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Steroids are commonly prescribed and used to treat a range of conditions and symptoms- from low testosterone levels to autoimmune diseases. Some people also misuse a certain type of steroid known as anabolic-androgenic steroids in an attempt to build muscle mass, improve athletic performance, and/or improve physical appearance. (Anabolic Steroids, 2023) (Corticosteroids, 2024)
Admittedly, it feels like an easy way to boost confidence and improve your physique- but misusing any medication, including steroids, is dangerous and can lead to negative health effects.
Whether or not you’ve been prescribed steroids by a medical professional, steroid use has been tied to a range of side effects, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). (Corona, G. 2022) Understanding the relationship between steroid use and sexual health is crucial for those considering or currently using these medications. Let’s talk some more about the different types of steroids.
Corticosteroids vs anabolic steroids: What’s the difference?
Corticosteroids are synthetic drugs similar to cortisol, a hormone produced in the body to help regulate our stress response. Corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammation caused by health conditions such as lupus, arthritis, or eczema, or to help the body heal following an injury. (Corticosteroids, 2024)
Anabolic steroids are a synthetic form of the male sex hormone testosterone, which plays an important role in the development of male sex characteristics, red blood cell creation, healthy bones and muscles, and an increased sex drive. (Anabolic Steroids, 2023) Anabolic steroids are often prescribed to treat hypogonadism (low testosterone), certain types of breast cancer, endometriosis, delayed puberty in children assigned male at birth, and more. (Anabolic Steroids, 2023)
Do steroids cause ED?
There is evidence of both corticosteroids and anabolic steroids being linked to sexual dysfunction, including ED, decreased testosterone levels, and reduced libido. (Corona, G. 2022) (Kotze, J 2023) (Mohammed, A 2020)
A 2022 study focused on anabolic steroid use found that between 19% and 31% of males using anabolic steroids experienced low libido and erectile dysfunction. (Corona, G) Additionally, multiple studies have found that cortisol may have inhibitory effects on the male sexual response, including erectile dysfunction and lower testosterone levels. (Rahardjo, H. 2023) (Mohammed, A 2020)
But why does this occur? It all comes down to the way steroids impact the body’s hormones, specifically testosterone production.
Understanding steroids and their effects
Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat swelling or inflammation in the body, as well as allergic responses. However, corticosteroids can also reduce testosterone levels, especially if used over a long period of time. (Morrison, D 1994) This reduction is often temporary, but long-term use of corticosteroids can have longer-lasting negative effects, including (Rice, J 2017):
Hypertension
Bone fracture
Nausea
Vomiting
Metabolic issues
Reduced testosterone levels
Anabolic steroid use can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance. When external testosterone is introduced, the body may reduce or halt its own production, leading to decreased natural testosterone levels once steroid use ceases. (Corona, G 2022) Anabolic steroid misuse, and subsequent hormonal imbalance, can lead to a range of negative health effects, including (Corona, G 2022) (NIH. May 2023):
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced sex drive
Decreased sperm production
Enlarged breasts
Shrinking of the testicles
Male-pattern baldness
Testicular cancer
How to avoid ED on steroids
If you are taking steroids, you’re likely wondering how you can avoid these negative effects and prevent ED. We’ve put together 4 tips for avoiding sexual dysfunction, including ED, when using or considering using steroids.
Avoid or stop non-medical steroid use
The best way to improve your chances of negative health effects is to stop the use of any steroids, especially if you are not using them under the direction of a healthcare provider. Non-medical use increases the risk of hormonal imbalances and associated sexual health issues, including steroid-induced ED. (Corona, G 2022)
Many factors play a role in when your testosterone levels are likely to return to normal, but some research suggests that it could take between 13 to 24 weeks from the start of withdrawal. (Nam, W 2018) It is important to note that this may not be the case for everyone, and some adverse effects may even be irreversible.
Consult a healthcare professional
If you are considering using steroids, consult a qualified healthcare provider. They can prescribe you an appropriate dosage and help you monitor your hormone levels to minimize side effects. They may also be able to recommend other medications that could counteract adverse effects- including hormone therapy or ED medication.
Post-cycle therapy (PCT)
For those who have used steroids, PCT involves using medications and supplements such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). (Grant, B 2023) These medications help restore natural testosterone production, stimulate testicular function, and help mitigate ED and other side effects. You should always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on appropriate PCT protocols.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
For those with low testosterone levels, TRT can help restore hormonal balance by administering testosterone through injections, gels, patches, or pellets in order to reverse the effects of hypogonadism. (Barbonetti, 2020) However, it's essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
Erectile dysfunction medications
Another useful way to avoid erectile dysfunction from steroid use is to take an ED medication designed specifically for improving ED symptoms. Phosphodiesterase 5, or PDE5 inhibitors, help increase blood flow to the penis during arousal, resulting in a more satisfying erection. (Dhaliwal A, 2023) Common PDE5 inhibitors include sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). It is important to note that these medications do not increase sexual desire, however, the addition of the dopamine agonist apomorphine (APO) has been shown to have positive effects on those struggling with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. (Ribaric S, 2012)
Rugiet has combined these three FDA-approved medications into one under-the-tongue ED medication, making it easier than ever to get real, long-lasting results.
ED medications and steroids can both interact with other medications. You should always consult a provider before starting or altering the usage of any medication, especially prescription drugs. If you have concerns about your medication, side effects, or the potential of erectile dysfunction, you should make an appointment with a provider. Our network of board-certified Rugiet Health physicians is a great resource- get connected with a provider today.
Rugiet's approach to ED treatment
At Rugiet, we understand the complexities of ED and offer personalized treatments tailored to individual needs. Our patented ED medication, Rugiet Ready, combines multiple active ingredients to provide a comprehensive solution for ED. By targeting both physiological and psychological aspects of sexual health, we aim to deliver effective and convenient treatment options.
DISCLAIMER: This article is the expressed opinion of Rugiet Health, and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We have an unwavering commitment to maximizing safety and improving the quality of life for thousands of people all over America in more ways than one. We do not condone mixing any prescribed pharmaceuticals together without first consulting a qualified medical professional.
Citations:
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, October 21). Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/corticosteroids-glucocorticoids
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Justin Kotzé, Andrew Richardson, Georgios A. Antonopoulos, Getting big but not hard: A retrospective case-study of a male powerlifter's experience of steroid-induced erectile dysfunction, International Journal of Drug Policy, Volume 121, 2023, 104195, ISSN 0955-3959,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104195.
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National Institutes of Health. May 2023. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Anabolic Steroids and Other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs). https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/anabolic-steroids
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