The androgen hormone testosterone is secreted naturally by both males and females to regulate physical development and determine gender-specific features, including body and facial hair, genital tissues and a deep voice. When testosterone levels are normal, boys and girls pass into puberty and then adulthood with normal sexual functioning and fertility. Low testosterone levels, on the other hand, can delay the onset of puberty, interfere with normal menstrual cycles and cause infertility in men and women. Injections of testosterone cypionate raise blood testosterone levels and help restore normal function, according to Daily Med.
Step 1
Inspect the vial. Testosterone cypionate comes in glass vials containing 10 ml. of a clear drug solution. Discard the solution if it's discolored, contains visible particles or is past its expiration date, says Drugs.com.
Step 2
Verify the prescription. Make sure you're giving the right amount of the drug to the right person at the right time, says Drugs.com.
Step 3
Clean the top of the vial. The first time you use a vial of testosterone cypionate, remove the top cover and discard it. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the underlying rubber stopper each time you use the vial.
Step 4
Inject air into the vial. Pull back the plunger on a sterile syringe until it reaches the line matching the amount of solution prescribed, then inject the air in the syringe into the vial.
Step 5
Withdraw the solution. With the syringe still inserted into the vial, turn the syringe and vial upside down. Withdraw the prescribed amount of testosterone into the syringe and remove it from the vial.
Step 6
Identify the ventrogluteal muscle. To inject into the right ventrogluteal muscle of the buttock, place the palm of your hand on the top of the femur, or hip bone, at the top of person's thigh. Your fingers will be pointing at his head, while your thumb will be aimed at his groin. Make a "V" by spreading your index finger away from the other fingers to identify the right spot for the injection.
Step 7
Inject the solution. Grip the syringe like you're throwing a dart. Gently but firmly push the needle through the skin within the "V" at a 90 degree angle and insert it deep into the muscle. Pull back slightly on the plunger of the syringe; if you see blood in the syringe, you're in a blood vessel and need to withdraw the syringe to start over. If there's no blood return, slowly press the plunger down until the solution is completely gone.
Tips and Warnings
- You may have trouble coordinating all the movements involved with an injection, especially holding the syringe at a 90 degree angle while pulling back on the plunger. Practice injecting water into an orange until you're comfortable with your technique.
Things You'll Need
- Testosterone cypionate solution
- Syringe
- Alcohol wipe
