Medication patterns and fertility rates in a cohort of anabolic steroid users

• Published in: Translational andrology and urology Vol. 7; no. Suppl 2; pp. S198 - S204
• Main Authors: Avant, Ross A, Charchenko, Cameron M, Alom, Manaf, Westerman, Mary E, Maldonado, Francisco, Miest, Tanner, Trost, Landon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China AME Publishing Company 01-05-2018
• Subjects: Original; Testosterone; sports; illegal; pregnancy; substance
• ISSN: 2223-4691; 2223-4683; 2223-4691
• DOI: 10.21037/tau.2018.05.05

To describe self-reported medication patterns and fertility rates in a population of anabolic steroid (AS) users.
We reviewed data from an online survey of AS users and identified a sub-group who had attempted to achieve a pregnancy with their partners while using AS. The online survey consisted of questions addressing demographics, AS use, ancillary medications, and fertility outcomes.
A total of 97 men (of 231 total respondents) had attempted to achieve a pregnancy while taking AS and comprise the current cohort. The majority of men were 25-44 years old (63.9%), married (75.5%) and Caucasian (88.7%). Ancillary drug use was common with only 5.2% denying drug use other than ASs. The most common reported ancillary drugs were antiestrogens (89.7%) and sexual enhancement medications (SEMs) (68%). The fertility rate was 92.8%, with 82.4% achieving pregnancy within one year. Interestingly, only 13.5% sought fertility evaluation with treatment required in 8.3%. Age at initiation of AS use, maximum dosage utilized, yearly duration of supplementation, and number of years using steroids were not associated with a prolonged duration to pregnancy or decreased rate of pregnancy.
Despite continued use of ASs, this cohort's self-reported fertility rates are unexpectedly high. This is presumably related to cycling of therapy and concomitant use of fertility preserving medications.