ISSM Issues Policy Statement on Consequences of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Patients should know about the adverse events associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), according to a new public policy statement issued by the ISSM Public Policy Committee.
AAS includes hormones such as testosterone and its derivatives. Elite athletes began abusing AAS in the 1950s, but such abuse did not become prominent until the 1980s. The medical community is still learning about the adverse effects of AAS use.
"There is some evidence that the use of AAS may be associated with premature mortality (especially cardiovascular). There is stronger evidence also of suppressed spermatogenesis, gynecomastia, and virilization. Behavioral effects of AAS may include hypomanic or manic symptoms, sometimes accompanied by aggression or violence, which usually occur while taking AAS, and depressive symptoms occurring during AAS withdrawal," the statement explains.
The announcement was made on March 22, 2016. More details are available here.
Childbirth Method Could Affect Women's Sexual Function
Women who give birth by operative vaginal delivery might be more likely to experience sexual problems afterward.
While some degree of sexual dysfunction is common after childbirth, new research by Italian scientists suggests that operative vaginal delivery, which may involve forceps or a vacuum extractor, is linked to poorer sexual health after a baby is born.
The study involved 269 first-time mothers with an average age of 34 years. One hundred thirty-two had undergone spontaneous vaginal delivery; 45 had had operative vaginal delivery, and 92 had given birth by Caesarian section.
The women completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and answered questions about postpartum depression, breastfeeding, and resumption of sexual activity.
When compared to the Caesarian section group, women who had had operative vaginal deliveries tended to have lower scores in the FSFI domains of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and overall sexual functioning. Lower scores on the FSFI indicate poorer function.
Those who had had operative vaginal deliveries also had poorer orgasm domain scores than those who had undergone spontaneous vaginal deliveries.
Learn more about this study here.
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