Types of Injectable Testosterone

Excerpt -

Subcutaneous testosterone pellet:

Another relatively new form of testosterone delivery is via a pellet of pure, crystalline testosterone implanted beneath the skin. The pellets are about the size of a grain of rice, and are typically placed in the buttocks or abdomen. The insertion of the pellets is a quick procedure, usually done under local anesthesia. Pellets are typically replaced after 3-4 months. "Testopel" is a brand name for testosterone pellets in the United States.



Who is using them?

I'm afraid I have zero information for you about this, but I am very interested. It sounds like a great solution, and way better than getting shots every week or biweekly. I am curious how hard the procedure is every time, though. Especially removing the old one...

Seeing that this side of the forum appears to be very woman dominated, perhaps post this in the FtM section? Or is that not allowed?

I know a guy who used them after doing injections for 10 years. My doc says pellets are only good for a maintenance dose because they don't necessarily provide a stable output of T. If I remember correctly, the pellets are absorbed into your skin after a period of time, usually 3-4 months, but can go up to 6. My doc said the results vary greatly, but with my friend they only lasted around 3.

Frankly, I would just kill to get my hands on some Nebido which you only have to inject every 8-12 weeks. It's a common type of T in the UK and Europe, just unfortunately, not in the US.

Having to do it possibly under anesthesia every few months kinda makes it not worth it for me. I'd be cooler with it if it lasted like a year or longer.

I was wondering about these myself and how effective they would be. Never hear anything about them as everyone seems to be on injections and I wondered why. These would be alot easier and you wouldnt actually have to do anything. I thought it would just come down to doses, injectable would obviously give a higher peak while this is likely much lower and possibly slower effects in terms of things happening. I have no idea what form of T I would get here, will be asking about it at my GIC appointment tomorrow. Will find out about this version if I can

If its anything like any other hormonal implant its a very simple procedure to put in/take out. I had an implant in for 4 months, it was bigger than this seems to be. It was like a long rod placed in inside of the upper arm. The placement of this one sounds a bit more awkward but it would be the exact same procedure. Its just a quick injection of local anaesthetic so you dont feel the scalpel cutting you open, it gets placed under the skin, then the wound is sealed. Thats it, you dont think about it again til it needs replaced. Taking it out is exactly the same thing, local anaesthetic, the implant is removed with tweezers, a new one put in its place. You dont feel a thing and it only takes a few minutes. Dont see why this would be different to any other kind of hormonal implant

It is likely to be variable in results and more slow release. Possibly better suited to those who have already been on T for some time and got most of the results they want, now just want a maintenance dose. It would be easier than having to inject all the time, just hard to tell doses and output. Might also be harder to manage. If you're on injectable, it would be easier to modify your dose if it needed to be higher or decrease, but with this you couldnt really do that. I would like to find out more about this option though

Quote from: Ruthven on July 10, 2013, 02:53:56 PM
Having to do it possibly under anesthesia every few months kinda makes it not worth it for me. I'd be cooler with it if it lasted like a year or longer.

Local anesthesia. The same kind the dentist gives you when you get a cavity filled.

Quote from: Mr.X on July 10, 2013, 07:03:56 AM
I'm afraid I have zero information for you about this, but I am very interested. It sounds like a great solution, and way better than getting shots every week or biweekly. I am curious how hard the procedure is every time, though. Especially removing the old one...

Seeing that this side of the forum appears to be very woman dominated, perhaps post this in the FtM section? Or is that not allowed?

My understanding is that they dissolve and need to be replaced every so often.  There is nothing to be removed.  The incision can be closed with a stitch or even butterfly medical tape.

This board is meant to be all-inclusive, while acknowledging that MtFs have more hormone options.

Just thought I'd post here instead of starting a new thread. I just had my first pellet insertion this morning. I've done a ton of reading and here's what I conclude. I am not a doctor, just someone who read about this for ages before taking the plunge...

My doctor did a lidocaine injection to numb the area in which he would make the incision. All I felt was the slight prick of the needle. It's been about seven hours and I have no pain or sensitivity in that area. I imagine I will later, particularly when I lie down. Most do.

The pellets do dissolve entirely. I have to go back in four weeks to have my labs done to determine if I require a booster.

Here's what I conclude about FTM using pellets - the dosage most men would desire seems as though it would require a lot of pellets, probably too many to make it cost effective or otherwise desirable. And, apparently because of the desired dosage and inability to modify dosage until the next insertion, I've heard that most doctors won't use pellets on transmen until they've been on another form of T for a year and have an idea of the appropriate dosage. I don't know about transwomen.

I identify as non-binary, transmasculine and am taking T for medical reasons (e.g., I'm menopausal) and to "take the edge off". Unlike a lot of cis women for whom T-replacement therapy is recommended, I am not turned off by the possible side effects, well - except for acne and hair loss. Not so jazzed. Some cis women do experience clitoral growth, body fat redistribution, etc. and if I'm that lucky, yay. But, I have practically no T (labs for total T = 12) and feel like crap so that's my primary motivation.

If the pellets have the desired effect, and after the one-month check, I will probably require a new pellet every 3-4 months. They are not covered by insurance for those considered female because it's not an FDA approved treatment for females.

Maybe more confusing than necessary, but wanted to be transparent re my not taking them to transition. Some people love 'em, others have hated them. I'm giving it a go and hoping for the best!

I haven't heard anything about these at my GIC. Although I'm ok with gel for the time being.