Administering A Subcutaneous Testosterone Injection

How And Why Do A Subcutaneous Testosterone Injection? - Understanding The Process

In the past, when people needed to take testosterone, they would get shots directly into their muscles. 

This was because they needed to inject much of it at once, and it would slowly get absorbed into the body from a pool of oil left in the muscle.

However, newer studies have shown that taking smaller doses more often can be better. It causes fewer problems and keeps hormone levels more balanced. Because of this, now it's more common to get testosterone injections just under the skin instead of deep into the muscle.

Choosing Between Intramuscular (IM) Or Subcutaneous (subQ) Testosterone Injections

Choosing between intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (subQ) testosterone injections depends on various factors, and each method has its advantages.

Subcutaneous injections, where testosterone is injected just under the skin, are becoming more popular, especially for testosterone cypionate, due to several reasons:

SubQ injections have a lower risk of accidentally being injected into a blood vessel.

• SubQ injections are simpler to teach and learn.
  
  
• It's more manageable to see the injection site with subQ injections.
  
  
• SubQ injections cause less damage to muscles and less scar tissue.
  
  
• Some studies suggest that lower doses of testosterone might be needed with subQ injections to achieve the same blood testosterone levels as IM injections.
  
  
• Testosterone is released more slowly from subQ injections, potentially leading to fewer spikes in oestrogen, DHT (dihydrotestosterone), and haematocrit, which can reduce side effects from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
  

The injection angle is essential for sub-Q injections to ensure the medication is delivered just under the skin.

However, IM injections, where testosterone is injected deep into the muscle, are still preferred for certain types of testosterone like Sustanon and Enanthate. These formulations contain preservatives that can make subQ injections more painful. Large-volume injections like Nebido (4ml) are also unsuitable for subQ injections due to the large volume. In individuals with a higher body fat percentage, the effectiveness of subQ injections may be affected due to the presence of more fat tissue.

Sub-Q injections are often recommended for small-volume injections (less than 0.4ml).

How To Safely Do A Subcutaneous Testosterone Injection - Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose A Comfortable, Well-Lit Area And Ensure Cleanliness Of Your Work Surface

Before administering the injection, gather all necessary materials to ensure a clean and efficient process. For testosterone enanthate or cypionate injections, you'll need:

• One ampoule of testosterone enanthate or a multiuse vial of testosterone cypionate/enanthate
  
  
• A filter needle (18G) if drawing from an ampoule
  
  
• An injecting needle (25G, 27G, or 30G with a 0.5-inch length), either attached to a fixed syringe (for multiuse vials) or a separate syringe
  
  
• One or two alcohol wipes
  
  
• A sharps bin for safe disposal of needles and syringes

2. Verify the expiration date of the medication. Do not use expired medication that contains particles or appears discoloured.

3. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a paper towel or kitchen roll when possible.

Remember, proper handwashing is crucial for preventing infection.

Step 2: Choosing And Preparing The Injection Site

Subcutaneous Injection In The Abdominal Fat

Injecting into the abdominal fat region is advisable due to its lack of nearby structures, such as blood vessels and nerves, minimising the risk of accidental injury. Additionally, this area typically has a sufficient layer of fatty tissue under the skin, preventing injections from going too deep beyond the subcutaneous layer. The abdomen is conveniently accessible and visible, facilitating easy administration of injections.

Option 2 – Subcutaneous Injection In The Thigh:

Administering a subcutaneous injection in the thigh may be slightly less comfortable compared to the abdomen, particularly for men who have less body fat in this region. 

To locate the appropriate site, divide your thigh horizontally into three equal parts. The injection should be administered in the outer middle third, situated midway between the knee and hip along the first part of the thigh. 

While this area may not be ideal for men with lower body fat levels, it could be a viable option to consider when rotating injection sites.

Step 3: Preparing The Injection Dose

Here's how to get your injection dose ready in a more straightforward way:

Check Syringes and Needles: Ensure your syringes and needles packages aren't opened or damaged. If they are, don't use them because they're not sterile.

Opening The Ampoule (For Enanthate): If you're using Enanthate, hold the ampoule and snap it open like you're breaking a small stick. Aim to break it at the neck, right below the dot. It's the thinnest part, so it should snap easily.

Preparing The Vial (For Cypionate): If you're using Cypionate or a vial, you can use it more than once. Grab the vial and clean the rubber top with an alcohol swab.

Syringe And Needle: Open their packages carefully, ensuring they do not touch the ends of anything, including your skin.

Drawing The Testosterone:

• If using an ampoule: Attach the 18G needle (the big one) to the syringe, then draw the testosterone into the syringe by pulling back the plunger. Do this slowly until you reach the dose your doctor told you to take.
  
  
• You won't need the big 18G needle if using a vial. Just use the needle that's attached to your syringe.
  

Getting Rid of Air Bubbles: Once you've drawn the testosterone, check for air bubbles in the syringe. If you see any, tap the syringe gently to move the bubbles to the top, then push the plunger to get the air out. It's okay if a tiny bit of air remains at the top.

Switching Needles (For Ampoule Users): If you used the big needle to draw from an ampoule, now's the time to switch to a smaller needle (27G, 29G, or 30G). Don't take the cover off the new needle until you're ready to inject.

Double-check the Dose: Make sure the amount in the syringe matches what your doctor prescribed. Ask your doctor or healthcare professional for help if you're unsure.

Remember, keeping everything clean and not touching the needle or syringe end is critical to a safe injection.

Step 4: Administering The Subcutaneous Testosterone Injection

1. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry.
   
   
2. Gently stabilise the skin around the injection site, lifting it slightly from underneath the muscle to facilitate a subcutaneous injection.
   
   
3. With a swift and confident motion, insert the needle into the fatty tissue of the abdomen at a 45-degree angle.
   
   
4. Unlike intramuscular injections, there's no need to aspirate when administering a subcutaneous injection. Depress the plunger steadily to deliver the medication.
   
   
5. Upon completing the injection, withdraw the needle slowly at the same angle it was inserted. Expect minimal oil or blood at the injection site, which is normal and not cause for concern.
   
   
6. After removing the needle, gently cleanse the injection area with another alcohol wipe. Dispose of the needle and syringe safely in the provided sharps bin.
   

Minimising Discomfort: Tips For Reducing Subcutaneous Testosterone Injection Irritation

• Ensure the medicine is at room temperature before injecting to minimise discomfort.
  
  
• Allow the skin to dry completely after using alcohol wipes to sterilise the injection site.
  
  
• Break through the skin swiftly with the needle rather than slowly pressing it in to lessen discomfort.
  
  
• Maintain a consistent direction with the needle as it enters and exits the skin to minimise tissue trauma.
  
  
• Avoid reusing disposable needles to reduce the risk of infection and prevent blunting, which can cause additional pain and tissue damage.
  

Getting Subcutaneous TRT In The EU

Obtaining subcutaneous testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) options in the EU can pose challenges, as clinics offering this method may be limited. Androgenix stands out as one of the progressive TRT clinics in the EU. Our physicians can prescribe medications like Enanthate and Cypionate, which can be administered subcutaneously, ensuring optimal patient comfort and convenience.

If you're concerned about undergoing Subcutaneous Testosterone Injections and need assistance, consult Androgenix for expert guidance and support. Our team can provide personalised advice to address your worries and ensure a smooth experience.