$Unique_ID{BRK01124}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Is it True That Steroids Can Destroy a Man's Ability to Father a Child?}
$Subject{steroids muscle building hazards}
$Volume{Q-23, Q-22}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it True That Steroids Can Destroy a Man's Ability to Father a Child?


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QUESTION:  Please answer this question, your answer may have the power to save
a marriage!  When I married my gorgeous hunk of a man, I never suspected that
some of the bulges were the artificial result of steroids.  I have come to
love the man not the muscles, and want a baby to complete our family.  However
we have been unsuccessful, and the doctor suspects its the medications.  Is it
true that muscle building hormones can destroy a man's ability to father a
child?  Help me with an answer I can show my husband.

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ANSWER:  I think the most powerful part of this response are your own words in
the question.  Now that you love the man instead of the beef, perhaps when he
sees your sentiments in print, the muscles will be just a bit less important.
But the frightening facts are that among the many unwanted and dangerous side
effects of anabolic steroids (the kind of "hormones" that build muscle) are
several that have a direct bearing on a man's fertility factors.  The use of
these steroids can not only diminish the number of sperm to the point of
non-existant, it can provoke abnormal forms as well.  The sperm that are
produced are less active than normal, and the ability to father a child is
severely affected.  In addition to reproductive difficulties, steroids can
cause hair loss and baldness, acne, and provoke severe alterations in mood and
temperament.  Athletes on steroids are aggressive and irritable, perhaps an
advantage on the field of competition, but definitely a handicap in marital
situations.  Besides cholesterol imbalance, liver tumors and hepatitis have
been associated with the use of these chemicals.  Unless your husband
livelihood is dependent upon an overdeveloped body, it is hard to imagine a
reason for the misuse of these steroids.  The good news is that the effects on
sperm production and their activity seem to be reversible, and a return to
normal can be expected when the drug use is discontinued.  It may be the time
for your husband to take a good look at his priorities, and look to the
future.  A visit to you physician may also help, for I am sure he can provide
you with more information that may deal more specifically with your individual
problems.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
