Patches? Gels?

[assorted_human]

So I had my first Endo appointment the other day. My Doc really seems to want me on patches or gels (to "ease [me] on to it"), but I want SubQ. My next appointment I'm going to be more adamant about it, but I did get him to consider it...a little or at least humor me. I've been living in pre-T form for 8 years. I want my voice to begin to drop pretty quickly. My voice is a big priority, but I'd like other things to start quickish too; not outside reasonable limits.
From here on will be my misconceptions (maybe) of patches and gels. Please correct me if I'm wrong. From what I gather that my internet searches have taught me is that patches and gels are slow to take. Doesn't help that the Doc called it "easing". They are also daily. Patches leave...well, patches. Gels need washed off and are easily picked up by others (not that I have anyone right now, but I can dream). Also, I basically whore bathe. I can't handle showers. I know that'll have to change, but until I can't get away with it I plan to keep on with that... I feel like I would have to be a lot cleaner to use either of these. And look good, having an adhesive patch rash doesn't sound appealing.
I can't really seem to find that much information for these types of T.  Then again I pretty bad at the internet. (shrugs)
Thanks for any insight.

[Kitty June]

Genetic male here. I had a doctor prescribe androgel because of a lack of energy. I didn't really think about the consequences of it then. Used 2 bottles. Didn't finish the second. I noticed my voice lowered, I got more hair on my body and started thinning on top.
Being mtf I look back at this as a big mistake as I had very little body hair before.
It does work though it's messy and you need to keep it away from children.
I know it works. Kind of wish it didn't in my case. Lol
Good luck. I'm sure you'll get better advice from someone else.


Wherever you go, then there you are

[Dex]

I use IM injections but did a lot of research into the patches and gels prior to starting. I initially thought I wanted to try the gel vs the injections just because it is a more even dose. I was concerned about transference (my wife and I have 3 children) and about the cost as well as it being daily (which would have been a hassle for me). However, my doctor is more familiar with injections and while she was more than willing to explore using a topical with me, I agreed to try the injections first. I'm definitely not sorry I did. I don't have to worry about transference and maintenance wise, injection is much less frequent. I know there are a lot of guys who have had great results with the patches and gels though too. My doctor did have me do a half dose the first three months even with the injections to help my body adjust and to make sure I wouldn't have any bad reactions. Even on the half dose, I had changes pretty quickly. So no matter which route you go, you will see results. However, if you don't want topical, your doctor should listen to you and work with you. It is your dosing schedule that you will have to work into your routine so it should be what works best for you.

[Tysilio]

I agree with Dex. I had the option to use the gel, and I considered it seriously because I was a bit phobic about giving myself injections. But I decided to try injections first, and I'm glad I did. The injection itself is no big deal, and doing it once a week is much easier for me, I think, than something I'd have to apply daily. I also like the fact that it's a lot cheaper this way; my insurance does cover it, but on principle, I'm opposed to unnecessary medical expenditures -- in this case, putting more money than I can help into the pockets of drug companies.

[assorted_human]

Good to see that I'm not the only one that thinks a daily dose would be a hassle. There's a chance that my insurance will cover it, but I'm not completely sure yet if T is for cis guys only. Whether or not injections are cheaper is something I didn't even think about.

[CursedFireDean]

you could tell your doctor you can't afford gels or patches, as they are quite expensive. That might make them more willing to consider shots.

[FTMax]

I have been on gel for almost 3 months. I have patches of facial hair/hair on my torso (in addition to thickening of other body hair that already existed) and significant voice deepening. My voice started to drop 3 days after starting gel at a half dose. Based on what I have seen comparing my experience to people on injections, there really is no discernable difference in the length of time that it takes for changes to start occurring.

I'm needle phobic, and my doctor gets their hormones subsidized, so I'm only paying $22 for 3 months of Testim. It's super easy to fit in with my daily schedule, and I don't live with any kids or women, so it was the best option for me. I'd strongly urge you to look at the overall picture instead of just one facet of it.

[assorted_human]

Do you have to wash it away? I'm also worried about my own general lack of and desire to be clean/take showers. And the later I have to change that habit, the better.
It's also that it's a daily thing. I'm not only looking at the changes. I'm trying to see if I can maintain my bad yet not stinky hygiene while having changes that occur on time. With both of these I may consider the alternative.
It's great to hear that your changes are on time. But do you bathe regularly (if you don't mind my asking) or either way do you have to wash it away?

I seriously think my last actual shower was...(trying to remember) last spring. My whore baths (where I wash my pits and junk) only happen about once a month. Again, I know it'll have to change, but I don't want to wash daily just to take T.

[Tysilio]

As long as you're healthy and not offending anyone, there's no reason to change your habits; there's actually some evidence that bathing too frequently can reduce one's immunity and make one more susceptible to infection. (I'm at most a twice-a-weeker, myself, depending on the time of year.)

However, don't forget that whatever form of T you're on, your skin will very quickly get a lot oilier, and you may need to change your habits to keep acne under control. Apparently the upper back and chest are problem areas for a lot of guys.

[FTMax]

I shower everyday. I have the weirdest skin ever, so I have to exfoliate every other day and wash everything at least once a day. It's bizarre, but it makes the daily applications easier to fit in with my schedule.

You wouldn't need to shower or wash anything away though. I apply in the morning, it's a little sticky for about an hour, and then it's fine for the rest of the day. The few times I've applied the next day without showering, I haven't noticed anything remaining. It absorbs pretty quickly as long as you rub it in all the way. The stickiness I get is because I get dressed right away (my house is the coldest place in the universe).

Maybe talk to your doctor and see why they're so pressed about gels/patches. I told my doctor that I could have someone else needle me every other week and I'd be fine. She made a really good case for gel for me personally. If your doctor has a good reason for it, I'd say take that into consideration.

[Tripdistrans]

My doctor was sort of hinting at the idea of using me as a guinea pig for gels here, because we're still learning.

I hope she could see the big nope on my face,

[Tysilio]

Just make sure she hears the big nope that comes out of your mouth. You do not have to be anybody's guinea pig. 

[Tripdistrans]

Hopefully I'll have the balls to make it a verbal nope. :s

[FTMax]

Hopefully I'll have the balls to make it a verbal nope. :s

You can do it!

Consider taking someone with you (friend, significant other, etc.). I'm terrible at doctor's appointments because I'm so nervous, and I've found it's nice to take someone to remind you of things or stick up for certain things that you want. My boyfriend asked more than half my questions during my top surgery consult.

[Tripdistrans]

You can do it!

Consider taking someone with you (friend, significant other, etc.). I'm terrible at doctor's appointments because I'm so nervous, and I've found it's nice to take someone to remind you of things or stick up for certain things that you want. My boyfriend asked more than half my questions during my top surgery consult.

Unfortunately I am devoid of friends and SO's, my parents come with me. I never get a chance to talk to the Doc in Melbourne by myself because they are always both there, and they are literally (self titled) Team Evil Parents.

[assorted_human]

I shower everyday. I have the weirdest skin ever, so I have to exfoliate every other day and wash everything at least once a day. It's bizarre, but it makes the daily applications easier to fit in with my schedule.

You wouldn't need to shower or wash anything away though. I apply in the morning, it's a little sticky for about an hour, and then it's fine for the rest of the day. The few times I've applied the next day without showering, I haven't noticed anything remaining. It absorbs pretty quickly as long as you rub it in all the way. The stickiness I get is because I get dressed right away (my house is the coldest place in the universe).

Maybe talk to your doctor and see why they're so pressed about gels/patches. I told my doctor that I could have someone else needle me every other week and I'd be fine. She made a really good case for gel for me personally. If your doctor has a good reason for it, I'd say take that into consideration.

Thank you, that helped a lot. I'll be less scared if he has a good reason for me to be on gels at least. But if he doesn't I really then I'll let him know. Cause I've had my heart set on that for about a year now. It's just that the last time I disagreed I kind of lost my chance. A physician wanted me to do IM without even getting my hormones checked! He didn't even believe me when I told him testosterone can convert into estrogen!  At least this guy is the Endo, but I still need to stand up for myself like I did with the other guy.

[assorted_human]

Hopefully I'll have the balls to make it a verbal nope. :s

I hope you find the strength.