600,000 UK men taking steroids face fertility risks
A new study links unregulated anabolic steroid use to declining sperm counts, with many users unaware of the impact.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
Approximately 600,000 men in the United Kingdom are currently taking anabolic steroids, according to a new study. The research indicates that both prescribed medications and drugs acquired through informal channels are contributing to a measurable decrease in sperm production among male users.
The study, conducted by the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health and Examen, found that one third of surveyed users did not realize the drugs could affect their ability to conceive. This lack of awareness is compounded by the ease with which men access these substances. Many users obtain steroids from gyms or private clinics that prescribe them for conditions such as fatigue, often without a detailed assessment of reproductive health.
Brett Cole, 43, from Chatham in Kent, experienced these effects firsthand. In 2019, after struggling to conceive with his wife Ali for several years, Cole was diagnosed with a zero sperm count. He attributed the condition to his regular use of steroids, which he had sourced from his local martial arts gym. Cole described the gym environment as one where steroid use was normalized and viewed as the primary method for achieving physical fitness.
"I felt entirely responsible. When you know your poor choices have caused this and then you have to watch your partner suffer through procedures themselves, even though it is not their fault, you still feel like you are the cause. That feeling stays with you," Cole said. He noted that he had assumed his regular exercise habits protected his health, a view common among men in his social circle who discussed male infertility using colloquial terms like "firing blanks."
Because Cole already had a son from a previous relationship, the couple was not eligible for National Health Service funded in vitro fertilization treatment. They instead sought care at a private clinic, undergoing multiple procedures, including a needle extraction technique where a device is inserted through the skin directly into the testicle. The couple eventually welcomed their daughter, Polly, following these treatments.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones designed to promote muscle growth. While classified as Class C drugs, they are legal to possess and use in the UK. However, supplying or selling them without a prescription remains a criminal offense, with offenders facing up to 14 years in prison. The legal status allows for widespread private circulation, yet the medical consequences remain largely unaddressed in general practice.
Dr. Elpiniki Chronopoulou, a fertility consultant at the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, stated that male fertility issues are frequently overlooked in clinical settings. She emphasized that this oversight can delay diagnosis and limit access to necessary support. "Ensuring that men feel heard, supported and included is essential every step of the way," Chronopoulou said.
