Learn How to Inject Testosterone with an Insulin Needle

Posted by medonthego on 11/12/2022 to

Testosterone is a male steroid hormone that helps promote a healthy sex drive and also significantly impacts the development of muscle mass, healthy blood cell count and body fat levels, and a good mood.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), anywhere between 300 to 1,000 ng/dL is considered an ideal testosterone level. But, if a blood test shows that your testosterone is below this normal range, your doctor might suggest you take testosterone injections to keep the levels within the ideal range.

Whether you have been taking testosterone injections for a while now or are just starting with testosterone replacement therapy, it is important to know how to safely and properly use the Correct Syringe and Needle to take the injections. Using the wrong gauge or size needle can cause serious problems, like tissue damage, infection, or worse.

To successfully inject testosterone with an insulin needle, there are several steps to follow. We will cover the important things you need to know in the following guide. From testosterone injection dosages, to how to inject it with an insulin needle, and what will happen if you take the dosage in the wrong way—be sure to use our guide to help you every step of the way.

First of all, Please understand that unlike Insulin or any other medication, Testosterone is a very Thick Fluid, to draw as well as to inject. Therefore, you will need to Use Lower Gauge Needles both for drawing it out of the vial as well as for injecting into the muscle tissue.

Finally, A Testosterone Shot is always taken in the Front Thigh or the Hip (When a Caregiver or Nurse is giving the Injection) at a 90 degree angle. It is necessary that the testosterene shot is delivered deep into the muscle tissue, so that it is absorbed into the bloodstream without any interference from the Metabolism process.

How Do I Inject Testosterone the Right Way?

To help guide you through the proper way to administer testosterone injections with a Needle, follow our helpful step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Syringe and Needle

First, gather all your materials together. You’ll need the following:

Testosterone Prescription Vial
New and Unused Sterile Syringe- 3mL Luer Lock Syringes with 22 to 23 Gauge Needles Or Just A Box of 3mL Luer Lock Syringes are Recommended.
New, and Unused Drawing Needle- Preferably 18 Gauge x 1.5 Needle Length is recommended. BD 305196 PrecisionGlide 18 x 1.5 Inch Length Needles are a suitable choice here.
New, Unused Injection Needle- 23 Gauge x 1.5 Inch Needle or 23 Gauge 1 Inch Hypodermic Needles are recommended.
Alcohol Wipes
and A Sharps Container in which to safely dispose of your used injection materials.

Step 2: Sanitize Properly

Wash your hands thoroughly (aim for at least 20 seconds) and sanitize the top of the testosterone bottle before injecting.

Step 3: Draw the Correct Testosterone Dosage

Remove the Syringe from its package. There will be 2 Options here. If you are using just a Syringe, just take it out of the blister pack. If you are using a Syringe Needle, take it out of the blister pack.

Detach the Injection Needle it comes attached with. and keep it Aside on a Clean and Dry Sterile Surface to avoid any contamination.

Now Insert or attach the 18 Gauge Drawing Needle to the Syringe. Make sure your needle or syringe doesn’t come in contact with anything else to avoid contamination.

You’ll want to inject air into your testosterone vial first. This helps to raise the internal air pressure, making it easier for you to draw the medication into the syringe. To do this:

Press the syringe plunger.
Pull the syringe down to the desired dosage.
Pierce the rubber ring of your testosterone prescription bottle using the drawing needle.
Turn the vial upside down and draw the testosterone into the syringe to the desired dosage your doctor ordered.
Make sure there are no air bubbles in the syringe, tap the syringe a couple of times until all air bubbles are gone.
Take the Drawing needle out of the vial and discard it into the Sharps Container.

Step 4: Switch To The Insulin or Injection Needle

Remove the drawing needle from syringe and discard it into the Sharps Container.
Now take the insulin needle that you had kept aside and attach it to the syringe. Once again, Please make sure that the needle for the injection is New (Sterile).
Testosterone Injections are called IM- IntraMuscular injections for they for they need to be administered deep into the thick muscle tissue preferably the Thigh or Hip, away from any Bones.

Step 5: Inject The Testosterone

Clean the injection spot on your body with the Alcohol Wipe before you inject. Rub the alcohol wipe to make sure the area is thoroughly clean.

To carefully inject the medication, pierce the skin while holding the needle at a 90-degree angle with 1 quick motion.

Now finish injecting the Full Dose of Testosterone Medication into the Muscle Tissue and take the needle out.

After you have taken the needle out, rub the injection spot gently with a Fresh Alchohol Wipe to prevent any infection.

Discard the Injection Needle, Syringe and Wipe into the Sharp Container.

Which Needle Should I Use To Inject Testosterone?

Needles are measured by Gauge (or Diameter) and Length. The Lower the needle gauge, the wider the needle diameter will be. A Standard Needle recommendation for Testosterone Shots is between 22 and 23 gauge and 1 to 1.5 inches in length.

What Will Happen If I Inject Testosterone The Wrong Way?

If testosterone is not injected properly with the right needle, it can cause a decline in the number of sperm produced. Incorrect injection and dosage can also cause some serious health issues.

Painful symptoms that may result from an incorrectly administered testosterone shot include:

Lower leg pain
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Nausea
Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or legs
Difficulty breathing, especially during sleep
Erections that last too long or happen too often
Difficulty urinating
Pain in the stomach's upper part
Mood changes

How Much Testosterone Should I Inject?

Testosterone dosages are different for every individual. Be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best dosage to fit your specific health needs.

Other factors, such as the time between doses, how much you take every day, and the duration of your prescription will also depend on the advice of your doctor.

But generally, standard dosages usually follow these parameters:

For Adults (18 years and older)

The initial recommended dosage is 50-400 mg, injected into your muscle every 2-4 weeks.

For Young Adults (12-17 years)

Your doctor will decide how much testosterone is appropriate for your child to take. But, the basic dosage is generally 50 to 200 mg, injected into the muscle.

NOTE: It is important to only inject the exact amount of testosterone your doctor has prescribed.

How Should I Store My Testosterone Injections?

A cool, dark, and dry place is the perfect spot to store your testosterone injections.

You’ll want to be careful to keep your injections away from ultraviolet light. Sunlight will speed up a process known as pharmaceutical degradation. This means the medication will start to degrade and become ineffective after some time.

What Else Should I Know About Testosterone Injection Storage?

Keep testosterone enanthate injection (also known as the prescription Xyosted) securely closed in the original container.
Do not store your testosterone injections anywhere near where children might find them.
Keep them out of sight and out of reach, keep the safety caps locked, ensure your used injections, needles, and syringes are stored securely in a tightly sealed container.
Store testosterone in a dry, cool place—away from moisture, excessive heat, and direct sunlight.
Avoid freezing or refrigerating your testosterone injections.

Where Should I Dispose of Unused, Expired, or Used Testosterone Injections?

Medical supplies, needles, syringes, and testosterone injections must be disposed of carefully. Safe disposal will prevent children or pets from ingesting them or getting pricked by used needles.

You shouldn’t toss used injections in the trash or try to flush them down a toilet. Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacy if they have a safe disposal drop off. Medicine take-back programs are the safest way to dispose of your testosterone injections. Many doctor’s offices and local pharmacies (even some within grocery stores) have disposal systems in place that you can bring your used medicine bottles, syringes, and needles to.

Are Injecting Testosterone Injections Safe?

Testosterone injections are safe, if used properly and with the direction of a doctor. But, there are occasional side effects.

Recent American Academy of Family Physicians research shows that some testosterone therapy might cause polycythemia (a type of blood cancer), an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, venous thrombosis, and lower urinary tract issues.

According to the FDA, some people may also have allergic reactions to testosterone injections, such as skin rashes, dizziness, and breathing problems. Other forms of testosterone, including enanthate, might cause increased blood pressure and risk of heart attack or stroke.

If after a testosterone injection you experience any of the following symptoms, please be sure to immediately call your doctor:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dizziness
Slow or difficult speech
Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
Faintness

How Much Time Will It Take For Testosterone Injection To Work After I Inject It?

How quickly testosterone injection will work depends on how your body responds to the hormone. The National Library of Medicine shares a timeline that can help you better understand your treatment, and when you may notice the effects of your testosterone injection therapy.

To help breakdown those standards and timing, here are a few important notes:

Insulin Sensitivity: A Few Days

Insulin sensitivity tends to improve within just a few days. But, the effects on glycemic control will change after three to 12 months.
Changes in muscle strength, lean body mass, and fat mass occur within 12 to 16 weeks and can continue modestly for years.
The effects on inflammation take three to 12 weeks.
The effects on bone are visible after six months and last for at least three years.

Mood Improvement: 3 to 6 Weeks

After three to six weeks, a lessening of depression may be noticeable, with a peak after 18-30 weeks. Effects on erythropoiesis (the process through which red blood cells are generated) are visible after three months and peak between nine and 12 months.
Lipid effects emerge after four weeks and peak after six to 12 months.
Prostate-specific antigen and volume grow moderately, reaching a plateau after 12 months; any further increase should be attributed to aging rather than testosterone replacement therapy.

Libido Boost: 3 Weeks

The benefits of testosterone replacement treatment on sexual interest and performance occur after three weeks and plateau at six weeks, with no further increases expected beyond that.
Erection/ejaculatory changes may necessitate up to six months of testosterone replacement therapy.
The effects on quality of life are noticeable within three to four weeks, although the full advantages take longer.
The results may take longer, as everyone’s systems are different. Some might even experience a change sooner compared to others.

What Else Should I Know About Injecting Testosterone Injections With An Insulin Needle?

Testosterone injections work best when it comes to promoting a healthy sex drive and performance and improving mood. But, to get the most out of your testosterone replacement therapy, it is important to inject with an insulin needle in the right way.

Important Takeaways: Make sure that the needle is sanitized and clean before use, and throw it in a safe storage container immediately after its use. And, it is always recommended to take testosterone dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

We encourage you to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have additional questions about your testosterone dosages or usage.

Consult a doctor for any concerns regarding your insulin needles, how best to use and store them, and their expiration dates.