Many men do not realize that the testosterone they are taking to improve their appearance can seriously affect their fertility and overall health. They may not know that using a steroid such as testosterone to build muscle mass can cause low sperm counts or even the absence of sperm. In most cases, Ovation partner physicians view this problem as treatable. When a man stops taking steroids, sperm generally returns to normal in approximately three months.
Anabolic steroids and semen parameters in bodybuilders.
Sperm count or total sperm count refers to the average total number of sperm present in one sample of semen. Sperm count is one of the several qualities that are assessed during routine semen analysis and is considered an important factor for fertility. Based on the most current World Health Organization guidelines , a healthy sperm count is 15 million per milliliter ml or at least 39 million per sample. A sperm count lower than 10 million per ml is considered abnormal and commonly associated with male infertility. Anything that impacts the hormones that control the production of sperm or acts as an anti-oxidant may aid the healthy development of sperm and help improve sperm count. Overall, factors that influence testosterone levels are thought to have the most significant impact on sperm number and quality. For several decades, researchers have known that sperm quality and fertility rates have been in decline in most Western nations.
Products some men are using to make themselves appear more youthful and fit can also increase their risk of infertility. From underwear ads featuring young muscular models to the latest superhero film starring an actor with a newly buff physique, the pressure to look a particular way or attain a certain level of fitness can be immense. These can include drugs or hormonal supplements to help gain bigger muscles, increase energy levels, or improve their libido. However, what some men may not know is that several of these chemical and hormonal supplements can also increase their risk of infertility. As Dr.
Language: English French. For several decades, testosterone and its synthetic derivatives have been used with anabolic and androgenic purposes. These substances were first restricted to professional bodybuilders, but become more and more popular among recreational athletes. Up to date, 3,, anabolic-androgenic steroids AAS users have been reported in the United States with an increasing prevalence, making AAS consumption a major public health growing concern.