The effects of steroids on sperm quality and its recovery

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2016-09-06

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

This information is primarily aimed at young athletes who are taking AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) or planning to do so, but who have not yet fathered children. In this article, I will discuss the effects of the most commonly used AAS and Aromatase Inhibitors on the sexual axis, as well as how and by what means to quickly normalize your spermatozoa if you plan to reproduce in the near future.

First, it's important to note that if you are UNDER 23 years old or over 40, no matter how well-structured your cycles and recovery measures are, there is no guarantee that unpleasant changes to your hormonal system won’t occur after stopping AAS.

Regarding the widespread myth of short (4-6 week) cycles and minimal dosages of soft AAS: indeed, dosages of Oxandrolone in the range of 20-30 mg per day or oral Stanozolol at 20-30 mg per day will likely have little impact on your own testosterone levels. However, if you are not a genetic freak, you will not build muscle on such small amounts of AAS. Not even in 5 weeks.

Rapid Restoration of Spermatogenesis

Here’s a list of drugs after which recovery happens the quickest, assuming we don't exceed 3 months of use and the total weekly dosage of all AAS in the cycle does not exceed 1000 mg:

• Testosterone Propionate
• Methandrostenolone
• Oxymetholone
• Turinabol
• Oxandrolone
• Stanozolol
• Drostanolone
• Mesterolone

Average Restoration

Long esters of testosterone and its combined representatives (like Sustanon), as well as Methyltestosterone, will ensure a significantly longer recovery period after their cessation. The same applies to Boldenone or Methenolone Enanthate at working doses.

Long Recovery

However, popular choices among AAS users, such as Nandrolone and Trenbolone, not only shut down the sexual axis (like testosterone or methandienone) but also severely disturb it due to their progestogenic activity. After using these AAS, it often takes much longer to normalize spermatogenesis and recover your baseline testosterone levels. Prolactin inhibitors used as a preventive measure during progestin cycles will not expedite this process.

It is also important to mention Aromatase Inhibitors. Many people misuse them. They can help maintain hardness and quality during a cycle. If used reasonably, they can be beneficial to your athletic form. However, if you overdo it, they can drastically lower your Estradiol levels. For a time, of course. But your libido and erectile function depend on this primary female hormone. For normal intimate life, Testosterone and Estradiol (in certain amounts) are BOTH NECESSARY. Keep this in mind, and be cautious with Anastrozole. With Letrozole or Exemestane, it's much easier to overdo it and encounter problems.

How to Recover Quickly

PCT (Post Cycle Therapy). This procedure will almost certainly accelerate your recovery process after stopping AAS, especially if you combine Clomid and Tamoxifen during this period. However, Chorionic Gonadotropin is nothing more than a prophylaxis against testicular atrophy DURING a cycle. It should NOT be used during PCT.

Now, regarding what to do if you are facing issues with sperm quantity and quality. It may have been a couple of months since the cycle ended, and you followed a proper PCT, yet your FSH levels are still low. In that case, you could either wait or use Menopausal Gonadotropin. However, it is more expensive than Growth Hormone and must be purchased strictly from a pharmacy. Also, you will need a competent endocrinologist. They will prescribe you therapy with this expensive drug, probably in combination with Clomid. If you don’t have the funds, then just wait and make sure to recover. However, it’s worth mentioning that the wait can be quite long, especially if issues stem from Nandrolone or Trenbolone.

This is the current state of reproductive function when using AAS and other mentioned substances in practice. I'll conclude here. Wishing everyone health and healthy babies.