1.Do most body builders use steroids?
2.What is the difference between a cc, a ml, an I.U., a mg and a mcg?
3.How do I inject and procedure?
4.I have heard that if an air bubble gets in the syringe and is injected, it can kill you.
5.Wher can I do a mistake while I am on steoids?
6.What are the side effect of steroids?

1.Do most body builders use steroids?

Yes  they do.  I would estimate that  100% of all professional body builders use steroids and I would go as far to say that 90% of the athletes that compete at the national amateur level use anabolic steroids. Obviously, few of these athletes are admitting to steroid use, especially at this point in time. Anabolic steroid use has never been more of an antisocial behavior than it is right now, and the stigma is getting worse all the time. Professional bodybuilders have to stand out and say that they denounce the use of the very drugs that helped them achieve their current status or they face serious consequences. The point of being a professional body builder to begin with is that they have reached a level of notoriety that is synonymous with marketability.
Through seminars,  posing exhibitions and  endorsements,  the professional athlete turns all of his hard work into financial success. All of that is in serious jeopardy if that athlete has been branded with the stigma of using illegal and banned substances to reach their position. 
Thus, you will see nauseating hypocrisy in athletes at that level, not only in bodybuilding but in many sports where the athletes are idolized by their fans and the general public. Many professional bodybuilders have sincere intentions when they condemn the use of anabolic steroids in athletics, as they recognize the enormous abuse potential for these drugs when placed in the hands of ignorant individuals. I would criticize their actions further if I could honestly say that I would not do the same thing placed in their position.

2.What is the difference between a cc, a ml, an I.U., a mg and a mcg?

A cc (cubic centimeter) is equal to a ml (milliliter). They measure volume. For example if a vial contains 10 ml of liquid, that is the same as 10 ccs. A mg (milligram) measures the dose of a drug, A mg is equal to 1/1000 of a gram. A mcg (microgram) is equal to 1/1000 of milligram. An IU (International Unit) is also used to measure the dose of a preparation.

3.How do I inject and procedure?

Injecting oil based steroids (deca durabolin, masteron, primobolan, sustanon, testosterone enathate) is done with intramuscular needle (1,5 inch long), while water based steroids (testosterone suspension and winstrol depot) are injection with smaller and shorter subskin needle (0,5 inch long).

What to look for before injecting.
- Check the expiry dates of every product.
- Make sure that the vial or ampoule contains the right drug in the right strength.
- During the whole preparation procedure, material should be kept sterile.
- Wash your hands before starting to prepare the injection.
- Disinfect the skin over the injection site.
- Make sure that there are no air bubbles left in the syringe.
-Once the protective cover of the needle is removed extra care is needed.
- Do not touch anything with the unprotected needle.
- Once the injection has been given take care not to prick yourself or somebody else.

Step by step for vials
- Wash your hands.
- Disinfect the top of the vial.
-Use a syringe with a volume of twice the required amount of liquid or solution and add the needle.
-Suck up as much air as the amount of solution needed to aspirate.
-Insert needle into (top of) vial and turn upside down.
-Pump air into vial (creating pressure).
-Aspirate the required amount of solution and 0.1 ml extra. Make sure the tip of the needle is below the fluid surface.
-Pull the needle out of the vial.
-Remove possible air from the syringe.
-. Clean up; dispose of waste safely; wash your hands.

Step by step for ampoules
-Wash your hands.
-Put the needle on the syringe.
-Remove the liquid from the neck of the ampoule by flicking it or swinging it fast in a downward spiraling movement.
- File around the neck of the ampoule.
-Protect your fingers with gauze if ampoule is made of glass.
-Carefully break off the top of the ampoule (for a plastic ampoule twist the top).
-Aspirate the fluid from the ampoule.
- Remove any air from the syringe.
- Clean up; dispose of working needle safely; wash your hands.

Injecting
- Wash your hands.
- Reassure yourself / patient's for procedure.
- Uncover the area to be injected (lateral upper quadrant major gluteal muscle, lateral side of upper leg, deltoid muscle). 4. Disinfect the skin.
- Relax the muscle.
- Insert the needle swiftly at an angle of 90 degrees (watch depth!).
- Aspirate briefly; if blood appears, withdraw needle. Replace it with a new one, if possible, and start again from point 4.
- Inject slowly (less painful).
- Withdraw needle swiftly.
- Press sterile cotton wool onto the opening. Fix with adhesive tape.
- Check yourself / patient's reaction and give additional reassurance, if necessary.
- Clean up; dispose of waste safely; wash your hands.

4.I have heard that if an air bubble gets in the syringe and is injected, it can kill you. 5.What should I do to make sure I am injecting safely?

First of all, it would likely take a full three ccs of air injected right into a vein to cause a fatality. Small air bubbles injected intramuscularly in an oil solution do not pose a hazard, yet it is a good practice to eliminate them anyway. Small air bubbles that appear in an oil solution after it is drawn into the syringe will slowly rise to the top of the syringe if held needle-side-up. This may take as long as ten minutes with some persistent tapping on the side of the case. After the air has all risen to the top of the solution, the stopper can be slightly pressed which expels the air from the syringe.

5.Wher can I do a mistake while I am on steoids?

Using Counterfeits
Counterfeit steroids are a bigger problem than you would believe, there are more counterfeit steroids in the market than you would think. These steroids offer no positive gains, and some give the side effects of real steroids. Taking counterfeit steroids is like injecting poison into your body, bad effects nothing positive.

Using Excessive Dosages
When taking steroids, the more you take is not always the best way to go. Taking excessive dosages has become a huge problem with steroids today. It isn't only dangerous, but studies have shown it to be ineffective. The body can only use a limited amount of the steroid so the extra is turned into estrogen by the body.

Staying On Steroids Too Long
In several cases, steroid users avoid waring signs telling them not to go on a cycle more than 8 to 12 weeks without an off period. If an off period is not taken, there is a higher chance for the negative effects of steroids to occur. If there is no off period the body does not have a chance to recover from the steroids, so more damage is done. This also is terrible for the kidneys and liver.

Eating Poorly
Many people ignore magazines and educators that explain eating as being an important asset to growing, but the truth is, eating healthy has a big effect on the body. When on steroids the user must comsume between 4000 and 7000 calories a day, not meaning eat only fat foods. The diet must be high in calories and protein, but low in fat.

Training Incorrectly
When on steroids the training must be intense and difficult. Instead of the usual weight that suits you, you must do excess weight and strenuous work for the best gains. The workout should involve the maximum weight possible, and make progress each time.

Not Getting Regular Blood Tests
Steroids are very dangerous and can cause great problems. Blood tests should be done often and regularly. When steroids are first taken many tests become elevated but will return to normal with in a few weeks. During the off period tests should also be done to make sure the body is recovering properly. If there is a problem with the Blood test, consult a doctor that you can trust.

Using The Wrong Steroids
Many athletes will increase their chances of getting negative effects when they take the wrong steroids. The strongest steroids that build more muscle mass, have the most side effects. These drugs should be avoided if possible, unless there is a reason to have an unbelievable gain. But these drugs are very toxic and we would recommend not taking them.

6. What are the side effect of steroids?

The side effects from steroids can be very serious and even fatal. But from the information we gathered in the past few years, it seems to me the side effects are not as serious as the media makes them out to be. Because of the media over exaggerating the side effects, this has turned many people way from steroids. There will only be short descriptions for the side effects now, and in the future we will add more to the side effects when we have time.

Water Retention:
This is most common from using steroids. It is a “puffiness” or swelling in the neck and facial areas. It is rather notable mainly if you know the person is on steroids. For example, we know someone that took steroids but we did not know it at the time. After we found out, if we looked his face we would wonder how we couldn’t notice he was on roids before. It can be mild swelling or very serious, obvious swelling.

Acne:
Everyone knows about acne, and is one of the side effects we worry about the most for us. It is also a very common side effect, it can give acne to someone who has never had acne, and it can make acne worse for others. It can also appear in new places for a person, such as, the back and neck. There have been several users that have not received acne on the other hand.

Gynecomastia:
It may not sound familiar but most people have heard about it. It is the formation of breasts, or abnormally large glands. The first signs are lumps under the nipples, then will gradually grow to fatty tissue and increase in size.

Aggression:
Aggression, also know as “roid rages”. Surprisingly, several athletes feel this is a positive effect. They often find they lift more, and are more intense during workouts. On the negative side, users find themselves fighting with family, friends, and co-workers with an uptight behaviour.

Hypertension:
High blood pressure is also a chance when taking steroids. Most athletes would not know if they had high blood pressure so it is suggested to get tests regularly. High blood pressure can lead to many more serious diseases.

Cardiovascular Disease:
Studies have shown that steroid use is a risk factor for heart disease. This is because steroids affect the cholesterol levels. Over a period of time the cholesterol builds up and clogs the arteries.

Palpitations:
Heart palpitations have been reported by a number of athletes on steroids. These may indicate an excited or elevated level of the central nervous system.

Impotence:
Impotence occurs when a user goes on and off steroids. When steroids are first used sexual interest increases because of the heightened frequency and duration of the erections. But eventually the opposite happens and no erections can be produced.

Jaundice:
A serious liver disease, which is found by an enlarged painful liver, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and flu like symptoms. This happens when athletes use high dosages of steroids.

Here are some more possible side effects from:
Irritation of the stomach lining. Steroids can increase the production of stomach acid and lower the production of protective stomach mucus. This can irritate the lining of the stomach and may cause or aggravate a stomach ulcer. To reduce this side effect the tablets should be taken with meals or milk. Tell your doctor if you have indigestion, stomach pains or abdominal discomfort.

The levels of sugar in your blood may change temporarily. This may happen if you have high-dose or long-term treatment. While you are having your steroid therapy your blood sugar levels will be checked regularly by blood tests. You may be asked to test your urine for sugar. You will be shown how to do this. Tell your doctor if you get very thirsty or if you are passing more urine than usual.

Fluid retention due to changed salt and water balance. You may notice that your ankles and/or fingers swell. Some people have a bloated feeling in the abdomen. This is usually only a problem with long-term treatment.

Increased appetite. You may notice that you feel hungrier than usual while taking steroids, and this can make you want to eat more than usual. If you are concerned about weight gain speak to your doctor or contact Cancer BACUPs information service.

Increased chance of infection and delayed healing of injuries. This happens mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection (inflammation, redness, soreness or a temperature) or if cuts take longer than usual to heal. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene to prevent infection.

Menstrual changes. Women may find that their periods become irregular or stop.

Behavioural changes. You may notice mood swings, difficulty in sleeping and perhaps anxiety or irritability. These happen mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment and will stop when the steroid therapy ends. Tell your doctor about any behavioural changes which are worrying you. Difficulty in sleeping may be reduced by taking the steroids in the early part of the day, but discuss this with your doctor first.

Less common side effects
Eye changes. With long-term use of steroids, cataracts or glaucoma may develop. There is also an increased risk of eye infections. Tell your doctor if you notice any eye problems.

Cushings syndrome. This is usually caused only by long-term use of steroids. It can cause acne, puffiness of the face, dark marks on the skin and facial hair in women. Cushings syndrome can be partially reduced by taking the steroids early in the morning, by taking them on alternate days instead of every day, or by reducing the dose, but discuss this with your doctor first.

Muscle wasting. With very long-term use of steroids, wasting of leg muscles may occur. This can cause weakness. When the steroids are stopped some people experience muscle cramps for a short time.

Osteoporosis. With very long-term use of steroids, calcium may be lost from the bones. This can result in pain (especially in the lower back), an increased susceptibility to fractures and loss of height.

Other side effects include: enlarged prostate, premature hair loss, sterility, shortness, and head and stomach aches. Please e-mail us if you know any more important side effects we missed, thank you.