What are steroids?

• A type of drug properly called anabolic steroids (not to be confused with the stuff used in treating eczema/asthma) which is usually injected, sometimes swallowed.
  
• Anabolic steroids are often used in medicine to build up muscle after surgery. They can be prescribed by a doctor for this purpose, but have also become an underground feature of the bodybuilding world.
  
• Using anabolic steroids in sport is prohibited. A doctor can legally prescribe the drug, and though possession isn't against the law it is a big no-no to supply (Class C penalties apply).

What are the effects?

Anabolic steroids promote tissue growth in muscle. Bodybuilders who misuse the drug to beef themselves up still have to pump iron before they see any results - but they also run the risk of less desirable side effects...

Such as dick downsizing?

Hang on! Anabolic steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, the male sex hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Testosterone is essentially responsible for masculine features in men, from facial hair to a deepening voice and genital development, which is actually a less desirable effect for anyone who chooses to misuse anabolic steroids whether they're male or female.

The fact is regular misuse of anabolic steroids carries many serious health risks, and can stop your body from growing properly. Genitally speaking, one such risk in men is testicle shrinkage and reduced sperm rate. Smaller testicles, makes that bulge in your trousers look a whole lot tinier. There's no evidence to suggest it makes your penis smaller, but erection problems are an issue.

Misusing anabolic steroids may not leave you with a shrunken sausage, but it certainly won't do your pants package any favours.

Updated: 28/04/2009