HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Found After Conception That Husband Was Using Anabolic Steroids. Could This Cause Birth Defect?

default
Posted on Tue, 20 Aug 2013
Question: I found out after conception that my husband was using anabolic steroids (testosterone). At 13 wks baby looks healthy. Could this cause any birth defects?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

There is very little data available on the effect of drugs and medications on the baby / fetus when the father consumes them. However, in general, the effect is minimum or none at all.

Most drugs, anabolic steroids included, have an XXXXXXX all or none XXXXXXX effect, that is they would have caused defective sperm , which would not have impregnated the ovum.

Anabolic steroid use is associated with diminished sperm count and defective sperm, however once conception occurs, there is NO EFFECT on the fetus, if the father had consumed anabolic steroids.
The ill effects occur if the mother consumes them during the pregnancy or around the period of conception.

Please do not worry about the effect of testosterone taken by your husband on your current pregnancy.

Enjoy your pregnancy and impending motherhood !

All the best.
Please feel free to discuss futher.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Found After Conception That Husband Was Using Anabolic Steroids. Could This Cause Birth Defect?

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

There is very little data available on the effect of drugs and medications on the baby / fetus when the father consumes them. However, in general, the effect is minimum or none at all.

Most drugs, anabolic steroids included, have an XXXXXXX all or none XXXXXXX effect, that is they would have caused defective sperm , which would not have impregnated the ovum.

Anabolic steroid use is associated with diminished sperm count and defective sperm, however once conception occurs, there is NO EFFECT on the fetus, if the father had consumed anabolic steroids.
The ill effects occur if the mother consumes them during the pregnancy or around the period of conception.

Please do not worry about the effect of testosterone taken by your husband on your current pregnancy.

Enjoy your pregnancy and impending motherhood !

All the best.
Please feel free to discuss futher.