and overall health.
- Quick Recovery: Individuals with good metabolism may see symptoms resolve soon after stopping steroids.
- Longer Recovery: High doses or prolonged use may require more time for recovery.
- Permanent Issues: Severe blood vessel damage from overuse can cause permanent ED and need further treatment to get sexual function back.
Caution:
Steroid use can have serious side effects on overall health, liver damage, heart issues, and hormonal imbalances. It can also cause mood swings, aggression and long-term fertility problems. Always consult a doctor before using steroids to know the risks and how to use them safely.
Summary
Steroid use can cause serious problems to sexual, physical and mental health. Long-term use can decrease sperm count and cause ED. If you have ED from steroids, see a doctor ASAP.
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Bodybuilding itself does not cause ED. However, excessive exercise might lead to low testosterone levels, which could impact sexual function. A lack of exercise is a more common cause of ED.
There’s no medical proof that taking Viagra enhances the effects of anabolic steroids. Always consult your doctor before combining medications or substances.
Yes, quitting steroids can improve sexual function by restoring normal hormone levels and blood flow, leading to better erections.
Anabolic steroids are the most likely to cause ED as they reduce testosterone levels, leading to decreased libido, low sperm count, and weaker erections.
Steroids should be avoided by individuals with infections, unhealed wounds, or those pregnant, breastfeeding, or in contact with contagious illnesses like shingles, chickenpox, or measles. Also, avoid steroids if you’ve recently had or are planning vaccinations.
To support recovery, quit steroids, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and avoid substance use to help restore hormonal balance and erectile function.
