Testosterone injections are a common form of hormone replacement therapy for men with low testosterone. They’re also used off-label by some women, usually to treat low libido, and the 250mg testosterone results can impact muscle growth and other factors.
If you’re injecting testosterone into your shoulder, choosing the right size needle is key. The right needle can help ensure the medication is delivered properly and can help to minimize pain and the risk of complications.
In this article, we’ll discuss syringe sizes, needle gauge, needle length, and other factors that influence what size needle to inject testosterone in shoulder muscles.
Understanding Syringe Sizes
Syringes are measured in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc) — and 1 cc is the same as 1 mL. When injecting testosterone at home, it’s important to use the right syringe.
Choose a syringe that closely matches your prescribed dose. For example, if you need to inject 1 mL of testosterone, use a 1 mL syringe, or one that’s slightly larger. Using the correct syringe is essential for accurate and safe home administration of your medication.
Needle Gauge: Understanding Thickness
Needle gauge refers to the needle’s thickness. Higher gauge numbers mean thinner needles, and lower numbers mean thicker needles. When injecting testosterone into the shoulder muscle (intramuscular injection), a gauge between 22G and 25G is usually recommended.
Thinner needles (higher gauge) tend to hurt less but can take longer to inject the testosterone. Thicker needles (lower gauge) allow faster injection, especially with thicker solutions, but they might be more uncomfortable. Choosing the right size is crucial for minimizing pain, as we discussed in Article 1.
Needle Length: Reaching the Muscle
For testosterone injections to work properly, the medication has to get into the muscle tissue. Intramuscular injections aren’t like shots you get in your arm at the doctor’s office, where the medicine is injected just under the skin.
The right needle length for you depends on a few things, like your body composition, where you’re injecting, and your own unique anatomy.
In general, a 1-inch to 1.5-inch needle works for most adults injecting into the shoulder.
But, you might need to tweak that based on how much body fat you have. If you’re leaner, a 1-inch needle might be enough. If you’ve got more fat under your skin, you might need that 1.5-inch needle to make sure the testosterone gets into the muscle.
Injection Technique Considerations
How you inject is just as important as the needle size.
When you’re giving yourself an intramuscular injection, go in at a 90-degree angle.
Here’s a trick: do a “pinch test.” Pinch the skin where you’re going to inject. If you’re pinching more than an inch of fat, you might need a longer needle.
Be careful not to inject too shallow (under the skin) or too deep. If you inject under the skin, the testosterone might not absorb right. And if you go too deep, you could hit bone or nerves, which you definitely don’t want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1 inch needle long enough for glutes?
Whether a 1-inch needle is long enough for glute injections depends on your body composition. For leaner individuals, it may suffice. However, those with more subcutaneous fat might require a longer needle (1.5 inches or more) to ensure the medication reaches the muscle.
What is the best size needle for testosterone injections?
The “best” needle size is subjective and depends on the injection site and your personal preference. For intramuscular (IM) injections, a 22-25 gauge needle, 1 to 1.5 inches long, is generally recommended. Subcutaneous (SubQ) injections typically use a smaller, shorter needle, such as a 25-30 gauge needle, 0.5 to 1 inch long.
What is the most painful needle shot?
Pain perception with needle injections varies widely among individuals. Generally, larger-gauge needles (smaller number) tend to be more painful as they create a larger puncture. The injection site also plays a role; areas with more nerve endings may be more sensitive.
Does a 25G needle hurt?
A 25G needle is relatively thin, so most people experience minimal discomfort with it. It’s often preferred for subcutaneous injections and by those who are sensitive to pain.
Is 23g or 25g needle bigger?
A 23g needle is bigger than a 25g needle. The “g” stands for gauge, and the lower the gauge number, the larger the needle’s diameter.
Wrapping up
When choosing a needle size for testosterone injections in the shoulder, remember that your syringe size must match your dosage. Your needle gauge must strike a balance between reducing pain and allowing you to inject your medication within a reasonable amount of time. And your needle length must be long enough to reach the muscle.
Always work with a healthcare provider to find the right needle size and injection technique for your needs. The right technique can help reduce pain and ensure that your treatment works.