A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Inject Testosterone

March 30, 2024

4 mins

Self-injecting testosterone can seem like an intimidating task. But with the right instructions, you’ll be able to quickly master your self-injections. Here’s your step-by-step guide to injecting testosterone. 

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What to Do Before the Injection

The first step is to gather all the materials you’ll need to administer the injection. These are:

• Alcohol pads

• The appropriate syringe – typically 1-3 ml, need may be already attached

• A large-bore 18-gauge need to draw medication out of vial

• A small-bore needle – 21-gauge or 23-gauge – to inject the medication

• Medication bottle

• A container to dispose of the needles

• Adhesive bandage

Be sure to check the expiration date on the medication bottle. Do not use an expired medication, a medication with particles, or one that is discolored. 

Once all the materials are gathered, thoroughly wash your hands with soap. The process for properly preparing your medication is as follows:

1. Remove the cover from the medication bottle.

2. Sterilize the bottle with an alcohol pad.

3. Remove the syringe from the sterile package and place on a clean, flat surface. Be sure to not touch the tip of the syringe. If the 18-gauge needle is already attached to the syringe, skip to step 5. If a smaller needle is attached to the syringe, remove it by twisting it counterclockwise until it releases. Place the needle on a clean, flat surface. 

4. Remove the large needle (18-gauge) from its wrapper and twist it onto the end of the syringe to attach it. Again, be sure to not touch the end of the needle or the tip of the syringe, as they both must be kept clean.

5. Pull back the plunger of the syringe to draw 0.5 ml of air into the syringe.

6. Remove the needle cap, insert the needle into the medication bottle, and turn the bottle so that the needle is inserted upside down.

7. Inject air into the bottle, then pull the needle back so that the tip of the needle is below the level of fluid in the bottle.

8. Draw the medication into the syringe by slowly pulling back on the plunger. If an air bubble appears, push the medication back into its bottle and reposition the needle. Repeat this process once the needle is in the correct position to draw the medication in the syringe. 

9. Pull the needle out and recap it. You can put the medication bottle down at this point.

10. Next, remove the large needle from the syringe by twisting it counterclockwise. Then attach the smaller needle to the syringe by twisting it clockwise. 

How to Self-Administer an Intramuscular Injection

Once your medication has been properly prepared, you can choose an injection site. 

Start by sitting in a comfortable position. Choose an injection site in the middle third of the thigh, closer to the outside part of the thigh. Do not inject on the inner thigh, as there are important blood vessels and nerves that could be disrupted. 

Cleanse the skin with an alcohol pad in the area you will inject the medication. Remove the cap from the needle. With your non-dominant hand, spread the skin on your thigh between your thumb and index finger so the skin is tight. 

Without hesitation, insert the needle all the into the thigh muscle at a 90° angle from the thigh. The needle and your thigh should be completely perpendicular. 

Draw the plunger back. Look to see if any blood is coming into the syringe. If there is blood, reposition the needle by pulling the syringe back slightly – not completely. 

Once there is no blood coming into the syringe, it is safe to inject the medication. 

Slowly push on the plunger to administer the medication, applying enough pressure on the plunger to inject the medication into the muscle. It’s normal for the medication to go in very slowly, as testosterone medication is thick in consistency. 

Once the syringe is completely empty, withdraw the needle from your thigh. Rub the injection site gently with an alcohol pad and apply an adhesive bandage if any bleeding has occurred. 

What to Do After the Injection

Once the medication has been administered, carefully discard the needles. This can be done by putting the used needle in a container with a lid – such as a used laundry detergent bottle or any other container that is puncture-proof. 

If you notice any unexpected symptoms or reactions following an injection, be sure to seek medical help right away. This might involve swelling or warmth at the injection site, or a sudden high fever. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance if you experience any of these signs.

Where Can I Learn More About Testosterone Injections? 

Balanced testosterone levels are a key factor in men’s health, but TRT should only be used by those who need it. 

With the Rex MD TestoRx program, you’ll have access to quality care from a team of licensed clinicians and testosterone solutions, if appropriate.

To find out if the program is right for you, just answer some about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will order lab work for you to help determine if you’re eligible for testosterone injections or another treatment option.

Then, you’ll be able to schedule a virtual call with the Rex MD care team to further discuss your results, eligibility, and which treatment option would be most suitable for you, if any.

Get started today.