Steroids, usually called Corticosteroids or Anabolic steroids, are a group of artificial substances that imitate the actions of hormones naturally produced in the body.
Bodybuilders generally use these for muscle strengthening.
Although some people may find steroids helpful, these might cause or contribute to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) due to their influence on hormone levels.
ED is the persistent inability of a man to produce or sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
It has several potential causes, and steroid consumption could be one of them.
This article will provide better insight into how to avoid Erectile Dysfunction on steroids.
The link between steroids and Erectile Dysfunction
Steroid usage, particularly long-term and high-dose use, can potentially cause Erectile Dysfunction and other sexual health problems.
The risk of ED from steroid usage varies based on several factors, including steroid kind, dose, frequency of use, individual reaction, and general health.
Although not everyone who uses steroids will experience Erectile Dysfunction symptoms. However, they are constantly at risk of developing Erectile Dysfunction.
Steroids can lead to ED through hormonal imbalances, altering blood flow, and other psychological aspects.
Hormonal imbalance
Source: jarun011_from_Getty_ImagesSteroids can affect the body’s average hormone balance, particularly testosterone.
Anabolic steroids, particularly, can inhibit the body’s natural testosterone production.
Testosterone is necessary for optimal erectile function, libido, and sexual wellness.
As a result, having low testosterone can cause ED in some men.
Blood flow and vascular effects
Steroids can influence blood flow and vascular health, leading to difficulties in attaining and sustaining erections.
Steroids may promote blood vessel constriction and decrease the generation of Nitric Oxide.
Nitric Oxide molecule helps relax and expand blood vessels.
These side effects might reduce blood flow to the penis, making it harder to obtain or maintain an erection.
Psychological factors
Steroid usage, particularly at high dosages, can affect mood and lead to psychological difficulties such as increased aggressiveness, irritability, and mood swings.
These factors might indirectly influence sexual function and lead to psychological ED.
Also read: Can steroids affect penis size? Get the facts now: Do Steroids Make Your Penis Smaller?
How to treat steroid-induced ED
Due to their impact on hormone levels, steroids can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
Here are some suggestions if you’re on steroids and worried about preventing or reducing the risk of ED:
Speak with a healthcare provider
Speaking with a medical expert who can offer personalized guidance depending on your health, steroid consumption, and particular requirements is essential.
They can monitor your hormone levels, offer advice, and assist in minimizing any potential side effects.
Follow the recommended dosage and duration
Misusing or abusing steroids increases the risk of side effects, including ED.
Follow the label’s usage directions, or stick to the dosage and timeframe your doctor gave.
Post-cycle therapy (PCT)
A post-cycle therapy program usually follows anabolic steroid usage.
PCT frequently involves using medications like SERMs (Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators) or HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).
This will assist in restoring natural hormone production and reduce the danger of hormonal abnormalities that might lead to ED.
Lifestyle changes
Source: RossHelenLeading a healthy lifestyle can improve general well-being and reduce the risk of ED.
This involves getting enough rest, regular ED exercise, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress for ED, etc.
These elements may have a favorable impact on hormone levels and general sexual health.
Track and control side effects
Manage side effects by checking for any indications of possible side effects, such as ED.
You must consult a healthcare provider immediately if you suffer ED symptoms while taking steroids.
They can assess your circumstances and offer helpful advice.
Medications for ED
Doctors usually recommend oral Erectile Dysfunction pills such as Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis) as a first line of treatment.
Will I get Erectile Dysfunction after the steroid cycle
A steroid cycle is a time period when an individual consumes anabolic steroids to improve performance or muscular gain.
It usually consists of taking a particular combination of steroids for a set amount of time, followed by a period of rest or post-cycle treatment (PCT).
In many situations, Erectile Dysfunction caused by steroid usage can improve or resolve after the steroids are stopped or once the steroid cycle is completed.
Individual reactions can vary, and the intensity and duration of recovery may be affected by factors such as the type of steroids taken, dose, duration of usage, and overall health.
When you stop using steroids, your body will gradually restore its average hormone production and hormonal equilibrium.
Over time, testosterone levels may normalize, which can assist in restoring sexual performance and lessen ED symptoms.
However, the recovery process might take some time and varies from person to person.
Furthermore, if you’ve been using steroids for an extended time or at high doses, the hormonal abnormalities induced by their usage may take longer to overcome.
Also, recovery from steroid-induced ED is not assured, and some people might experience persistent or long-term consequences even after ceasing steroid treatment.
If you continue to have ED or other sexual health difficulties after taking steroids, you must seek the advice of a doctor for a thorough examination and proper treatment.
Conclusion
While anabolic steroids can help with muscle growth and performance, they also have a lot of potential side effects and health hazards.
Erectile Dysfunction is one of the major outcomes of steroid usage.
Most people question how to avoid Erectile Dysfunction on steroids?
Prioritizing general health and well-being are essential.
This includes regular monitoring of health markers, controlling any side effects, and considering post-cycle therapy to aid the body’s recovery.
It is important to use steroids with caution and under the supervision of a certified healthcare practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix Erectile Dysfunction from steroids?
If you’re experiencing Erectile Dysfunction as a result of steroid use, then consult a doctor immediately.Â
He may recommend you Post Cycle Therapy, lifestyle changes, and ED medications such as Sildenafil and Tadalafil.
Do steroids cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, in men, excessive use of steroids can lead to Erectile Dysfunction.Â
Anabolic steroids can lead to low testosterone levels in the body, thus causing low libido and ED.
How long does Erectile Dysfunction last after steroids?
Excessive use of steroids can cause suppress the body’s testosterone level, leading to ED.Â
Unluckily, your body might take four months to a year to return to normal testosterone levels.Â
Because of this, getting back to earlier levels of sexual performance could take a long time.
Would my testosterone levels return to normal when I stop using the steroids?
There is a chance that testosterone levels will return to normal after stopping steroid use.Â
The type of steroids used, the dosage, the duration of usage, the individual reaction, and general health are a few factors that might affect the amount and timing of recovery.
What happens if you suddenly stop using steroids?
A sudden steroid withdrawal may result in a sharp decrease in blood pressure and impact blood sugar levels.Â
You will need to gradually lower the dose to allow your adrenal glands enough time to begin producing their own hormones once more.
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