Do anabolic steroids have an impact on male fertility explained

A highly informative piece by IVF specialists of the best IVF centre in Ghaziabad – Gunjan IVF World on a very common query of every fitness enthusiast

Hitting the gym, being into fitness & body building have become an important part of our lifestyle today. And so is the practice of consuming supplements or drugs for muscle growth. But, it is interesting to know that overuse or misuse of these drugs has a negative impact on male fertility. IVF specialists of a leading IVF center in Ghaziabad – Gunjan IVF World pen down an interesting blog about the impact of steroids on male fertility.

To understand the impact of steroids on male fertility, it is important for us to first know what steroids are. A steroid is a compound that has a specific chemical structure and includes hormones, vitamins and alkaloids. Anabolic steroids refer to drugs that help in the process of building up (bone or muscles). These steroids help address hormonal deficiencies and in some cases help people gain weight or muscle mass. “At any given point of time, any misuse of anabolic steroids can have a negative impact on a man’s ability to father a child,” says Dr. Anshu Dhar, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World, the best IVF clinic in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. Gunjan IVF World is the best IVF centre in Delhi with highly advanced centres in Indirapuram, Janakpuri, Meerut and Noida.

“Overuse of anabolic steroids can make the human brain stop stimulating the testicles – the organ that produces sperm. The brain sends a signal to the body that it does not need to produce testosterone anymore. As a result, the body stops producing sperm causing low sperm count to no sperm count,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, Director & Founder, Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF clinic in Ghaziabad. Dr. Gunjan is a leading IVF specialist Ghaziabad and heads the highly experienced IVF team comprising Dr. Aastha Raheja, Dr. Garima Sharma, Dr. Anshu Dhar, Dr. Meenakshi Arya and support staff.

Overuse or misuse of anabolic steroids has a lasting impact on male fertility – from sperm production to sperm quality to testicular functioning.

Impact on sperm production

Research shows that the use of anabolic steroids hinders the secretion of both Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) – hormones that help produce sperm. “Men who use anabolic steroids for bodybuilding often face issues with sperm quality like sperm count and sperm concentration. Studies have also revealed that men with history of using anabolic steroids have less morphological sperm compared to others,” commented Dr. Garima Sharma, Consultant and Centre In-Charge of the renowned IVF clinic in Janakpuri – Gunjan IVF World.

Impact on testicular functioning

Use of anabolic steroids for a long time also impacts the functioning of the testicles. “Using these steroids for a very long time can lead to shrinking of the testicles (testicular atrophy), which may cause impaired sperm production. The misuse of steroids cause the Leydig cells in the testes that are responsible for production of testosterone to get impaired permanently leading to the stopping of its functioning,” says Dr. Aastha Raheja, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – a renowned IVF center in Delhi.

Impact on hormones

Excessive use of steroids can disrupt the normal production of hormones, including the hormones required by the reproductive system. This disruption can lead to decreased production of testosterone and other hormones necessary for sperm production.

“It is important to know that anabolic steroids can impact the fertility of every individual differently, and the extent of the damage may depend on factors such as the duration and dosage of steroid use. Additionally, some of these effects may be reversible if steroid use is discontinued, but the recovery of fertility can take time,” concluded Dr. Gunjan Gupta, a well-known IVF specialist of Gunjan IVF World – an acclaimed IVF center in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.

So, if you are concerned about fertility issues related to anabolic steroid use, it is crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional or a reproductive specialist. Consult the best IVF specialists at Gunjan IVF World; seek personalised guidance and recommendations based on your specific situation and increase your chance of carrying home your ‘Khushiyon ki Goonj’ – your bundle of joy!

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