Testosterone gel is a common form of hormone replacement therapy for men with hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough natural testosterone. This topical medication is absorbed through the skin, allowing the active ingredient to enter the bloodstream. It offers a non-invasive way to manage testosterone levels.
Recommended Application Areas
The shoulders and upper arms are frequently recommended areas for applying testosterone gel. These sites are often chosen due to their effective absorption characteristics and typically less dense hair growth, which can facilitate better contact with the skin. Certain products, such as AndroGel 1%, may also permit application to the abdomen, providing flexibility for some users. However, specific brands like AndroGel 1.62% and Vogelxo generally restrict application to only the shoulders and upper arms.
The inner thighs are another alternative site for some testosterone gel formulations, such as Fortesta. Regardless of the specific product, the chosen application site should always be clean, dry, and free of any breaks in the skin. It is beneficial to apply the gel to an area that can be easily covered by clothing, which helps minimize the risk of accidental transfer to others.
Proper Application Technique
Applying testosterone gel involves several precise steps to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness. The gel should be applied at approximately the same time each day, with mornings often being the preferred time. Before application, the skin at the chosen site must be thoroughly clean, dry, and undamaged. Once the skin is ready, the entire contents of a gel packet or the prescribed number of pumps should be dispensed into the palm of the hand or directly onto the application site. The gel should then be spread evenly as a thin layer over the designated area, without rubbing it in excessively.
After application, it is important to allow the gel to dry completely on the skin before dressing, which typically takes at least five minutes. The gel is flammable until it dries, so caution around open flames is advised during this period. To ensure optimal absorption, it is generally recommended to avoid showering, swimming, or bathing for a specific period after application, which can range from two to six hours depending on the particular product. This waiting period allows the active ingredients sufficient time to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.
Important Safety Precautions
Preventing the accidental transfer of testosterone gel to others is a primary safety concern. Immediately after applying the gel, it is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Accidental transfer can readily occur through direct skin-to-skin contact with the application site. Once the gel has dried completely, covering the application site with clothing, such as a t-shirt, is an important step to minimize transfer risk. If skin-to-skin contact with another person is anticipated, the application area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water beforehand.
Accidental exposure to testosterone gel can lead to adverse effects in women and children, including the development of male-like characteristics. These effects might include changes in body hair, acne, a deepened voice, or, in children, enlarged genitalia and premature puberty. Pregnant women should specifically avoid any contact with areas where the gel has been applied.
Areas to Avoid
Certain body areas should be avoided when applying testosterone gel to prevent irritation, inconsistent absorption, or increased risk of transfer. The gel should never be applied to the scrotum or penis. These areas have highly sensitive skin and different absorption characteristics, making them unsuitable for gel application. Applying the gel to broken, cut, or irritated skin should also be avoided.
Some specific product instructions also advise against applying the gel to the chest, armpits, or knees. For example, certain testosterone gel brands, like Testim, Vogelxo, and AndroGel 1.62%, explicitly state that they should not be applied to the abdomen or stomach.