Steroids and Sexualtiy

Steroids and Sexuality

HSC 425i

12/5/2006

In today’s media driven culture there seems to be a high value placed on a person’s physical appearance. Stereotypes and assumptions are made about those who are in great physical shape, as they are of those who are considered to be overweight or out-of-shape. With constant media bombardment of being physically beautiful, many Americans have resulted to attaining the ideal physique by unnatural means such as cosmetic surgery, weight loss drugs, and the recent surge in the popularity of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are defined as male sex hormones, or androgens, that promote muscle growth produced synthetically in a laboratory. (Wikipedia 2006) They have been becoming increasingly popular with athletes and non-athletes alike to achieve physical goals otherwise unattainable.

For the focus of this research it is important to understand the impact that steroids have had on men from a sexual perspective. Apparently many men who decide to take illegal anabolic steroids have struggled with body image for prolonged periods of time and are willing to result to drastic measures in order to reach what they consider to be perfection. (Volkow 2006) Negative body image is known to decrease one’s self esteem and confidence often leading to sexual apprehension for fear of being perceived as unattractive by one’s partner. Of the many reasons that men seem to develop body image issues, such issues are often never resolved regardless of how much physical perfection a man is able to attain. Studies have shown that the use of steroids have a profound effect on the sexual wellbeing of users.(Meriggiola 2002) Whether in use for long or short periods of time, steroids have been shown to cause numerous sexual health issues such as infertility, impotence, decreased sexual desire, sexual aggression, and Gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men). This research paper will analyze how steroid use alters men’s sexual health and well-being, and will attempt to discover what the underlying psychological reason for steroid use is.

The history of anabolic steroids can be traced back to Germany in the late 1930’s where scientists began experimenting with drugs capable of improving the strength and physical ability of German soldiers. Evidence of this research came to be inconclusive at the time and it wasn’t until the late 1940’s when steroids first entered the United States market.(Roberts 2006) During the 1970’s and 80’s when bodybuilding began gaining popularity, steroid use saw a sharp incline in use from competitors looking for an edge over their competition. Today the quality and relatively easy availability of illegal anabolic steroids have reached an all time high. Along with this surge in popularity, controversy over steroid use has escalated as well. For every thought side-effect or result of steroid usage, there seems to be those who support and others who refute data and analysis.

The vast majority of steroid users tend to be men ranging in age from their late teens to their early thirties. Many of these users are often times athletes or competitive body builders who use the anabolic effects of the steroids to improve their physical ability and physique. Studies have shown, however, that there are large amounts of other professions where steroid use is significant. This includes professions where being physically superior is beneficial to success; among the list of professions where steroid use seems to be prevalent include construction, shipping/warehousing, and security type jobs. Interestingly, there is no conclusive data linking steroid use with geographical demographics in the United States. That goes to say that steroid use is just as common in urban areas as they are in rural suburban settings.

Various studies have shown that admitted steroid use among high school seniors has ranged anywhere from 4.5 percent in 2002, to 6.7 percent in a study conducted in 2005. While research findings may vary, it is consistent to say that usage rates hover around the 5 percent mark of the general population. (Volkow 2006)

According to Marcus Flood, (2006) gays, lesbians, and bisexuals tend to be associated with an increased lifetime frequency of use of illegal drugs, including steroids when compared to heterosexuals. There have been some claims linking higher percentages of gay men to consume anabolic steroids than their heterosexual counterparts. Unfortunately there seems to be lack of data supporting these claims and any other analysis stating the percentage of the gay community involved with illicit steroid use.

Although often the topic of heated discussion, scientific research has shown that men who engage in anabolic steroid use are at high-risk for side-effects ranging from cardiovascular atrophy, to erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire. For this paper however, I will examine only the sexual side effects experienced by male steroid users.

An Anabolic steroid is merely a synthetically produced substitute for testosterone which is already naturally made in the male body. By introducing increased levels beyond normal production of testosterone into the body, muscles are able to endure more stress by fatiguing less rapidly and recuperating more quickly. (Roberts 2006) The end result is increased strength and rapid muscle gain.

As it does to any foreign substance, the body responds to this increased amount of testosterone by shutting down natural production and relying only on the synthetic matter to try to balance out natural testosterone levels. This is the point of consumption that begins to affect sexual ability, appearance, and performance. Since the body is naturally trying to reduce the levels of testosterone, within a few weeks of use male steroid users will commonly notice their testicles retracting and returning to a near pre-pubescent state. (Wikipedia 2006) Although this is only shown to happen while cycling on steroids, and the testicles naturally descend again after consumption is ceased, many times this will cause frustration and embarrassment in men who feel that their genitals have been disfigured. Users have reported ceasing use after experiencing this side effect because of fear of humiliation by their