Many men seek the ideal physique through bodybuilding, training with heavy weights in a specific way to maximise anabolic muscle training.
In the long run, this exercise is beneficial for men because it boosts their natural production of testosterone, making them physically more muscular, leaner, and more sexually aroused. However, men would use anabolic steroids to strengthen their muscles further.
Anabolic steroids boost testosterone levels by adding to the body's natural supply (known as endogenous testosterone) and introducing new testosterone into the system (known as exogenous testosterone).
However, it is essential to note that using anabolic steroids has side effects, including erectile dysfunction.
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced with similar effects to testosterone. Some medical conditions require their use. If your doctor has prescribed anabolic steroids, you can safely take them if you follow their dosage and administration instructions.
The issue here is the widespread illegal use of anabolic steroids. Steroids are widely used in the bodybuilding community to rapidly increase muscle mass, decrease body fat, and enhance athletic performance. The use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs has been banned by most sports organisations, which also routinely test their athletes.
Does the use of steroids cause erectile dysfunction?
Steroid use is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. When a man takes steroids, his body stops producing its testosterone, which can diminish his sex drive and lead to his testicles shrinking. Fortunately, there are available treatments for erectile dysfunction, and there are measures you can take to ensure it doesn't occur in the first place.
Besides erectile dysfunction, overuse of anabolic steroids can lead to low sperm count, baldness, and infertility. Some men recover from their symptoms after stopping their use of anabolic steroids, while others endure long-term adverse effects on their reproductive organs.
How do you fix erectile dysfunction from steroids?
- Stop using steroids completely. Damage caused by steroids varies, but it usually takes 3-12 months for testosterone levels and sperm count to return to normal levels after discontinuing use. If you are struggling with addiction and need help, it is essential that you get professional medical assistance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. A Harvard study found that men who walk for 30 minutes per day are 41% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction. So, it's recommended that you change your way of life. Ultimately, one's way of life can significantly impact on their health. Changes in lifestyle, such as giving up tobacco, cutting back on alcohol, and losing weight, will help the body function at its best.
- Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a diet rich in natural foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables, and grains while avoiding red meat and processed meats and grains can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
- Take care of your vascular health. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by damage to the arteries, caused by conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.
The effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid use, such as low libido and erectile dysfunction, can persist long after the user has stopped taking the drugs. A boost in libido without any erectile dysfunction symptoms is possible when using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), but long-term abuse can have the opposite effect. Some men report that erectile dysfunction symptoms improve after they stop taking steroids, while others say the opposite is true.
Where to seek professional help for erectile dysfunction?
Although it is more common in the elderly, erectile dysfunction is not caused by ageing. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by conditions such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, or alcohol use.
If you or a loved one is experiencing erectile dysfunction, or if you want to take preventative measures to avoid erectile dysfunction, our doctors and compounding pharmacists can help provide personalised treatment to improve your quality of life.
We want to help men feel their best and gain control sooner. Our treatment plans aren't one-size-fits-all, they are tailored with your unique needs in mind, and support is offered every step of the way - from consultation to treatment delivery to post-treatment.
Need more information on how to treat erectile dysfunction? Please get in touch with us, or you can take our quick 3-minute quiz on our website to understand the severity of your issue and how we can help.
