It’s one of the most talked-about — and feared — side effects in the steroid world: Deca Dick.
If you’ve ever run a cycle of Nandrolone Decanoate (aka Deca-Durabolin) and noticed a loss of libido, weak erections, or complete sexual dysfunction, you’re not alone.
Despite its popularity for joint relief and muscle-building, Deca carries a reputation for crushing sexual performance. This condition — known as Deca Dick — can affect users during a cycle, or linger long after, leading to:
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Frustration
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Embarrassment
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Hormonal chaos
"Anabolic steroid-induced sexual dysfunction is not uncommon, particularly with 19-nor compounds like Nandrolone, which exhibit unique suppressive and progestogenic effects."
— Kanayama et al., Drug and Alcohol Dependence
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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What causes Deca Dick
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How to prevent it during a cycle
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Most importantly — how to fix it
Whether you're currently experiencing it or planning your first cycle, you’ll learn how to stay in control of your:
✅ Hormones
✅ Recovery
✅ Confidence
What Is Deca Dick?
Deca Dick is the slang term for a very real and frustrating side effect: erectile dysfunction and suppressed libido caused by the use of Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate) — a 19-nor anabolic steroid commonly used for bulking and joint relief.
Unlike temporary fatigue or low drive, Deca Dick can mean:
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Inability to achieve or maintain an erection
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Loss of sexual desire or responsiveness
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Delayed or absent orgasm
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Psychological stress and relationship tension
This can occur during the cycle or persist after discontinuation, especially if no Testosterone base or proper post-cycle therapy (PCT) is used.
What makes Deca different from other anabolic steroids is its unique interaction with progesterone receptors, in addition to its strong suppression of natural testosterone. Together, these effects can interfere with the:
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Hormonal pathways
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Neurotransmitter systems
... responsible for arousal and sexual performance.
"Deca-induced erectile dysfunction is likely multifactorial, involving central nervous system effects via dopamine and prolactin, in addition to androgen suppression."
— Rahnema et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings
What Causes Deca Dick?
While the symptoms of Deca Dick are frustrating, the root causes are physiological — and preventable. Nandrolone disrupts your body’s hormonal balance through multiple mechanisms, making it uniquely suppressive compared to other steroids.
Here’s what’s going on under the hood:
1. Testosterone Suppression
Nandrolone is notorious for shutting down the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates your body’s natural testosterone production. Without a proper testosterone base, users quickly experience symptoms of low T:
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Decreased libido
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Weak or absent erections
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Low energy and mood disturbances
"Nandrolone profoundly suppresses luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), resulting in decreased endogenous testosterone production."
— Bagchus et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
✅ Support: ZMT for testosterone regulation, libido, and mood.
2. Progestin Activity
Unlike testosterone-derived steroids, Nandrolone is a 19-nor compound, meaning it acts on progesterone receptors. This progestogenic activity can:
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Suppress dopamine (linked to sexual desire and arousal)
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Increase prolactin levels (which inhibits erection and orgasm)
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Reduce responsiveness to androgens even when total T is high
"Nandrolone binds with high affinity to progesterone receptors, which may reduce dopaminergic signaling and increase sexual dysfunction."
— Melchert & Welder, Clinical Pharmacology
3. Elevated Prolactin
Even without high estrogen, prolactin can spike from Deca’s progestin activity. Elevated prolactin is strongly associated with:
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Erectile dysfunction
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Decreased arousal and dopamine response
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Anorgasmia (inability to climax)
"High prolactin levels impair sexual function by reducing dopamine receptor sensitivity and decreasing penile erection capacity."
— Corona et al., Journal of Sexual Medicine
✅ Support: ZMT includes DIM, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6 — all shown to help regulate prolactin.
4. Estrogenic Imbalance
Nandrolone aromatizes weakly, but when natural testosterone is suppressed, the testosterone-to-estrogen (T:E) ratio can skew dramatically. This "relative estrogen dominance" leads to:
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Lethargy
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Mood swings
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Reduced libido
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Increased prolactin sensitivity
✅ Strategy: Use an aromatase inhibitor (AI) if bloodwork shows elevated estradiol. Support estrogen metabolism naturally with DIM (found in ZMT).
How to Prevent Deca Dick
Preventing Deca Dick comes down to understanding how Nandrolone disrupts your endocrine system and proactively building a strategy around it. Prevention isn’t just about avoiding sexual side effects — it’s about protecting your long-term hormonal health and quality of life during and after the cycle.
1. Always Run a Testosterone Base
Deca alone is a terrible idea. Nandrolone suppresses your natural testosterone production to near zero. Without supplemental testosterone, your body will not have enough androgens to support:
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Libido
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Mood
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Sexual performance
Best practices:
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Run Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate alongside Deca
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Maintain a Test:Deca ratio of at least 1:1, ideally 2:1 if you’re sensitive
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Example: 400 mg/week Testosterone + 200 mg/week Deca
"Nandrolone-induced suppression of endogenous testosterone is profound and persistent. Co-administration of exogenous testosterone is necessary to mitigate hypogonadal symptoms."
— Bagchus et al., JCEM
2. Monitor Prolactin and Estrogen Mid-Cycle
Even if your libido feels fine at the start, issues can creep up if prolactin or estrogen levels begin to rise — and they often do by week 4–6.
Lab markers to monitor:
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Prolactin — should stay below 18 ng/mL in men
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Estradiol (E2) — aim for a balanced level (~20–40 pg/mL), depending on testosterone base
If prolactin is elevated:
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Consider using Cabergoline (0.25 mg 2x/week) or Vitamin B6 (P5P form)
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Use ZMT for natural prolactin control (Zinc, B6, DIM, Ashwagandha)
If estrogen is too high:
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Use an AI such as Arimidex (0.25–0.5 mg EOD as needed)
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But do not crash estrogen — too low E2 is also linked to erectile issues
"Both hyperprolactinemia and estrogen imbalance are associated with reduced libido and erectile capacity due to neuroendocrine dysregulation."
— Corona et al., Journal of Sexual Medicine
3. Use a Supplement Stack That Supports Hormonal Balance
Proper supplementation creates a baseline of protection — enhancing:
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Androgen production
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Controlling estrogen
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Supporting dopamine pathways
🟢 Core stack:
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ZMT: Supports free testosterone, reduces prolactin, improves sleep and libido
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DHEA: 100 mg/day to support androgen status and mood
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Krill Oil: Improves endothelial health, dopamine conversion, and nitric oxide output
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Greens + Reds: Supports gut-brain axis, detoxification, and micronutrient balance
Together, these supplements support the neurochemical, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems needed for optimal sexual function — even on a suppressive compound like Deca.
How to Fix Deca Dick
If you’re already dealing with low libido, poor erections, or complete sexual shutdown, the good news is: Deca Dick is reversible. But recovery takes targeted intervention — not wishful thinking.
Here’s exactly how to fix it:
1. Start a Comprehensive PCT Protocol
When Deca is discontinued, natural testosterone won’t just "bounce back." Due to Deca’s long half-life (~15+ days), suppression can linger for weeks. This makes post-cycle therapy (PCT) absolutely essential.
Standard PCT protocol (start ~2 weeks after last Deca injection):
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Clomid: 50 mg/day for 4 weeks
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Nolvadex: 20 mg/day for 4–6 weeks
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Optional: Taper dosing in weeks 5–6 based on symptoms and labs
✅ Internal link: PCT for Bodybuilders
Important: You must restart LH and FSH production to reactivate the testes. Symptoms won’t improve without restoring endogenous testosterone.
2. Reduce Elevated Prolactin With Dopamine Agonists
High prolactin levels inhibit dopamine — the neurotransmitter critical for arousal, pleasure, and erectile response. Even if testosterone rises post-cycle, prolactin may remain elevated due to Deca’s progestin effects.
Protocol:
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Cabergoline (Rx): 0.25–0.5 mg 2x/week for 4–6 weeks
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Vitamin B6 (P5P): 100–200 mg/day
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Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa): 250–500 mg/day to restore dopamine tone
✅ Natural support: ZMT includes key prolactin regulators — Vitamin B6, Zinc, DIM, and Tongkat Ali.
3. Use Supplements to Rebuild Androgenic and Sexual Function
Steroid-induced sexual dysfunction often leaves the endocrine system fragile. Use targeted supplements to rebuild over 4–8 weeks:
Recovery Stack:
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ZMT: Boosts LH, supports free testosterone, regulates estrogen and prolactin
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DHEA: Supports adrenal function and restores androgen precursors
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POST: Reduces inflammation, supports liver health, and speeds muscle recovery
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Krill Oil: Improves vascular health, mood, and nitric oxide function
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Greens + Reds: Detoxifies, supports gut-brain axis, and improves micronutrient repletion
4. Address Lifestyle Factors That Support Recovery
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Sleep 7–9 hours consistently
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Manage cortisol — stress blunts testosterone and dopamine
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Eat a diet rich in zinc, magnesium, healthy fats, and whole foods
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Avoid overtraining and caloric deficits while recovering
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Limit alcohol and screen time — both impair dopamine and hormone regulation
"Recovery from AAS-induced hypogonadism requires comprehensive endocrine support, nutritional rehabilitation, and lifestyle optimization."
— Kanayama et al., Endocrine Reviews
Legal Status and Disclaimer
Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate) is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States and is illegal to possess or distribute without a valid medical prescription.
It is also banned by all major athletic organizations, including:
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World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
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U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)
In many countries, importing anabolic steroids — even for personal use — can result in:
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Customs seizure
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Fines
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Criminal charges
Online forums, unlicensed sources, and UGLs (underground labs) carry additional dangers such as:
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Product contamination
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Underdosing
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Mislabeling
"Anabolic steroid misuse is associated with legal consequences, health risks, and long-term endocrine dysfunction, particularly when used outside medical supervision."
— Sagoe et al., Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only.
Swolverine does not promote or endorse the illegal use of anabolic steroids. This guide is intended to inform adult readers about the risks, science, and recovery strategies associated with performance-enhancing substances.
Always consult a licensed medical professional before beginning any hormone-related protocol, including post-cycle therapy (PCT) or testosterone support supplements.
Conclusion
Deca Dick isn’t a myth — it’s a real, physiological side effect of using Nandrolone Decanoate.
It can hit even experienced lifters if they aren’t careful. From:
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Testosterone suppression
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Prolactin spikes
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Progestin-related dopamine disruption
... the mechanisms behind Deca-induced sexual dysfunction are complex — but well understood.
The good news? It’s highly preventable and fully reversible.
By:
✅ Running a proper testosterone base
✅ Monitoring prolactin and estrogen
✅ Using a dialed-in PCT
✅ Stacking effective supplements like ZMT, DHEA, and POST
... you can cycle smarter, maintain sexual function, and recover with confidence.
✅ Ready to protect your cycle and stay in control?
Swolverine’s Hormone Health Stack is designed to help you:
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Maintain libido
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Restore hormonal balance
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Bounce back after suppression
🟢 ZMT: Testosterone support, prolactin regulation, and sleep optimization
🟢 DHEA: Daily androgen support
🟢 POST: Liver, muscle, and hormone recovery
🟢 Krill Oil: Inflammation and cognitive function
🟢 Greens + Reds: Gut, detox, and nutrient repletion
Train hard. Stay sharp. Keep your edge.
FAQ: Deca Dick
What is Deca Dick?
Deca Dick refers to erectile dysfunction, low libido, and sexual dysfunction caused by using Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate).
It results from testosterone suppression, elevated prolactin, and progestin activity disrupting normal sexual function.
Does everyone get Deca Dick?
No, but it’s common — especially if Deca is run without a testosterone base or if prolactin and estrogen levels aren’t properly managed.
Genetics, age, and previous cycle history also play a role.
How long does Deca Dick last?
It depends. Without proper PCT, symptoms can last for weeks or months.
With the right recovery strategy and support supplements, most men fully recover within 4–8 weeks post-cycle.
Can supplements help reverse it?
Yes — supplements like ZMT, DHEA, and POST can help restore hormonal balance, reduce prolactin, and support testosterone production naturally.
These work best when used alongside proper PCT and bloodwork.
What blood tests should I run?
To evaluate and fix Deca Dick, monitor:
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Total & Free Testosterone
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Estradiol (E2)
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Prolactin
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LH & FSH
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SHBG
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Dopamine (if available)
