The Association of Protein Supplements and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids with Seminal Parameters and Fertility in Men: A Cross-sectional Study
Amit S. Mutha, Ajinkya Manish Bavlecha, Vijay R. Kulkarni, Ashwini Natekar, Kunal Verma, Jyotsna B. Sahai
A
BSTRACT
Background:
The use of protein supplements (PSs) and anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) has increased globally, particularly among recreational gym users. While the reproductive effects of AAS are well established, data regarding PS and seminal parameters remain limited, especially in South Asian populations.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of PS and AAS use with seminal parameters in men.
Settings and Design:
This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at an private Sexual Medicine Clinic in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Materials and Methods:
Male participants aged 21–50 years with self-reported PS use, AAS use or both were enrolled and classified into PS users, AAS users and combined PS + AAS users. Healthy volunteers without known sexual complaints or PS/AAS use served as controls. Semen samples were analysed according to the World Health Organization 2010 guidelines.
Statistical Analysis Used:
Data were analysed using analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis tests with appropriate
Results:
A total of 170 participants were analysed, including 58 controls, 62 PS users, 18 AAS users and 32 combined users. Significant differences were observed in seminal volume, liquefaction time, sperm concentration, sperm motility and testicular volume (
Conclusion:
PS and AAS exposure were associated with impaired seminal parameters, with the most pronounced abnormalities observed in combined users. Larger prospective multicentre studies are required to validate these findings.