How to Inject Testosterone – TRT and Bodybuilding

Using TRT can be lifesaver, however, the process of injecting TRT can be scary. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to inject Testosterone.

Written by Daniel Louwrens BSc PT
Updated On September 22, 2023

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Testosterone injections are a common method of administering testosterone for individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy – or for those looking to garner more gains.

Whether for medical reasons or to enhance athletic performance, knowing how to inject testosterone safely and correctly is essential.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about injecting testosterone. From preparing the necessary supplies and choosing the right injection site to drawing the testosterone and performing the injection itself, we will guide you through each crucial step.

We’ll also be comparing IM injections vs SUBQ injections to see which is the best for Testosterone injections.

Key Takeaways

Testosterone can either be injected Intramuscular or Subcutaneously
Using the right and clean injection methods is key to a successful injection
The most common place to inject Testosterone is the glute or the side shoulder

How to Inject Testosterone?

Subcutaneous (SubQ) and intramuscular (IM) are two common methods of administering testosterone injections. While both methods can effectively deliver testosterone into the body, there are some differences to consider.

SubQ injections involve injecting testosterone into the fatty tissue just below the skin. This method typically uses smaller needles and allows for a shallower injection. IM injections involve injecting testosterone directly into the muscle tissue. This method typically uses larger needles and requires deeper penetration into the muscle.

Intramuscular Injection (IM)

Proper technique and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for a successful injection. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to administer testosterone using the IM method:

Gather Supplies:
- Testosterone vial: Ensure it is properly stored, not expired, and unopened.
- Syringe and needles: Use a needle size 18G for drawing the Testosterone, and a 23 – 25G to inject the Testosterone.
- Alcohol swabs: Sterilize the injection site and vial top.
- Sharps container: Ensure a proper container for safe needle disposal.
Prepare the Injection Site:
- Choose the injection site: Common sites include the gluteal muscle (upper outer quadrant) and the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab in a circular motion and allow it to dry.
Draw the Testosterone:
- Remove the cap from the testosterone vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Assemble the syringe and needle, ensuring they are sterile.
- Pull back the plunger of the syringe to draw air into it equal to the desired testosterone dosage.
- Insert the needle into the vial, invert it, and inject the air into the vial.
- While keeping the vial inverted, draw the required testosterone dosage into the syringe, ensuring no air bubbles are present.
Administer the Injection:
- Exchange needles so that the smaller one is now present.
- Hold the syringe like a dart with a firm grip.
- With a quick motion, insert the needle into the muscle at a 90-degree angle.
- Slowly push the plunger to inject the testosterone.
- Once the dose is administered, withdraw the needle from the muscle.
Post-Injection Care:
- Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a sterile cotton ball or swab.
- Dispose of the used needle and syringe in a sharps container.
- If necessary, use a band-aid or sterile adhesive to cover the injection site.
- Observe the injection site for any adverse reactions or bleeding.

They may recommend slight variations in technique or injection site based on your individual needs. There will be some pain and even some swelling present, which is normal, however, excessive pain, swelling, or heat could be a sign of a looming infection.

Pros:

You can administer a large dose of Testosterone at one
You’re able to reach deeper than SUBQ injections would

Cons:

Injecting into muscles does hurt more than injecting into fat
Some claim IM injections to swell more than their SUBQ counterparts

Subcutaneous Injection (SUBQ)

This technique involves injecting testosterone into the fatty tissue just below the skin. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to administer testosterone using the SubQ injection method:

Gather Supplies:
- Testosterone vial: Ensure it is properly stored, not expired, and unopened.
- Syringe and needle: Use an insulin needle for SUBQ injections
- Alcohol swabs: Sterilize the injection site and vial top.
- Sharps container: Ensure a proper container for safe needle disposal.
Prepare the Injection Site:
- Choose the injection site: Common sites for SubQ injections include the abdomen, upper thigh, or upper outer arm.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab in a circular motion and allow it to dry.
Draw the Testosterone:
- Remove the cap from the testosterone vial and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Assemble the syringe and needle, ensuring they are sterile.
- Pull back the plunger of the syringe to draw air into it equal to the desired testosterone dosage.
- Insert the needle into the vial, invert it, and inject the air into the vial.
- While keeping the vial inverted, draw the required testosterone dosage into the syringe, ensuring no air bubbles are present.
(This step might be incredibly hard due to the thin insulin needle. You can opt for a backloading method, but this is certainly more dangerous and unhygienic.)
Administer the Injection:
- Hold the syringe like a pencil with a comfortable grip.
- With your other hand, pinch a fold of skin at the cleaned injection site.
- Insert the needle into the subcutaneous tissue at a 45-degree angle.
- Slowly push the plunger to inject the testosterone.
- Once the dose is administered, withdraw the needle from the subcutaneous tissue.
- Release the pinched skin fold.
Post-Injection Care:
- Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a sterile cotton ball or swab.
- Dispose of the used needle and syringe in a sharps container.
- If necessary, use a band-aid or sterile adhesive to cover the injection site.
- Observe the injection site for any adverse reactions or bleeding.

SubQ injections are perfect for smaller amounts of Testosterone or for those that are too immobile to actually reach the muscle tissue on their body.

Pros

Far less painful and tedious than its IM counterpart
Hardly leaves a bruise or lump

Cons:

You are limited as to the amount of Testosterone you can administer

Intramuscular Injection vs Subcutaneous Injection (IM vs SUBQ) for Testosterone

IM injections offer several advantages over SubQ injections for testosterone administration. Firstly, IM injections ensure deeper penetration into the muscle tissue, leading to faster absorption and potentially more rapid onset of therapeutic effects. Moreover, the use of longer needles in IM injections ensures proper deposition of testosterone deep into the muscle, minimizing the risk of leakage or displacement.

Overall, IM injections offer superior bioavailability and potentially more consistent testosterone levels, making them a preferred choice for individuals seeking optimized hormone replacement therapy.

SubQ injections have their own merits when it comes to testosterone administration. One key advantage is the ease of self-administration, as SubQ injections are generally considered less painful and easier to perform. The shallow injection depth and smaller needle size also contribute to a more comfortable experience for individuals.

SubQ injections are suitable for lower testosterone doses, making them appropriate for those who require less frequent injections or have specific medical conditions that may benefit from a more controlled release of testosterone.

Additionally, SubQ injections have a lower risk of hitting blood vessels or nerves, reducing the likelihood of complications. These factors, combined with convenience and patient preference, make SubQ injections a viable option for testosterone administration.

Which is better?

Well, for everyone that assumes the SUBQ route wouldn’t be effective, a 2006 study has found it to be remarkably effective at increasing Testosterone levels.

Another study published in 2015 found that there was very little difference between the IM and SUBQ route. The only difference was that in the first week the IM group have supraphysiological levels of Testosterone, but the result overall was, “suggesting that at steady state the bioavailability of testosterone enanthate is similar irrespective of the administration route.

Which is safer?

Both SubQ and IM injections can be safe methods for testosterone administration when performed correctly. The choice between the two methods should consider factors such as individual patient preference, dose requirements, ease of self-administration, and healthcare provider recommendations.

A Testosterone Injection is actually quite safe, and the only time it is not safe is when you do something wrong.

Where to Inject Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be administered via injections into several muscle sites. The choice of the injection site may depend on factors such as personal preference, accessibility, and healthcare provider recommendations.

Gluteal Muscles (Buttocks):
- The upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscle is a popular site for testosterone injections. It provides a large muscle mass for the injection and is easily accessible for self-administration or by a healthcare professional.
Deltoid Muscle (Shoulder):
- The deltoid muscle, located in the upper arm, can also be used for testosterone injections. This site is often preferred for self-administration due to its accessibility.
Thigh Muscles (Quadriceps):
- The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the outer side of the thigh, can be an alternative site for testosterone injections. It provides a well-developed muscle for injection.
Ventrogluteal Muscles (Hip):
- The ventrogluteal muscles, located on the hip, below the iliac crest and to the outside of the hip bone, can be another option for testosterone injections. This site offers a deep and well-vascularized muscle for injection.