Drugs in sport. Composite image of capsules of anabolic steroids on the figure of a body-builder. Anabolic (protein-building) steroids speed up muscle recovery after exercise, increasing muscle bulk and allowing a more intensive training schedule. Side-effects include aggressiveness, liver damage, oedema (fluid retention), impotence, acne, priapism (persistent painful erection) and virilization in women. Anabolic steroids are banned in sport.