As there are lots of myths going around the internet about the best injection sites for TRT and testosterone injection so there is a need to dig deep into this topic. So let’s talk about what exactly is TRT.
What is TRT?
TRT stands for Testosterone replacement therapy which increases the testosterone level if you are suffering from low testosterone. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone that plays a major role in the male reproductive system. TRT helps you with increased stamina, energy, increased sexual performance, and muscle mass. TRT involves the injection of testosterone into the human body through different techniques.
Types of techniques used for injecting Testosterone
The two types of injection techniques used for injecting testosterone are
- Subcutaneous injection(SubQ):
Subcutaneous injection or SubQ injection is a type of technique where the testosterone is injected directly into Subcutaneous tissue which is under the skin in between the dermis layer and the muscle.
The subcutaneous injection is injected at a 45-degree angle to avoid hitting the muscle underneath it. This technique has relatively less discomfort and pain while injecting. This injection type is relatively safe and cost-friendly.
The optimal needle required for Subcutaneous injection is small and short—typically one-half to five-eighths of an inch long with a gauge of 25 to 30.
- Intramuscular injection(IM)
Intramuscular injection or IM injection is a technique where the testosterone is injected directly into the muscle layer under the subcutaneous layer. This technique helps the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
The injection is injected at a 90-degree angle so that it is deposited directly into the muscles. This technique is the most common technique used for testosterone injection. This can be painful and often are not self-administered by the patient.
Needle for IM injections can be 22-23 Gauge, 1-1.5 inches in length, adjusted for thickness of site.
Now you have enough knowledge about TRT and the different techniques of injecting testosterone, you might now wonder about the best sites for TRT. so let’s dive into the topic of the sites(places in the body) of injecting testosterone.
Best sites for TRT
One has to be careful while injecting as it can be dangerous if done in the wrong places, here are the best sites for injecting testosterone
- Muscle in the thigh:
Vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is preferable for Intramuscular injection as it directly enters the muscle tissue and also you can inject it by yourself because it is easy to see.
- Gluteus Maximus muscle in the buttocks:
Only preferGluteus Maximus muscle if someone else is injecting it for you as you can’t clearly see the buttocks yourself. IM injection technique is preferred.
- Lower belly and love handles:
Subcutaneous injection is preferred here and also you can inject it by yourself as you can locate the site easily, stabilize the injection with one hand, and inject it with the other hand.
- Ventrogluteal:
Ventrogluteal is a very small muscle just above the thigh in the sides, so only prefer this site if you are injecting once or twice in a week and not more than that.
- Other common sites where you can inject are delts, quads, and glutes, as they are most fatty tissues, absorb the oil slower and so you have a longer release time. The best site just depends on one’s own preference of how they are gonna do and which type of injection they wanna go with.
| Site of injection | Preferred technique | Advantages |
| Thigh muscle | SubQ injection | Easy application and fewer complications |
| Gluteus Maximus muscle | IM injection | Less pain and discomfort while injecting |
| Lower belly and love handles | SubQ injection | Simplest and least uncomfortable |
| Ventrogluteal | IM injection | Least painful and fewest nerves |
| Delts | IM injection | One can inject in delts regularly |
| Glutes | IM injection | Bis muscle and fewer nerves |
Conclusion
The preferred sites and the technique to be followed will depend on how sensitive you are to the type of oil which can me sesame oil, cottonseed oil, or other oils that you are less sensitive to.
The absorption of the TRT in both SubQ injection and Intramuscular injection is quite identical. If you are regularly taking up the injection the lab results for both types would be quite similar.
There would be fewer potential issues with SubQ injection than with Intramuscular injection.
It is always advised to consult a physician and clinics like “The ED Clinic” as they are offering a free consultation for TRT and delivering medicines to home.