The sex hormone testosterone plays an important role in male bodies. Testosterone develops and maintains male characteristics, including genital organs, facial hair and sex drive. The testes produce the hormone and production naturally decreases as a man ages. Some medical conditions cause a decrease in testosterone, causing men to experience a loss of sex drive, increased breast size and impotence. Testicular cancer and injury are additional reasons for a decrease in the hormone production. Testosterone injections are hormone replacement therapy aimed at decreasing the side effects associated with low levels of testosterone.
Step 1
Obtain a prescription for the testosterone injections. Gather supplies, including a syringe with a 1-inch needle and an alcohol wipe.
Step 2
Wash and dry hands.
Step 3
Find an injection site. A large muscle is best for the injection. The thigh, buttocks and upper arm are all acceptable locations for the injection. Wipe the site with alcohol and allow it to air dry.
Step 4
Draw up the prescribed amount of testosterone into the syringe.
Step 5
Inject the needle into the muscle. Draw back on the syringe plunger to be sure the needle is in the muscle and not in a vein. Blood will appear in the syringe if a vessel is involved.
Step 6
Push on the syringe plunger to administer the testosterone into the muscle. Remove the needle and discard it into a proper sharps container.
Step 7
Repeat the injection as prescribed. Common dosing for testosterone injections is every three weeks.
Step 8
Report side effects of using testosterone injections to your physician. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, baldness, headache, acne, frequent erections and edema in the lower extremities.
Step 9
Avoid using testosterone if diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer. Men with heart disease or kidney disease should use it with caution.
Things You'll Need
- Testosterone medication
- Syringe with a 1-inch needle
- Alcohol wipe
