Prolonged use of anabolic steroids in males can lead to

Options

A. decrease in the size testis and prostate gland
B. increase in the size testis and prostate gland
C. decrease in the size testis but increase in the size of prostate gland.
D. increase in the size testis but decrease in the size of prostate gland.

Answer

To answer the question regarding the prolonged use of anabolic steroids in males, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Anabolic Steroids**:
- Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, a male sex hormone. They are often used to promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance.

2. **Effects of Prolonged Use**:
- Prolonged use of anabolic steroids can lead to various physiological changes in the male body, particularly affecting the reproductive system.

3. **Impact on Testes**:
- One of the notable effects of anabolic steroids is the shrinking of the testes (testicular atrophy). This occurs because the body reduces its natural production of testosterone when synthetic testosterone is introduced, leading to a decrease in testicular size.

4. **Impact on Prostate Gland**:
- In contrast to the testes, the prostate gland may become enlarged with prolonged steroid use. This enlargement can increase the risk of prostate issues, including prostate cancer.

5. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: Decrease in size of testis and prostate gland - Incorrect (testes decrease, prostate may increase).
- **Option B**: Increase in size of testis and prostate gland - Incorrect (testes decrease).
- **Option C**: Decrease in size of testis but increase in size of prostate gland - Correct.
- **Option D**: Increase in size of testis but decrease in size of prostate gland - Incorrect (testes decrease).

6. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option C**: Decrease in size of testis but increase in size of prostate gland.