Risk of AIDS among athletes who use anabolic steroids

Sometimes, athletes who use anabolic steroids may share the needles, syringes or other equipment they use to introduce these drugs. By sharing needles, syringes or other equipage, a individual becomes a great danger for HIV transmission. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

If a person shares needles, syringes and other equipment to inject steroids into the vein (IV), in the muscles or under the skin, small amounts of blood from the individual infected with HIV may be injected into the bloodstream of the next person to use the equipment. HIV attacks the body's defense system, making the body less able to fight off infections and cancers. There's no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS. People who may have been exposed to HIV should be tested. If they find out they have the virus, they can start treatment early. You can't tell just be looking at someone if he or she has HIV. And, since someone can be infected with HIV for many years without having any symptoms, some people may not know they have HIV. Anyone who has ever shared a needle to shoot any drugs even once could become infected with HIV and should be tested.

The importance of exercise has become a mantra for many people, those trying to stay healthy and those with a chronic sickness - HIV included. But when you have HIV, exercise becomes an significant part of disease management. Regular exercise can help you cope with many of the common side effects caused by the ailment and the drugs you must take, says Nelson Vergel, founder of the Cadaver Positive Wellness Clinic in Houston. Exercise not only increases lean muscle mass and heart and lung function, but it also helps you "improve your self-image and mental outlook," says Vergel, co-author of Built to Survive, which examines the importance of diet and exercise in people who are HIV-certain.

Ergogenic aids are substances that some athletes use to better strength and stamina. Anabolic steroids are one class of ergogenic aid that many adults and even adolescents often employ in their efforts to improve their athletic performance and advent. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, individuals who are experienced in weight lifting and employ the use of anabolic steroids will experience increases in strength and muscle significantly beyond those from training alone. It is this need to win and get a competitive edge that drives athletes to seek a variety of ergogenic aids.

Effects of anabolic steroids:
Anabolic steroids, favourite among athletes and corpse-builders, increase muscle mass. A variety of types are combined in a procedure called "stacking," which athletes use to gain the best attributes from each particular medication. "Blood doping" increases red blood cell content, which improves muscular stamina. Red blood cells transport oxygen to the working muscles. Obtaining a higher percentage of transport vehicles allows the muscles to work harder and for a longer duration without weariness. Some pharmacological drugs such as beta blockers can be used to reduce anxiety and tremors. This is useful for individuals competing in sports that require smooth, focused movements, such as archery or shooting.