Using steroids to build muscle mass can come with some unfortunate side effects – like erectile dysfunction. This dreaded condition can put a serious damper on your sex life and overall wellbeing.
The good news is there are ways to lower your risk of steroid-related ED. By being smart about your steroid cycles and proactively supporting sexual health, you can continue to reap the benefits of these compounds while avoiding long-term issues in the bedroom.
Understand the Link Between Steroids and ED
Before jumping into prevention strategies, it’s important to understand exactly how steroids can mess with erections.
These synthetic compounds mimic the effects of the male sex hormone testosterone. At proper therapeutic doses, that equates to increased muscle growth and athletic performance.
However, in the supraphysiologic doses many bodybuilders use, it throws your endocrine system totally out of whack. Your body senses all that extra testosterone and shuts down natural production.
Once you finish a cycle, you’re left with low T levels. That spells bad news for the penis – testosterone is crucial for libido, erection quality, and overall sexual function.
Without enough of this key hormone circulating, your erectile tissue doesn’t work properly. Blood has a harder time flowing in and retaining for a solid erection.
Other factors like high estrogen from aromatization and atherosclerosis from altered cholesterol levels likely contribute too.
The end result – floppy manhood and frustrated partners. And it often persists long after quitting steroids as your hormones struggle to bounce back.
Minimize Cycles and Do Proper PCT
Now that you know how steroids suppress natural testosterone production, it’s clear the first step is minimizing cycles.
Run shorter cycles with lower steroid doses when possible. Extending use for months on end will just shut you down longer. Give your body breaks of at least 1-3 months between.
Closely monitor health markers like cholesterol, blood pressure, and organ function to avoid pushing things too far.
When you do finish a cycle, get those testes pumping again fast with proper post cycle therapy (PCT). Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like Clomid are commonly used to spur natural testosterone production.
Aromatase inhibitors help reduce estrogen levels that also suppress T production. Good nutrition and lifestyle habits aid recovery too.
Support Sexual Health On Cycle
You can also take proactive measures while on cycle to support sexual health from the get-go. Here are some to consider:
1. Run Testosterone Alongside Other Steroids
Since exogenous testosterone suppresses natural production, running some in each cycle can help maintain adequate levels for sexual function.
Just don’t mega dose testosterone thinking more is better. Stick to moderate doses around 300-500 mg/week.
2. Use Ancillaries to Control Estrogen
Aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex prevent the conversion of steroids into estrogen. Controlling estrogen helps avoid side effects like erectile dysfunction.
3. Consider Milder Orals or Injectables
Oral steroids tend to be harsher on sexual function since they pass through the liver. Injectables or milder oral options like Anavar may impact function less.
4. Cycle Support Supplements
Certain supplements aid side effect mitigation too. Saw palmetto, zinc, and DHEA provide hormonal support. Pycnogenol and CoQ10 offer vascular and antioxidant support.
5. Avoid Overtraining
Don’t ramp up gym time just because you’re on steroids. Too much training stresses the central nervous system and hormone production. Allow proper rest for your body to recover.
Treat Persistent ED Issues
If ED problems do develop either on cycle or after, don’t just suffer silently. Seek professional help to treat it.
Your doctor can check hormone levels and prescribe medications like Viagra or Cialis to improve erection quality. Hormone replacement therapy may be warranted if natural T production lags too long.
Some opt for compound creams with medications that absorb through the penis skin. Nutritional supplements like L-citrulline and Pycnogenol can aid blood flow.
Consider penile pumps or cock rings for temporary assistance getting erect during sex. Psychotherapy also helps with the mental aspect many men face.
Final Words
Steroids shouldn’t spell the end of a healthy sex life if you take the right precautions. Minimize cycles, control hormones, support sexual function, and treat issues promptly.
While steroids carry inevitable risks, being proactive allows you to balance your goals with avoiding long-term complications like ED. Just be smart in your approach.
And if problems do arise, promptly seek qualified medical help. Don’t lose hope – various effective treatments are available. With the right plan, you can continue reaping the benefits of anabolic steroids without sacrificing your virility.CopyRetry
