Effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids on semen parameters and serum hormonal levels in Iraqi male bodybuilders

ABSTRACT

This research aims at studying the influence of administration of anabolic androgenic steroids on the male reproductive health. Twenty four male bodybuilders were included in the study. The history of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids administration [AAS group] was recorded for 16 subjects [age =211.6 +/- years], while 8 subjects exercised only without AAS use [age =21.20.8 +/- years] and served as control group. All subjects of AAS group were asked to cease using AAS before being enrolled in the study. A sheet containing a detailed questionnaire was completed for each subject. Subjects of both groups were asked to visit the clinic [subsequent visits] for clinical evaluation of their health together with semen analysis. Blood was collected to determine serum hormonal changes. Semen analysis results indicated that, the use of AAS resulted in the impairment of spermatogenesis. Thus, sperm concentration and total sperm count increased significantly [P <0.05] within both AAS and control groups during the period of cessation, however, these parameters remained significantly low [P<0.05] in AAS group in comparison with the control group. Sperm agglutination increased significantly within AAS group [P<0.05]. Both sperm agglutination and round cells increased significantly [P<0.05] in AAS group as compared with the control group. Likewise gonadotropins Follicle-Stimulating Hormone [FSH] and Luteinizing Hormone [LH] increased significantly [P<0.05] in AAS group, 12 weeks after the cessation of AAS as compared to baseline. Although prolactin level was within the normal range in AAS group, it was significantly low [P<0.05] in AAS group as compared to the control. These findings collectively indicated that, the use of AAS drugs have an ill effect on the general health of the users in addition to a profound effect on the reproductive functions. This study has also opened the road for further studies in Iraq concerned with the abuse of anabolic steroids which may constitute on the long run a major source of health and social problems