If you choose to inject Steroids then there are some things you need to be aware of.

If you are under 18 then don't use steroids as you are still growing and there may be repercussions on your overall physical development.

If you are using steroids and not training then forget it you are wasting your time. Steroids work by assisting the repair of muscle tissue damaged during training which increases muscle growth.

Effects of Steroids on The Body:

Anabolic: effects are the repair of muscles damaged during training and, the build up of new denser muscle tissue. This is the desired effect

Androgenic: effects are the side effects of steroid use. These may be different for men and women

Men:

• Severe acne
• Premature balding
• Swelling of the breasts and nipples
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Reduced sperm count
• Prostate cancer
• Liver damage
• Increased retention of fluids
• Increased irritability, mood swings and aggression

Women:

• Decrease in breast size
• Hair growth
• Enlargement of the clitoris
• Baldness
• Increased aggression, mood swings and irritability
• Deepening of the voice

Injecting Steroids

Injectable steroids are designed to be injected into the muscle tissue. NEVER inject into veins or arteries. The injection needs to pierce the skin and surface fat into the muscle tissue below. Be aware that any liquid injected just under the skin could cause an abscess.

Always avoid injecting into areas that have major nerves, like the back and stomach areas. The best place to inject steroids is in the top quarter of the buttock or the thigh.

Your local Needle Exchange Programme will have a range of equipment and be able to offer confidential advice. Most people who inject steroids use a 22 or 23 gauge needle with a 5ml syringe.

NEVER use someone elses needles or syringe as you will put your self at risk of contracting blood borne viruses and diseases such as Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

Remember that piercing the skin with any sharp object that has the potential to carry disease and infections is the best way of becoming infected. Any blood to blood contact is a risky business so make sure you take great care with your injecting equipment.

Don't draw up out of the same vial that someone else has used as it may  be contaminated with their blood.