Despite the high health risks associated with doping, this phenomenon remains widespread globally due to the immense pressure athletes face to achieve results.
What is Doping?
Doping refers to the use of stimulants. There are three common forms of doping: Blood doping (which enhances oxygen transport via red blood cells) such as Erythropoietin (EPO) and Darbepoetin (NESP), Muscle doping (which increases muscle strength through enhanced hormone production), and Nervous system doping (which prevents muscle control and feedback to the nervous system).
Why is Doping Prohibited in Sports Competitions?
Doping is banned in sports because stimulants generally accelerate blood circulation, increase blood volume returning to the heart, enhance physical performance, and improve concentration for athletes, allowing the body to avoid necessary rest when fatigued. This undermines fairness in sports competition, and more importantly, it directly affects athletes’ health, even threatening their lives due to potential side effects.
Doping refers to the use of stimulants.
Consequences of Doping Use
Female Athletes Developing Masculine Traits
When using anabolic steroids derived from male hormones like testosterone to increase muscle mass and strength, female athletes may develop masculine traits such as deepened voice, acne, facial hair growth, and menstrual irregularities. Male athletes may face risks such as testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, and could potentially lead to erectile dysfunction. Additionally, this can cause sodium retention, which may lead to heart failure or kidney failure. Such substances can also result in hepatic congestion and liver cancer.
Muscle Weakness and Enlarged Extremities
Growth hormones are often used to enhance athletes’ endurance. However, in reality, their use may lead to muscle weakness, enlarged extremities, or even diabetes.
Inducing Tremor Syndrome
Stimulants affecting the central nervous system, like amphetamines, may seem to enhance athletes’ strength. However, studies show that excessive use does not improve muscle power and endurance but can lead to tremor syndrome, lack of confidence, insomnia, and ultimately, nervous breakdown.
Causing Hemolysis, Fever, and Rashes
The blood doping method increases the number of red blood cells, thus enhancing oxygen supply to cells, allowing muscles to function more vigorously and sustainably. However, athletes employing this method may suffer from hemolysis, fever, rashes, severe asthma, liver infections, or even HIV infections. Moreover, if an excessive amount of red blood cells is transfused, it can lead to blood clots, causing localized damage or even death.
Despite the high health risks associated with doping, this phenomenon remains prevalent worldwide, as athletes endure immense pressure to perform. In a survey conducted in France, 80% of athletes indicated they would be willing to use doping if it guaranteed them a championship title in European competitions.
