Abuse of Anabolic Steroids and Male Infertility

Backgournd: Illegal use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has recently appeared as a major form of substance abuse worldwide. The administration AAS by negative feedback leads to repression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis (HPT) in men and consequently hypogonadism. Research method: In this review study, the databases including Sid, Magiran, Google Scholar, Pubmed were searched. The criteria for entering the study, the timeframe for publication of the article, was proportional to the purpose of the study.Results: men who misuse AAS for athletic purposes or for personal appearance are at risk for developing AAS-induced hypogonadism, especially if they have ingested AAS for prolonged periods. Symptoms of hypogonadism include loss of or lack of libido, erectile dysfunction and, sometimes depressive symptoms. Recent studies have shown that hypogonadism is gradually resolved after discontinuation of AAS by stabilizing normal HPT in a few weeks to several months. Incomplete recovery of gonadotropins seems to result in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In this case, the administration triptorelin, clomiphene citrate or HCG, may be able to improve HPT performance. Although recent study found that loss of libido and erectile dysfunction may even be seen even if testosterone levels are normalTo prevent dependence of AAS, patients with hypogonadism need treatment for endrhogrenic endocrine disorders. It may also be necessary to treat antidepressants or drug dependence treatment to reduce the risk of re-use. Conclusion: Informing people about the adverse effects of these drugs and their prohibition on long-term use and the clinical support of urological and endodontic specialists is necessary.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anabolic androgenic steroids ، Male infertility ، Hypogonadism