There are some drugs, both legal and illegal, that can have a negative impact on male fertility. Anabolic steroids are used to decrease body fat and increase muscle mass. Also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids, these drugs are being used among non-competitive athletes and non-athletes. Testosterone is an anabolic steroid.
These types of steroids can do damage to male fertility. The drugs interfere with the hormone signals required to produce sperm. The amount of damage depends on which drugs are being used, the dosage and how often they are taken. Anabolic steroids can be found in some fitness and muscle-building dietary supplements from unreputable companies.
Excessive amounts of anabolic steroids may help you achieve a more muscle-bound physique; however, at the same time, it can also lower your sperm count considerably. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are important hormones in sperm production. These drugs affect FSH and LH and in some men, will completely diminish sperm to the point where there are no sperm in the ejaculate.
Regaining Fertility
Misusing anabolic steroids to look buff and muscular comes with a very high risk of becoming sterile. In fact, studies show that abusing steroids can increase your risk of sterility by as much as 90%. Your physique may be stunning and attractive to the opposite sex, but you risk losing your ability to father children.
Fortunately, the sterility caused by misusing anabolic steroids can be reversed for most men. In general, it may take from six to 12 months for you to regain fertility after you stop using steroids. Some individuals may not recover for as many as three years after misusing anabolic steroids. Men who are planning on fathering a child should refrain from anabolic steroid use.
Neway Fertility helps families facing fertility issues discover options to build their family. If you are having problems with fertility, contact our office, and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
