PD50-11 A COMPARISON OF BASELINE ERECTILE FUNCTION AFTER ON-DEMAND 20 MG TADALAFIL VS. DAILY 5 MG TADALAFIL IN MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND DIABETES: A PROSPECTIVE, OBSERVATIONAL 2-YEAR STUDY

Abstract

athletic competition. However, since the 1980s illicit use of androgenic and anabolic steroids (AAS) has spread from elite athletes into the general population. Currently, it is estimated there are between 1 and 3 million users in the US, the majority of whom are thought to be recreational body builders and weightlifters. However, despite the high prevalence of use, very little is known about this population. We therefore sought to identify and characterize patterns of use among a contemporary cohort of current anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) users. METHODS: An anonymous self-administered 49-item questionnaire was posted on message boards of Internet web sites popular among AAS users and administered via SurveyMonkey between February 1, 2015 and June 1, 2015. 37 questions were analyzed for this study. RESULTS: A total of 231 male respondents met inclusion criteria. The majority were Caucasian, over age 25, employed with above average income, and had formal education beyond high school. Ninety-three percent began using AAS after the age of 18, and 81% reported using 400mg of testosterone per week. Factors associated with longer duration of use (>5 years) included higher incomes ( $75,000, P1⁄4.003), increased testosterone dosages (>600mg per week, P1⁄4.007), older age ( 35 years, P<.001), being married (P<.001), and being self-employed (P<.001). The Internet was the most common source of testosterone (53%). Most (93%) used at least one additional performance-enhancing drug. Seventy-seven percent had routine labs obtained, and 38% reported laboratory abnormalities at some point. Nearly all experienced subjective side effects on and off testosterone. Fifty-three percent reported use of other illegal substances, most commonly (90%) beginning prior to AAS initiation. Ten percent had a criminal conviction, 91% of which preceded AAS use. Fifty percent were felonies. CONCLUSIONS: The population of AAS users is disparate from that of other drugs of abuse. Lab abnormalities and side effects are common and should be taken into account when counseling patients who may be using AAS.