May 7, 2023 Dr. James D Jablonski

How steroids can make you suffer from erectile dysfunction?

With the aim to build a perfect body image, several men around the globe join a gym and start bodybuilding. They involve in a weight-lifting routine that further promotes anabolic muscle growth.

Though this type of exercise is good for men but increases the amount of natural testosterone in the body, making it strong. On the other hand, a sexual drive of a man is affected to a great extent.

For years, Anabolic steroids have been used by the athletes. Though steroids boost performance athletic but also have various negative side effects at the same time. Intake of anabolic steroids can cause sexual dysfunction like sudden erectile dysfunction in men.

What do you mean by anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic medicines that work in the same way as male hormone testosterone. Anabolic steroids can be applied as a gel, swallowed as tablets, or injected into muscles directly.

Though, they have legal medical usage but are usually used by bodybuilders, athletes, and people who want strength for their workouts. Both men and women consume steroids because they assist in building lean muscle, enhance strength & endurance and decrease recovery time after an injury.  

In Australia, anabolic steroids are legal only when directed by doctors, otherwise, they are not legitimate. They are even not allowed in competitive sports.

How does anabolic steroids harm your body?

You need to know that steroids are a type of hormone- chemical messengers that are used by your body to control metabolism as well as other functions. A healthy human body is capable of producing all the hormones and steroids, it requires to properly function.  

When you start adding additional steroids to your body for a long time, it causes your body to make fewer steroids.

Intake of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement will not only increase your testosterone levels above normal but also stop your body from making testosterone itself. This further affects the levels of other hormones and causes side effects on the full body.

What types of steroids are responsible for causing erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that makes it difficult for a man to attain and maintain the erection required for sexual intercourse. You need to know that erectile dysfunction is a common disorder affecting men around the world. It is also the most commonly reported men sexual problem.

Though, there can be several causes of erectile dysfunction like age, vascular issues, and others. But another cause of erectile dysfunction is the misuse of anabolic steroids.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids

Anabolic steroids cause multiple side effects that further impact the health of the male reproductive system. One of the major side effects of using anabolic-androgenic steroids is erectile dysfunction in men. This problem is common mainly after discontinuation of the steroids.

It is necessary to understand that long-term usage of steroids is also linked with problems in male reproductive health.

How do steroids make you suffer from erectile dysfunction?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic testosterone and when you start taking these steroids at high doses on a regular basis then men can experience a major impact on their sexual performance.

Not only does your sperm count decrease and the testicles shrink but the chance of experiencing erectile dysfunction increases. Due to the aromatase action of anabolic steroids, they cause erectile dysfunction and produce high levels of estrogen as well.

For male sexual function, physiological levels of estrogen are important but the high dosage of estrogen imbalance in your body will cause erectile dysfunction.

Once you stop using steroids, your body will still not make its testosterone for a long time, leading to low concentrations of the male sexual hormone. This further causes issues like erectile dysfunction.

Are there any long-term effects of steroid misuse?

Erectile dysfunction is not only the side effect of using long-term anabolic steroids. Certain side effects of steroids can also result in permanent damage to your body and even death.

Anabolic steroids are not only responsible for affecting the male reproductive organ but are also harmful to cardiovascular health as well as psychiatric health.

Some of the long-term side effects of steroids include:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Damaged arteries
• High blood pressure
• Heart attacks
• Blood clots
• Aggression
• Mania
• Decreased sperm count
• Shrinking testicles
• Male-pattern baldness
• Acne
• Enlarged breasts
• Delusions

It is vital to know that testosterone is a hormone that is not only required to build and maintain muscle mass but is also used in various other normal functions like behavioral functions.

This is the reason why anabolic steroids are legally limited and should not be used unless the doctor prescribes them for treating particular medical conditions.

What is the best and fast way to treat erectile dysfunction?

Here are some most effective actions that one can take for treating condition of erectile dysfunction:

Exercise regularly

If you wish to reduce the risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction by almost 41% then walk for almost 30 minutes a day.

Take a balanced and healthy diet

The chances of experiencing ED are decreased when you start consuming a diet that comprises natural food items like fruits, vegetables, grains, and fish. Avoid the consumption of red meat and processed meats strictly.

Take care of your vascular health because conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar can affect your arteries and cause erectile dysfunction.

Medicines

To treat your ED condition, the doctor might recommend you some effective medicines like Cialis, Viagra, Suhagra, and others. These ED medications belong to the class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. They improve the flow of blood to the male sexual organ and treat erectile dysfunction in men.

Therefore, steroids are one of the effective and best ways to boost your physical performance. But remember anabolic steroids cause serious and long-term side effects to your body like erectile dysfunction.