steroids and sexual problems

hi, i have recently taken a course of steroids for about 8 weeks. Since i have stopped i am having problems of keeping the erection and my sex drive is completely gone. it has been 6 weeks since i stopped and this greatly worries me. I am 21 years old and this is creating a big problem in my realtionship with my girlfriend. Is there any drugs i can take and how can i treat this?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Steroids do cause testosterone depletion (temporary) and shrinkage of the testicles. You may want to get a physical exam and consider testosterone pills or injections if this lasts much longer.

You can't rule out a pure psychological reaction if you find out your testosterone level is normal. Then you should consult a psychiatrist.