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

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

We 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.

A 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.

Despite 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.