The Frequency of Infertility Following Anabolic Steroid in Bodybuilders in Tehran in 2010

Introduction: Body builders abuse anabolic steroid drugs to improve their strength and their muscle growth and appearance, some of the probable side effects can be sexual dysfunction, infertility and gynecgomastia. Due to the importance of the issue and reports about abuse of drugs in bodybuilders and an unidentified frequency of anabolic steroid drug abuse and unknown side effects, this study was conducted to determine the frequency of anabolic steroid drug abuse and the prevalence if its side effects in Tehran.
Methods: A population of 721 male bodybuilders was chosen in different phases between 1388 and 1389. The instrument of the study was a questionnaire. The content validity was established by administration in one of the districts and by verification with experts. The reliability was computed through Alpha Cronbach .The questionnaire had questions regarding dose,route of abuse of anabolic steroids and the presence of complications such as sexual dysfunction,infertility and gynecomastia. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17; a t-test and Pearson correlation were run.
Results: The frequency of anabolic steroid abuse by bodybuilders in Tehran was 36.19 percent. Nanderolone was the most common drug used by athletes (%75.09). The side effects were infertility, gynecomastia, acne on face and body, atrophy of testis, sexual dysfunction and hair loss. Results showed a direct relationship between dose, length of use and the occurrence of side effects.
Conclusion: Anabolic steroid abuse and its complications are prevalent in bodybuilders and since infertility is the most important complication in this group so the necessity of educating bodybuilders on the correct use and side effects of drugs is mandatory.