Sucutaneous Self-Injection

Subcutaneous Self-Injection

These are the instructions and advice we can offer; but it's always best to be trained by a medical professional on how to administer injections first.

Citation: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/uploads/filer_public/fc/b0/fcb07ab8-4f33-4e1b-8b15-3754c34e3aae/pplm_gender_affirming_hormone_therapy_injection_guide_2.pdf

(A great resource that goes into a lot more detail than we were able to here, including lots of images of the body to help you understand it better in order to give yourself safer injections)

Before Injecting

Consult Your Doctor: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the dosage and injection schedule.
Gather Supplies: You will need:
- Testosterone vial
- Syringe and needle (typically 22-25 gauge, 1-1.5 inches long)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container for disposal
Wash Your Hands: Use soap and water to prevent infection.

Preparing the Injection

Draw Air into the Syringe: Pull back the plunger to the dose you need.
Prepare the Vial:
- Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab.
- Insert the needle into the vial and inject the air (this makes drawing the testosterone easier).
Draw the Testosterone:
- Invert the vial and slowly pull back the plunger to fill the syringe to the prescribed dose.
- Check for air bubbles and gently tap the syringe to remove them.

Choosing an Injection Site

Common sites include:
- Thigh (Vastus Lateralis): The outer middle third of the thigh is a common site.
- Deltoid: The shoulder muscle, although less common, can also be used.

Administering the Injection

Clean the Site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the injection site.
Insert the Needle: Hold the syringe like a dart and insert it at a 90-degree angle (for intramuscular injections).
Aspirate (optional based on your healthcare provider's advice): Pull back on the plunger slightly to check for blood. If blood appears, remove the needle and try a different site.
Inject the Testosterone: Push the plunger slowly and steadily.
Withdraw the Needle: Remove the needle quickly at the same angle it was inserted.
Apply Pressure: Use a clean swab or gauze to apply pressure to the site. You can also apply a bandage if necessary.

Post-Injection Care

Dispose of the Needle: Immediately place the needle and syringe into a sharps container.
Monitor for Side Effects: Watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.

Storage

Store Testosterone Vial Properly: Keep the vial in a cool, dry place as instructed.

Follow-Up

Track Your Injections: Keep a record of your injection sites and dates to avoid overusing the same site and ensure you inject on the correct date.

Subcutaneous Self-Injection

Citation: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/uploads/filer_public/fc/b0/fcb07ab8-4f33-4e1b-8b15-3754c34e3aae/pplm_gender_affirming_hormone_therapy_injection_guide_2.pdf

(A great resource that goes into a lot more detail than we were able to here, including lots of images of the body to help you understand it better in order to give yourself safer injections)

Before Injecting

Consult Your Doctor: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the dosage and injection schedule.

Gather Supplies: You will need:

Testosterone vial

Syringe and needle (typically 22-25 gauge, 1-1.5 inches long)

Alcohol swabs

Sharps container for disposal

Wash Your Hands: Use soap and water to prevent infection.

Preparing the Injection

Draw Air into the Syringe: Pull back the plunger to the dose you need.

Prepare the Vial:

Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab.

Insert the needle into the vial and inject the air (this makes drawing the testosterone easier).

Draw the Testosterone:

Invert the vial and slowly pull back the plunger to fill the syringe to the prescribed dose.

Check for air bubbles and gently tap the syringe to remove them.

Choosing an Injection Site

Common sites include:

Thigh (Vastus Lateralis): The outer middle third of the thigh is a common site.

Deltoid: The shoulder muscle, although less common, can also be used.

Administering the Injection

Clean the Site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the injection site.

Insert the Needle: Hold the syringe like a dart and insert it at a 90-degree angle (for intramuscular injections).

Aspirate (optional based on your healthcare provider's advice): Pull back on the plunger slightly to check for blood. If blood appears, remove the needle and try a different site.

Inject the Testosterone: Push the plunger slowly and steadily.

Withdraw the Needle: Remove the needle quickly at the same angle it was inserted.

Apply Pressure: Use a clean swab or gauze to apply pressure to the site. You can also apply a bandage if necessary.

Post-Injection Care

Dispose of the Needle: Immediately place the needle and syringe into a sharps container.

Monitor for Side Effects: Watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.

Storage

Store Testosterone Vial Properly: Keep the vial in a cool, dry place as instructed.

Follow-Up

Track Your Injections: Keep a record of your injection sites and dates to avoid overusing the same site and ensure you inject on the correct date.