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

Abstract

BackgroundTo describe self-reported medication patterns and fertility rates in a population of anabolic steroid (AS) users.MethodsWe 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsDespite 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.