Erectile Dysfunction is a common sexual disorder in men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB).
Steroids are a group of anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat a wide range of health problems.
But does the use of steroids cause Erectile Dysfunction?
This article will discuss how to avoid Erectile Dysfunction on steroids.
We will also outline a few measures to reduce the side effects of steroids.
Table of Contents
Do steroids cause Erectile Dysfunction
Yes, misuse of steroids can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, misuse of steroids may lead to ED symptoms in men.
This risk intensifies even further in a person with otherwise healthy Testosterone function.
People who take Anabolic steroids, a type of steroid, are more likely to get ED symptoms than others.
This type of steroid is often used to treat Hypogonadism and Testicular failure.
Some individuals might use steroids illegally for performance enhancement purposes.
Such misuses of steroids make sexual dysfunction in males even worse.
How do steroids work
As was already said, steroids are man-made versions of hormones generally produced by the adrenal glands.
The exact working of steroids depends on their type and target of action.
Studies state that there are usually three steroid types: Anabolic, Cortico, and Sex steroids.
Let’s study the working and uses of these steroids through the table below:
| Steroid type | Work of action | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Anabolic steroids | Work by imitating the effects of the testosterone | Enhance performance, improve muscle mass and athletic ability |
| Cortico steroids | Work by attaching themselves to cell receptors | Reduce inflammation and suppress the activity of the immune system |
| Sex steroids | Work by binding themselves to reproductive tissue receptors | Regulate sex hormone and protein synthesis |
Anabolic steroids are linked to certain receptors in muscle cells.
This action causes muscle cells to make more proteins.
It enables the muscles to grow, get bigger and stronger.
Anabolic steroids help the body store nitrogen, essential for muscle growth.
How are Steroids and Erectile Dysfunction linked
The use of steroids comes with a long list of associated side effects.
One of the most significant side effect is that they might affect sexual function in men.
A study published on NCBI states that over or extended use of Anabolics can cause ED.
This steroid type is well-known for its aromatic effects.
This action of Anabolics may disrupt the body’s hormonal balance.
Anabolics may reduce Testosterone production while increasing Estrogen levels.
This action may result in a decreased libido, weaker erections, or a reduced sperm count.
Apart from this, Anabolic steroids may also impact the working of blood vessels.
Anabolics may cause damage to endothelial tissues, reducing penile blood flow.
It weakens your ability to get and maintain an erection, leading to ED.
How to avoid Erectile Dysfunction on steroids
Source: DOUGBERRY_from_Getty_ImagesAccording to Harm Reduction Journal, the best way to avoid ED while on steroids is to avoid using them.
As Anabolic steroids are more likely to cause ED symptoms, one must be even more cautious.
Below listed are a few tips to help you avoid Erectile Dysfunction on steroids:
- Follow the prescription: Adhere to the medicine dosage and precautions as directed by your physician. Avoid overdosing or using steroids for periods longer than recommended.
- Take breaks: Consider taking breaks in between your regular doses. It will allow your body to recover the hormonal imbalance.
- Keep regular checks: Frequently check your blood pressure, sugar levels, and liver function. Using steroids may hamper your regular body functions.
- Improve your lifestyle: Adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and limit substance use. It will help the body restore sexual function.
- Take supplements: Supplements like L-Arginine and Zinc may help to improve male sexual function. Discuss with your doctor to confirm if these can benefit you.
- Seek medical assistance: Discussing steroids’ benefits and side effects can help lower the risks.
Remember, your doctor will prescribe steroids only if they provide more benefits than harm.
But there might be cases when some individuals develop ED symptoms by using steroids.
Talk to a doctor if your situation doesn’t improve, or the symptoms worsen.
How do you fix Erectile Dysfunction from steroids
Erectile Dysfunction is a familiar side effect of steroid use.
There are several ways to address this problem.
These may include reducing the doses of steroids or altogether quitting them.
Let’s discuss the possible remedies in detail here.
Will Quitting steroids reverse Erectile Dysfunction
Source: Syda_ProductionsYes, quitting steroids may help you treat Erectile Dysfunction in some cases.
But ED is an incurable condition that can only be treated.
A study states that when you stop using steroids, the body begins to restore its natural hormone levels.
This recovery action may help you improve your sexual function.
But the exact results depend on a variety of factors.
These include the duration and dose of steroid you used and your overall health.
Age, medicines, and underlying medical issues also affect the recovery rate.
If the damage caused to the blood vessels is significant, quitting steroids may not be enough.
One may require additional treatments for ED to address the issue in such cases.
Please remember that quitting steroids abruptly may cause serious side effects.
Always consult a doctor and discuss the potential risks involved before quitting steroids.
How long does Erectile Dysfunction last after steroids
According to HealthMatch, the duration of Erectile Dysfunction after quitting steroids depends on many factors.
These factors include the dose and duration of steroid use.
The person’s age, lifestyle habits, current medications, and overall health also affect the results.
In some cases, ED symptoms may resolve shortly after quitting steroid use in individuals with a good metabolism.
Men who took steroids at higher doses or for longer periods may take longer to recover from ED symptoms.
Some individuals may have significant blood vessel damage due to the improper or excessive use of steroids.
The ED symptoms may not completely resolve in such individuals.
They may need additional treatments to restore their sexual function.
ED treatments that might help
If you get ED symptoms as a side effect of using steroids, consult a doctor.
Most men may benefit from taking prescription ED medicines.
Your doctor may prescribe Viagra, Tadalafil, or Levitra for your symptoms.
In some cases, medications may not be enough. Your doctor may suggest ED devices like penile rings or a vaccum device.
Rarely may doctors recommend surgeries to restore penile function and treat ED.
Hypogonadism is the condition when the sex organs produce low or no hormones needed for sexual function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are steroids?
Steroids are biologically active chemical compounds that are used to treat various conditions.
They are man-made substitutes for hormones usually produced by the adrenal glands.
Steroids have anti-inflammatory properties.
Can steroids cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, excessive or wrong use of steroids may cause Erectile Dysfunction.
Steroids create a hormonal imbalance in the body, reducing penile blood flow.
Limited blood flow to the penis is a leading cause of ED in men.
Can giving up steroids improve your sexual function?
Yes, quitting steroids may help you improve sexual function.
The body begins to restore the normal functioning after you stop taking steroids.
This action increases the blood flow and may improve your erections.
Which type of steroids are more likely to cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Anabolic steroids have the highest probability of inducing ED symptoms.
Due to its aromatic effects, Anabolics reduce testosterone levels in the body.
This action may result in a decreased libido, low sperm count, and weaker erections.
How can I restore my erections after stopping steroids?
Once you quit steroids, your body will begin to restore its normal hormonal levels.
But you may adopt certain measures to treat ED better.
Exercising regularly, taking a healthy diet, and avoiding substance use help to speed the recovery rate.
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