A growing number of medical professionals are sounding the alarm over the rampant misuse of testosterone medications among men in Nigeria, warning that unsupervised use of the hormone poses serious threats to male reproductive and cardiovascular health.
According to expert urologists, the non-medical use of testosterone supplements—often aimed at enhancing physical performance or boosting libido—has led to a surge in cases of impotence, infertility, heart problems, and even strokes. These warnings come at a time when the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially within fitness and athletic communities.
Testosterone Misuse on the Rise
The issue has been brought into sharp focus by a wave of recent cases involving men suffering debilitating side effects after using testosterone pills or injections without proper medical oversight.
Speaking to Frontpage, Dr. Gabriel Ogah, a consultant urologist, stressed that while testosterone is vital for male health, its abuse comes with significant dangers.
“Testosterone misuse leads to hormonal imbalances that can shut down the body’s natural hormone production. Many men I’ve treated ended up with zero sperm count, resulting in infertility and erectile dysfunction,” Dr. Ogah stated.
He pointed out that when testosterone is introduced into the body in high doses, it activates a negative feedback loop, prompting the body to stop producing its own supply. Over time, this causes testicular shrinkage and reduced sperm production, potentially rendering a man infertile.
Dangerous Consequences of Hormonal Abuse
Beyond reproductive issues, Dr. Ogah linked testosterone misuse to life-threatening cardiovascular complications.
“Excess testosterone increases red blood cell production, which thickens the blood. This condition significantly raises the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks,” he warned.
Despite its popularity for muscle development and energy enhancement—reasons why bodybuilders and athletes often turn to it—experts insist testosterone should only be administered under strict medical supervision.
Dr. Ogah explained that while testosterone therapy can benefit men with clinically diagnosed low hormone levels, unregulated use by healthy individuals poses serious long-term health risks. He added that African men already possess naturally higher testosterone levels, which enhances athletic performance but also raises the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
“If your testosterone is within the normal range and you take more of it, you’re essentially overloading your body. This can damage organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys,” he cautioned.
Erectile Dysfunction and Psychological Impact
One of the lesser-known effects of testosterone abuse is erectile dysfunction, which, according to Dr. Ogah, occurs because users often misunderstand the hormone’s role.
“Testosterone energises the body but doesn’t directly cause erections. Long-term use can overstimulate the system, leading to a total inability to get an erection,” he said.
He advised that men experiencing sexual health problems should first undergo medical evaluation to determine the root cause, which could be psychological, neurological, or hormonal.
“In cases where low testosterone is genuinely causing impotence, a few medically prescribed injections can restore balance. But this must be based on a proper diagnosis,” he advised.
Public Health Threat and the Role of Awareness
Adding to the conversation, Dr. John Adelaja, another consultant urologist, echoed Dr. Ogah’s warnings and described the situation as a growing public health concern.
“We’re now seeing men come in with stroke, heart attacks, and liver damage as a direct result of unsupervised testosterone use,” he said.
According to Dr. Adelaja, the use of testosterone for cosmetic reasons—such as improved physique, increased stamina, or sexual performance—is dangerous and often based on misleading information spread through peer circles or online sources.
“Many men have no idea what they are putting into their bodies. Testosterone is a powerful hormone and must be treated with caution,” he emphasized.
He advised men to focus on natural lifestyle changes, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, instead of turning to shortcuts like hormone injections or pills.
A Call for Education and Regulation
Both doctors called for stronger public health education campaigns to inform men about the risks of testosterone abuse and encourage safer practices. They emphasized that health professionals, not gym instructors or social media influencers, should be the go-to sources for information about hormone treatments.
“Education is key. We must raise awareness and provide accurate medical advice to prevent more men from falling victim to this dangerous trend,” Dr. Adelaja said.
The doctors also urged regulatory bodies to crack down on the unauthorized sale and advertisement of testosterone products, particularly those marketed as sexual enhancement or bodybuilding supplements.
Conclusion
The rising misuse of testosterone medications among Nigerian men represents a serious health crisis, with risks ranging from infertility and impotence to stroke and organ damage. As experts warn of a surge in hormone-related complications, it is clear that more needs to be done in the areas of public awareness, medical guidance, and policy enforcement.
Men are strongly advised to avoid self-medication and consult qualified health professionals when facing any concerns related to sexual health, performance, or vitality. Testosterone therapy, when truly necessary, should only be initiated following thorough medical evaluation and under close clinical supervision. There is no healthy shortcut to masculinity—wellness begins with informed choices and professional care.
