Danny Andrews, the former bodybuilder who went viral for his strict diet of fish and rice cakes, has revealed he was told he is infertile due to his former steroid use. The 37-year-old from Preston, Lancashire, now says taking steroids for 'bigger biceps' wasn't worth it and is warning other young men against them.
Steroid use started in 2008
Danny began taking steroids in 2008 when he was 18 due to the pressures of bodybuilding. He stopped five years later in 2013 after realising he was only taking them because he was 'insecure'.
Danny said: 'I realised I was taking them because I was insecure and wanted to be bigger and more muscular. Was it worth it for a bigger bicep to not have a family when you're older? It wasn't worth it. I train for longevity and try to keep healthy and fit.'
Infertility diagnosis
After trying to start a family for two years, Danny went to his GP for a semen analysis in 2015. Doctors told him he was infertile due to steroids, which affected the mobility of his sperm, and that it was 'highly unlikely' for him to have children naturally.
Danny said: 'The doctors said it was because of the steroids. I cried my eyes out, they said it's highly unlikely I will have kids naturally.'
Warning to young men
Danny now speaks out to raise awareness after young men reached out to him for advice. He said: 'I just want to create awareness that men are not alone because they will not talk about it. It is even worse now for young lads because they've got the pressure of social media and steroids are so accessible.
'You hear all the benefits but you don't hear all the side effects, and when you do, you don't think it will ever happen to you. I'm worried about young lads who take them. You can get it all online, it's crazy.'
IVF plans
Now engaged to Sadie Bass after meeting on E4 dating show Love Triangle, Danny has tried medication and freezing his sperm and is due to start IVF soon with his partner.
Sadie, a 30-year-old influencer, said: 'I felt bad for him because he had said he really wants to be a dad and have a family. When we were chatting, he was checking that I also wanted kids. It was quite an emotional moment, and I was impressed he opened up, and it made him more attractive because he was being open and vulnerable. If anything, it made me feel more connected to him. I like the person for who they are, not for whether we're going to have kids or not.'
