The Pros and Cons of Steroids for Athletes Minhaj Ghayur Writing 102 Dr. Turner May 11, 2010 Abstract Steroids have become a hot topic in the media and sports these days. A lot of athletes are being caught using steroids and jeopardizing their careers. The media and other health related organizations are trying to provide people with a better knowledge of steroids and the risks of taking steroids. Almost everybody knows the benefits of taking steroids, but does not know the overall process that goes with taking steroids and living the life afterwards. This research studies the pros and cons of using steroids.
Examples of health issues are increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, heightened sex characteristics (such as increased facial and body hair & deeper voice in women; baldness and impotence in men), liver damage and so many more. The effects of anabolic steroids can destroy the body and affect the mind by causing harm to it. Anabolic steroids are also known for affecting one’s behaviour as they often make individuals more violent as they are easily annoyed. This behaviour could lead to criminal acts such as fighting, burglary, and vandalism (Abuse, N. I. (2006).
(www.doctorwhoswho.com) All athletes who are mega dosing on steroids are at great risks of side effects. Here are examples of side effects found commonly in males who abuse steroids: shrinking of testicles, impotence, reduced sperm count, baldness, difficulty or pain in urinating, development of breasts, and enlarged prostate. I funny but disturbing image of the side
Drug Testing is should be used in higher levels of sports to ensure the safety and health of these athletes is good at all times. The use and the abuse of steroids can do some serious damage on the bodies of those using them. These people who are using them are just hurting themselves in the long run. When people think of drug abuse in sports, they think it is only steroids being used by athletes. However, drug abuse in professional sports can be anything.
There are always those Athlete’s who constantly cheat and break the rules. Every athlete has a way to bend the rules to their advantage. Yet, the only ones who are blamed for cheating are the professional athletes who use steroids. “Steroids, the popular name for synthetic (man-made) substances related to the male sex hormones, promote muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristics. Steroids are abused, often by athletes, to enhance athletic performance and to improve physical appearance” (“Steroids fast facts” 1).
It has been not only a hobby for me; but a way of life. Steroids is a highly discussed and controversial issue that is often associated with body building; and I wanted to do an in-depth analysis to decide if the benefit would outweigh the risk- especially in regards to my own body. Anabolic steroids can be defined as synthetic hormones which boost the body’s ability to produce muscle as well as prevent muscle breakdown. Athletes therefore use them hoping to enhance their abilities. Research has shown that these steroids can harm kids who are developing.
They also encounter a decrease in breast size due to excess testosterone. Women develop excess facial hair, menstrual irregularities, clitoral enlargement, deepening of their voices, and uterine atrophy. Several of these symptoms are permanent even after termination of steroid use. Again, the consequences of steroids are harmful. Side effects for men include suffering from impotence, ejaculatory problems, and decreased sperm count.
Synthetic America As our nation ages year by year, the individuals that make it up look harder than ever to avoid doing the same by using synthetic steroids, and costly medical procedures. Our athletes get faster, stronger, and bigger every season. Every year brings new record breaking statistics in every sport. In addition to the athletes improving their abilities, they also seem to look much younger than their age tells us. Whether or not these are all just side effects of better knowledge, better training, and improved diets, they also point to the use of performance enhancing drugs.
On top of having problems with time management, focus, excreta, this disorder can affect sex drive in adults (Low, 2011). For some adults their sex drive will be exponentially high, whereas others it will be extremely low compared to a normal adult (Low, 2011). Some of the adults are to easily distracted or losses focus quickly, which would make the act of sex harder (Low, 2011). It also is normal for adults with this disorder to be hypersensitive to sensory stimulation, so a sensual touch may fell irritating or even annoying (Low, 2011). When an adult with ADD/ADHD losses interest in sex the spouse of the adult feels a major sense of rejection, which is completely natural (Low, 2011).
Drugs shouldn’t be used by any athlete. The issue is should athletes be allowed to use drugs? Or should drugs be banned? Drugs shouldn’t be used by athletes for many reasons. Athletes who use steroids to improve their performance don’t harm anyone else except themselves.