Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. They’re sometimes prescribed to treat hormonal issues, like delayed puberty, or muscle loss resulting from diseases like cancer or AIDS. However, AAS are also used illegally to boost muscle growth and athletic performance.
Anabolic steroids can be injected, swallowed, or rubbed onto the skin.
But can steroids be transmitted sexually? It’s unlikely that the steroid compounds themselves are directly transmitted through sexual contact. However, steroid use is associated with risky behaviors and health problems that can be transmitted sexually.
Steroid use may lead to increased risk-taking behaviors, such as having unprotected sex with multiple partners. It’s also associated with certain health complications that increase vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Because little research specifically addresses the question of sexual transmission of steroids, this article focuses on the risks that are related to steroid use and that can be transmitted through sex.
Routes of Steroid Administration and Potential Exposure
Let’s talk about how steroids are taken and whether that could lead to exposure for someone else.
Common Methods of Steroid Use
There are a few main ways people use steroids:
Injection
Sharing needles is a major no-no. It carries a really high risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. If someone’s injecting anabolic steroids (AAS), they absolutely need to use clean needles every single time. Safe injection practices are key to preventing the spread of these diseases.
Oral Steroids
While it’s unlikely that the steroid itself would be transmitted through saliva, there’s still potential for contact during sexual activity. The bigger concern isn’t the steroid compound itself, but the behaviors that might be linked to steroid use.
Topical Steroids
These come in gels or creams that you rub on your skin. It’s pretty unlikely that someone would get a significant dose of steroids through casual skin contact. Still, washing your hands after you apply topical steroids is a good idea.
Indirect Exposure: Steroid Residue and Environmental Contamination
Even if someone isn’t directly using steroids, could they be exposed in other ways?
Potential for trace amounts of steroids in bodily fluids (sweat, semen)
Okay, so there’s a theoretical possibility that tiny amounts of steroids could be present in bodily fluids like sweat or semen. But the concentrations would be super low, and it’s not really a significant route of exposure compared to, say, injecting steroids.
Contamination of surfaces (e.g., shared towels, clothing)
Could steroid residue end up on shared items like towels or clothing? Maybe, but again, the risk of getting a meaningful dose this way is really low.
Steroid Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors
While steroids themselves aren’t sexually transmitted, steroid use can indirectly increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through changes in behavior. Here’s how:
Increased Libido and Disinhibition
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) can mess with your body’s natural hormone balance. One potential side effect is an increased sex drive. At the same time, steroids can lower inhibitions, making people more likely to act on impulse. This combination can lead to making risky choices about sex, including choosing sexual partners impulsively and not using protection.
Some studies have shown a link between AAS use and increased sexual risk-taking, including more frequent unprotected sex and having multiple partners. It’s important to remember that correlation doesn’t equal causation, but the potential link is worth considering.
AAS Use and Substance Abuse
Steroid use often doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s common for people using AAS to also use other substances like alcohol and illicit drugs. The combined effects of these substances can further cloud judgment and make risky behaviors, including unprotected sex, even more likely. Alcohol and drug use impair decision-making and lower inhibitions, increasing the risk of STI transmission.
Specific Populations: Sexual Minority Youth
Sadly, AAS use seems to be more prevalent among sexual minority youth. Studies show that the lifetime rate of steroid use for sexual minority boys is significantly higher (around 21%) compared to heterosexual boys (around 4%).
And, sadly, steroid use in this population is associated with riskier sexual behavior. Steroid use among sexual minority adolescent boys is associated with an increased risk of condomless sex (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.55, p = .003) and alcohol/drug use during sex (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.48, p = .002). That’s a pretty significant jump in risk.
Body image issues and mental health play a big role in this. Pressures around appearance and struggles with mental well-being can contribute to both AAS use and risky sexual behavior among sexual minority youth. It’s a complex issue with no easy answers.
Physiological Effects of Steroids and Increased Vulnerability to STIs
While steroids themselves aren’t sexually transmitted, their impact on the body can indirectly increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here’s how:
Immune System Suppression
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Think of your immune system as your body’s army. AAS can weaken that army, making it harder to fight off invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Specifically, AAS can affect T-cell function, which are crucial for fighting off infections.
A weakened immune system makes it harder to fight off STIs. If you’re exposed to an STI, your body is less equipped to combat the infection, increasing the likelihood of contracting it.
Skin Integrity and Barrier Function
AAS can wreak havoc on your skin. They can cause acne, thinning skin, and increased oil production. These changes compromise the skin’s integrity, making it more vulnerable to cuts, abrasions, and other injuries.
Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against pathogens. When that barrier is compromised, it’s easier for pathogens to enter the body, raising concerns about hygiene practices such as sharing razors and the risk of herpes. Breaks in the skin provide entry points for pathogens, increasing the risk of contracting STIs like herpes or syphilis, which can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Hormonal Imbalances and Genital Health
AAS disrupt the natural balance of hormones in the body, leading to a range of adverse effects on genital health. For example, AAS can reduce testosterone production and cause estrogen imbalances. These hormonal shifts can impact the genital tract, creating an environment that’s more susceptible to infections.
Hormonal changes can affect the vaginal or penile environment, making it more susceptible to infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. These infections can increase the risk of STI transmission by disrupting the natural flora and increasing inflammation.
Specific STIs and AAS Use: A Closer Look
While anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) themselves aren’t sexually transmitted, it’s important to understand how AAS use can indirectly increase your risk of contracting STIs and how they might affect the course of an existing infection.
HIV and AAS Use
AAS themselves don’t transmit HIV. However, the behaviors sometimes associated with AAS use can significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission. These include sharing needles when injecting steroids and engaging in unprotected sex.
It’s also worth noting that some research suggests AAS might influence how HIV progresses in the body or how well antiretroviral medications work. However, more research is definitely needed in this area to get a clearer picture of the potential interactions.
Viral STIs (Herpes, HPV, Hepatitis B and C)
AAS can suppress the immune system. This suppression can make you more vulnerable to acquiring viral STIs like herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV).
There’s also some concern that AAS use could potentially impact the severity or how often you experience outbreaks of viral STIs like herpes. Again, more research is needed to fully understand these potential connections.
Bacterial STIs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis)
Risky sexual behaviors that are sometimes linked to AAS use, such as having unprotected sex or having multiple partners, increase the risk of acquiring bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
And, although research is limited, there’s a possibility that AAS use could complicate the treatment of these infections. Specifically, there’s a question of whether AAS can interfere with how well antibiotics work to clear the bacterial infection. More research is needed to investigate these potential interactions.
Prevention and Harm Reduction Strategies
It’s crucial to emphasize that while steroids themselves aren’t sexually transmitted, their use can indirectly increase the risk of STIs, making it important to understand modes of transmission like sharing drinks and the potential for gonorrhea. Here’s how we can mitigate those risks:
Education and Awareness
We need to get the word out about the dangers of AAS use, including the STI connection. This means creating robust education programs that spell out the health consequences, focusing on how steroid use can lead to risky behavior and weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to STIs.
It’s also vital to target groups at higher risk. For example, sexual minority youth sometimes use steroids at higher rates. Education efforts should be tailored to address their specific needs and concerns.
Safe Injection Practices
If someone is injecting steroids, it’s essential they use sterile needles and syringes every single time. Sharing needles is a huge risk for transmitting bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis. Promote needle exchange programs and clearly communicate the importance of safe injection techniques.
Safer Sex Practices
Condoms are still the best way to protect against STIs. Encourage consistent and correct condom use during all sexual activity. Normalizing regular STI testing is also crucial. If someone is using steroids, they should get tested regularly and seek treatment immediately if they test positive for an infection.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Steroid use often isn’t just about wanting bigger muscles. It’s frequently connected to deeper issues like body image problems, depression, and even substance abuse. We need to recognize these underlying factors and provide access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment programs, and supportive communities. Addressing the root causes of steroid use is key to long-term prevention and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can trigger an STD?
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are triggered by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, is the primary mode of transmission.
What drugs cause female arousal?
Certain substances might affect female arousal, but it’s crucial to understand that their effects can be unpredictable and potentially harmful. Some medications, like antidepressants, can paradoxically decrease libido. Talking with a healthcare professional is vital if you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction.
Does ejaculating before a drug test help?
Ejaculating before a drug test will have no impact on the results. Drug tests typically analyze urine, blood, hair, or saliva for drug metabolites, which are byproducts of the body processing the substance. Ejaculation does not affect these levels.
What substance is toxic to sperm?
Many substances can be toxic to sperm. These include alcohol, tobacco, certain medications, recreational drugs, and environmental toxins like pesticides and heavy metals. Exposure to excessive heat, such as in hot tubs or saunas, can also negatively impact sperm health.
Can medication be found in sperm?
Yes, many medications can be found in sperm. The extent to which a drug passes into semen depends on various factors, including the specific medication, dosage, and individual metabolism. Some medications may have the potential to affect a partner during conception or pregnancy, so it’s essential to discuss medication use with a healthcare professional.
Key Takeaways
To reiterate, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) aren’t transmitted through sexual contact. However, using them is often linked to behaviors and bodily changes that can raise your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). While the steroids themselves aren’t the direct problem, they can lead to increased risk-taking and make you more vulnerable to infections.
It’s vital to educate people about these risks and promote prevention and harm reduction strategies. This means encouraging safer sex practices, regular STI testing, and open communication with healthcare providers. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, people can minimize their chances of contracting an STI.
More research is needed to fully understand the connection between AAS use, sexual behavior, and STI risk, especially in vulnerable groups such as young sexual minorities. A deeper understanding will help us develop better prevention strategies and support those at risk.