Hormone pellet insertion is a common procedure in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that delivers a steady dose of hormones like estrogen or testosterone. These small pellets, about the size of a grain of rice, are inserted under the skin, usually in the hip or buttocks. The minimally invasive procedure is performed in a clinic and provides a continuous release of hormones for several months. Proper post-procedure care is important for optimal healing.
When You Can Get Wet
After hormone pellet insertion, specific guidelines protect the incision site from water exposure. Showering is generally permitted within 24 to 48 hours, but avoid directly scrubbing the insertion site for about seven days. When showering, allow water to run gently over the area, and pat the site dry afterward.
Full water immersion activities, such as swimming in pools, hot tubs, baths, saunas, and oceans, should be avoided for a longer duration. Most medical professionals recommend refraining from these activities for at least 5 to 7 days, or longer as advised by your healthcare provider. This restriction ensures the small incision has adequate time to close and begin healing before exposure to standing or communal water sources.
Reasons for Caution
Restricting water immersion after hormone pellet insertion prevents complications, primarily infection and disruption of healing. The incision site, though small, is an open wound in the initial days following the procedure. Exposing this fresh wound to water, especially from sources like pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water, introduces a risk of bacterial contamination. These environments can harbor microorganisms that might enter the body through the incision, potentially leading to infection.
Water immersion can also compromise the integrity of healing tissue. Soaking the incision can soften the protective scab that forms over the wound. A softened or dislodged scab leaves the underlying tissue vulnerable and can delay wound closure. Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken the incision edges, potentially causing it to reopen, which increases the risk of infection and prolongs recovery. The goal is to allow the skin to seal naturally, creating a strong barrier against external elements before resuming full water activities.
Caring for the Site
Beyond avoiding water immersion, comprehensive care for the pellet insertion site is important for healing. The initial pressure dressing applied after the procedure should remain in place for 24 to 48 hours, or as advised by your provider, to minimize bruising and promote initial closure. After removing the initial dressing, any steri-strips or similar skin tapes should remain on for 3 to 7 days, as these hold the skin edges together for optimal healing.
Maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the site is important throughout healing. While showering is allowed, avoid direct scrubbing or applying lotions, creams, or gels to the wound for at least a week, as these can interfere with healing or introduce contaminants. Limiting strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting, intense exercise, or activities causing excessive sweating or friction at the site, is advised for several days to prevent strain on the tissue and reduce the risk of pellet shifting.
Monitor the insertion site for any signs of complications. While some bruising, swelling, or mild redness is common and resolves within a few days to a few weeks, increasing redness, warmth, significant pain, or pus-like discharge should prompt a call to your healthcare provider. These symptoms can indicate an infection that may require medical attention.