The Best Areas to do Intramuscular Self-Inject of Testosterone (IM)

Where should I inject Testosterone? Testosterone injection is done intramuscularly. This means the shot must go directly into the muscle by penetrating the skin and subcutaneous (under the skin) tissue.

Intramuscular injections are rapidly absorbed and are the only option to use when more significant doses are needed than can be absorbed cutaneously (through the skin only). They are also required when the injection of the drug is too painful to be administered subcutaneously.

The third reason for intramuscular injection of testosterone is that this method allows the drug to spread from the injection site at a measured, exact rate.

The standard areas for intramuscular injections are the buttocks, the side of the thigh, and the deltoid region (shoulder). These areas are suitable since the muscles there are dense.

Also, these areas contain significant muscle fibers and fascia (the connective tissue that engulfs the muscles), which gives the testosterone injection a large surface area for absorption.

Also, these muscles are massive; therefore, they receive a continual flow of blood, transporting testosterone to the tissues.

Another benefit of injecting testosterone into these areas is that there is sufficient muscle to reduce the chance of hitting a significant nerve or blood vessel.

For most folks, the preferred site for testosterone injections is the gluteus medius muscle (glute). This area is the upper outer quadrant of the buttock, closer to the hip than the thigh and toward the outside.

An often-used target for this quadrant is the iliac crest, located at the top of the pelvic girdle on the back side.

The ideal spot to inject testosterone is 2 to 3 inches beneath the iliac crest. You can locate the peak by feeling the highest bone area above both glute muscles. This is a desired area for injection since the muscle in this region has few nerves and few blood vessels and is relatively dense.

Also, injecting here reduces the possibility of damaging the sciatic nerve, which runs through the buttock's mid-to-lower area. This nerve is “the boss” of the rear of the leg.

If you accidentally hit this nerve or get too close to it, intense pain is guaranteed, and perhaps even temporary paralysis may result. Not what you need! So be aware of this location.

A problem with injection into the glute is that many people lack flexibility and coordination and cannot turn to their side far enough to reach the glute.

One option is to have a friend or spouse inject Testosterone. Most testosterone users eventually self-inject when they realize that the process is (usually) painless.

Here is another consideration about injections into the glutes. Continue to rotate the injection area from one glute to the other. This will stop scar tissue from forming.

If you are alone and are not comfortable with the art of self-injecting the buttocks, your next option for injection is the outer thigh region (the quadriceps, or “quad”), specifically the vastus lateral muscle.

Intramuscular Sites

The quad can handle a significant volume of testosterone and is easier to get at than the glute. The downside of quad injections is two-fold.

First, there may be some after-injection discomfort and stiffness. Second, the quad is subject to more bleeding than the glute since it is possible to hit a small vein.

Rarely, the blood can explode from the injection site like an erupting volcano, immediately after the needle is pulled out. Then it calms down to a slow trickle.

This side effect is no big deal unless you suffer from a heart condition. Just get out the band-aid.

Here’s how to find the vastus lateral muscle: use your knee and the greater trochanter of your femur (thigh bone) for positioning. The greater trochanter is the bony area where the femur meets the pelvic girdle.

Locate the middle of the muscle by measuring your palm above the knee, then below the greater trochanter. The central area is your injection site.

Here’s another way to find the correct injection site for the thigh. Divide your thigh into three equal parts, and your injection area is in the outer, middle third.

A crucial point to remember: DO NOT inject Testosterone into the front of your thigh, and not into your inner thigh! Why? Because these areas are jam-packed with nerves and blood vessels.

Your third choice for injection is the deltoid muscle located on your shoulder. If you go with this method, the area for injection to aim for is 2 to 3 fingers below the acromion (outer end of the scapula or shoulder blade) and lateral to the axilla (armpit).

The deltoid area is the least desirable for injections since it is painful and may rupture blood vessels. This is the reason why this area is usually reserved for immunizations.

Deltoid Testosterone Injection Site

Final Takeaways

The recommended method of holding the injection device is to grasp it like a dart. The method of piercing the skin is similar to a flick of the wrist throwing motion. But unlike a dart, make sure not to let go of the device!

Try practicing on the skin of an orange to perfect your injection technique and get a feel for the correct amount of force to employ.

If you accidentally hit a nerve, quickly pull the needle out and try again an inch or two away.

Before injection, depress and spread the skin next to the intended injection site with your opposite hand. After the dose, pull the needle out and relieve the pressure on the surface.

Injections should not be painful as they go through your skin and should not cause bruising unless you use a dull needle. Our clinic will provide detailed instructions about the lifespan of the needles you will be using.

To prevent dull needles, do not push a needle through a rubber stopper of a multi-use vial since this severely dulls the needle.

Finally, consider this: many folks have a deep-seated phobia concerning needles. At times just the mere sight of a needle reminds people of illicit street drug addiction.

A picture of a dripping syringe often accompanies anti-drug articles. It does an outstanding job of scaring people half to death and making them reluctant to inject anything, regardless of possible health benefits.

And that includes injectable testosterone.

But here’s the supreme irony: injectable drugs are much more comfortable on the body than many oral medicines. Why? Because injectable medications bypass the liver, while the liver metabolizes many orals.

This makes the already-stressed, overworked liver work even harder. This extra workload can result in severe liver problems and lead to a cascade of health issues.

Dissimilar to the typical needle-using junkie, users of prescription testosterone are exceedingly hygienic and well-versed in safe injection methods. In fact, the incidence of “problem shots” or infection is infrequent among these people.

Our clinic will provide you with the instruction, testosterone, and injection equipment to enjoy the miraculous benefits of testosterone safely and efficiently.

Don’t let the fear of needles and injections stop you from adding the powerful tool of testosterone to your anti-aging arsenal.

Reference

Testosterone Injection

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