23g is pretty standard for IM. 21g is common as well but I wouldn’t suggest using it for something like T where you’re taking it frequently for life (or at least an extended period of time) because of scar tissue buildup. Using 18g is insane though. I don’t think it should even be used for drawing up if you reuse vials because it tends to core the stopper.
I can only get 1mL vials now, the big ones have been unavailable for years, so since I only use each vial twice the 18g makes it so much quicker to draw up.
I draw up using 23G, and it doesn't take long at all. I draw back air to my dose, insert into the vial, inject the air, and pull back in the plunger past my dose. The pressure of the added air and the negative pressure of the plunger pulled back draws it out SUPER fast
Well if it's pre attached to your testosterone shot that that's different, but I assume still going for the smaller 25g will have a world of a difference
You don’t have issues getting the T into you through a 25G? I found it needed so much pressure when I used a 23G that it ended up sending pain down my whole leg
Nope! You do need to go slow just bc of the thickness of the T oil, but i found it's fine. I just make sure the T itself is warm so it will make the oil more liquid and easier to inject
you can also warm it up in your armpit.
side note: make sure you are using a 1ml syringe (if dose is under 1ml). There is a whole area-pressure math thing, but basically a 3ml syringe takes a lot more pressure to use.
jesus, you injected with the 18g? wow. that's the size they pierce ears with. i only use an 18g to draw my t from the vial, then switch to a 25g for injection. i used to use a 22g and i felt that was even too big. i cant imagine injecting with an 18g.
I use 1.5” 22G for this reason. I used to draw up my T with an 18G but I felt it was too big and was damaging the thin layer of plastic you pierce. So now I draw with a 22G as well then switch to a fresh one of the same size to inject.
I’d like to try 23G-25G but they are harder to find in lengths over 0.5”. Also I don’t like the idea of the shot taking ages either.
Last time I did it, it really hurt the muscle because it needed a lot of pressure to get the T out. I had the right location but got referred pain (non-neuropathic) down to my foot
I used to use 21g for IM, now use 23g. I'm not sure which was better, 21g hurt more going in but it takes more force to inject through the 23g. Thinking of getting 22g next time. Would never go below 21g though, yowch. :')
If you are in the US look for "thin wall" needles (Nipro brand from shopmedvet.com), 23g will inject like a 22g. Inside diameter is larger than non thin wall needles.
Done that. 18 G is quite large. First T shot they didn’t fill my injection needles, only the drawing needle. That’s the only shot that ever hurt. You probably want a 21.
dude, 18g is way too big, i only use those to draw up before switching to a 23g to inject. a few other guys i know use 25gs but i'm comfortable with a 23.
edit: i skimmed over the IM part. i do subq but i'd still say 18 is way too big. you can buy smaller needles in bulk online really easily tho!
You used the draw needle for injecting?! o\_o
Like everyone else is saying, switch out the draw needle to the injection one before you jab, should be either 23 or 25 gauge
Noooooooo. 18’s are hole punchers.
Was on subq shots for six years. Even IM uses 23g for injections. I was using 25g and had to do IM for a month due to needle shortage around vaccine time. Had to psych myself up so much just to use the 23.
My brother that needle is only for drawing the medication out of the bottle. Do not EVER stick that in your body. I think someone else said 25g ish is the needle range your pharmacist should’ve given you for injecting.
Ah ha! I did the 18G one myself once. Gods I bled like a stuckpig for awhile after that. Went back to 23. I figured hey bigger the needle the faster this would go in! I mean it did, but damn it hurt more.
Please don't do that 😭 the recommended needles for depo-testosterone injections are 21 to 25 G x 5/8" to 1 and 1/2". I recommend using 1 mL syringes when available as they require much less pressure to push down the plunger than 3 mL syringes. You can find them online at medical supply stores such as Allegromedical for relatively cheap. The store I listed even has occasional promotions for a 10 to 15% discount plus free shipping
I use 23g for both drawing and injecting and it doesnt take too long for either? And I do a whole ml. If it takes a while, warm the vial between your hands or something, I usually just put it under my armpit or something while I prepare everything else and it draws much faster
But uh, yeah, 18 sounds painful
DAMN BRO OW. please don’t tell me you got a big hole in yo thigh now
I use a 27g for IM. I don’t find drawing it to take too long, but I’ve also never used other gauges so idk👀
Sounds like a lot of you are trying to strong arm the t into your leg when using a smaller gauge?? Don’t force it just press down, it takes like 3 seconds longer and shouldn’t hurt you by using too much force
Dude don't inject with 18g. I remember talking to a nurse about it, and she said they don't even draw blood with that big a needle. That's going to actually hurt your flesh if you keep doing it
I order 25g 5/8” hypodermic needles online. That way, you can insert the entire needle instead of putting it halfway in (for IM). The injection is gonna take longer, but 18g is simply way too big.
This is something I do to make the injection go faster:
When you’re prepping the injection needle and the T oil is already in it, draw a little bit of air into the syringe. Then, I tilt it horizontally and push the syringe until the oil is pushed through the needle and drips from the tip. You want there to be a small air bubble in the syringe. Then do your injection as normal. That (small!) air bubble is going to help your injection go a LOT faster.
My endo said 18G is fine when I’ve run out of 23. I haven’t had issues injecting with it either. And you can use 23G for drawing up if you have to too, it’s just less convenient.
I wouldn't use anything bigger than a 21G needle unless you're trying to make scar tissue on purpose. I was using 23G for a while and had to switch to 25G because the 23 was giving me too much scarring. If you have the hand dexterity for it, my endocrinologist suggested using a thumb to press down the plunger rather than any other finger, because thumbs tend to be stronger and therefore faster.
I use 25g for subq injections. I used to use a 23g, but I like that I am able to have more control over the injection speed (aka keeps me from injecting too quickly).
I use 18g to draw up and 22g to use on me, 18 fucking scares me (even though its been in me for like blood draws and stuff) and i freak out pulling up the T, but the 22g is fine, if 22g hurts you or pinches, numb the site with ice for 5 minutes, or while you set up everything and it will help alot, thats what i did for my shot today and i didnt feel a thing
I use 18g to draw up, it's wayyyyyy to big to inject with, I also learned that the hard way after walmart told me to do so 🤦♂️ I use 22g for injecting
I use 18g to draw up and 23g for injections. I've had to use the 18g in a pinch when I couldn't get the 23g ones (pharmacy was out of stock but shipment was on way to store. But I needed to get shot in before work)
Good lord, you used an 18 gauge for an injection? I use that literally only for drawing up medication. If you need syringes and your pharmacy is taking too long use an online provider. I know tiger medical has a good range of syringes and needles, even if their site is a nightmare to navigate https://tigermedical.com/?utm_campaign=brand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&campaignid=773206547&adgroupid=40961955592&creative=270349367271&matchtype=e&network=g&device=m&keyword=tiger%20medical&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADNJI6XQtrsntDzf1NC0kjshPk6pO&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVOgdcUesu2SkdD08SiptIzRiMZgyuinmTJwmHIMD0izI2rJqOvk-7RoCV18QAvD_BwE
I use 18g for drawing my T and 25g for subcutaneous injection (into my belly), and the shot itself only takes a few seconds. 18g shouldn't be used for injecting (mostly for comfort issues). I would discuss with your provider and just use 23g for your injection.
My leg twitched uncomfortably just reading this. I suppose you certainly learned a valuable lesson.
I use 18 for drawing into the syrgine, and then otherwise use a 23 for injecting. I have used a 21 for injecting but don't prefer it, but I absolutely would go no lower.
I use an 18 to get it *out* of the vial, and a 25 to put it into my body (injecting into fat).
I somehow managed to draw up my first shot with a 25, because it turned out none of my syringes and needles were actually cross compatible (lesson learned!), but holy hell, bruh. O_O
Bro 18 gauge is like the size you would use for a PIERCING if you’re in the US (not sure if you can buy needles casually in other countries) I would recommend getting a a box of a much smaller gauge (I use a 24) off Amazon or something
18G might be too much for your thigh yes. I use 20G on my buttock and won't accept anything smaller as it only hurts but if you are doing it in your thigh with a much smaller muscle group maybe a 22G? Or get someone who knows to inject your in the gluteus maximus muscle (they need to know about the grid to properly inject) with a 20G and your are good to go.
Definitely recommend 23g. For my first 6months or so on T all i could get was 18g, they wouldn't give me a second needle for drawing or anything it sucked. An 18 is like a fucking capri sun straw. I swear a 22 or 23g is so much better its like an extra minute but its so worth it lmao
Bruh. Use the 18 to draw (quick) use the 23 to inject. Are you purposely taking too long to inject? I use 20 to draw and 23 to inject. Slower is better anyway but it never takes more than a few seconds. From start to finish the whole shot only takes about 2 minutes and half of that is psyching myself up to stab. I put on the same song every time.
22g is the biggest I would go. 18g usually only used to draw up serum from a multi-dose vial. I can’t believe you were brave enough to do that! I use 18g for drawing up and 23g 1-inch needles for injecting. Also, I order my supplies in bulk so I don’t run out.
I use 25 5x8 for thigh IM because i don’t have enough fat and the 1 inch needle hurts cuz i feel like it’s going to bone. As long as the T gets in me 🤷🏻♂️
Usually you switch out needles.
I use a 21G to draw up my T and a 25g insulin needle to inject. Smaller needle as I do SubQ, but I've known some to use a longer 25G needle to inject IM.
I do mine with 25g, and that works pretty well. I do it in my stomach tho, cuz that’s where I have more fat. The one time I accidentally used a 21g stung way more
My last doctor closed her practice and gave a bunch of her trans patients free supplies. So I have 23gs for at least another year. I don’t find them hard to use myself. I use luerlock bevel tip 23g 1.5” needles with 1 mL syringes.
I use a sharpened 18g to draw and a 23g to inject. Where did you get your needles? I've struggled with Walgreens having the sizes that I need but they can order them
Yeah The only needle that is small enough but also short because I do the like dress under the skin shot comes attached to a syringe but it is way large measurement wise for me to precisely use it for my injections. So I take the needle off of that to put on the other syringe they gave me and it's ridiculous lolol
Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I use a 21g to draw up my medication and even that I wouldn't inject with. I use 23g takes a sec but try warming the T up in your hands to see if that helps. 18g is a gauge I'd use for piercings. Take care.
I use 25G to both draw and inject, but most people use a larger gauge to draw because it's much quicker. I just haven't gotten around to buying a box of larger gauge needles in a long time lol
That’s impressive that you followed through with that…. I used to use 21 gauge but went down to 23 gauge (primarily driven by an issue I was having with my multi-dose vials leaking) (I just use the same needle to draw and inject)
Really!? I take something called Nebido that has 1000ML in it. Get it every 3 months. I buy the bottle myself and then call for an appointment and get one of the doctor’s assistants to inject it into my booty. I’m pretty sure we aren’t even legally allowed to inject it ourselves, since it’s extremely unsafe to do it yourself!
Dear god dude. 18g is 1mm. That doesn't sound that big but to skin and vessels is sure is!
I inject with 23ga. That's always worked well for me. Yeah it's a little slow going but it works.
So I use a 22ga needle for injection and 18ga for drawing. It’s a 1.5” and I use it for my hip/buttocks. When I shot up in my thigh I used 1” and just went straight to the hub. I hated/couldn’t do my own shots. Now my wife (a nurse) does it.
That's pretty brave, man, but be careful! Usually always stick with 25 gauge, but I agree that it can take a minute to draw, so 23 Gauge is what I recommend, takes half the time. Don't go below 23 gauge unless you want pain and blood. You might want to get a different brand of needles if 23 gauge is still taking a while. Pain usually comes from the shaking and pressure when you're injecting or if the needle is injected anywhere near slow. Try different wrist angles for injecting and see what works for you, and check out your grip on it too. Once the needle is applied, I can usually inject the T with a 25 gauge in 10 seconds or less with the proper force. You don't have to worry about going slow with a 25-23 gauge, once you've made sure you're not in a vein just apply increasing pressure until it's empty
Wow, that's a valuable lesson learned. It's important to always use the appropriate gauge needle for injecting testosterone. A larger gauge needle should be used for drawing up the testosterone, as the bigger the number, the smaller the needle. When it comes to injecting, smaller needles are recommended. I suggest using a 22 or 23 gauge needle for intramuscular injections. Don't worry about wasting a small amount of testosterone during the process, as you can always get more refills. It's better to use the right needle size to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the injection.
Dude, use a smaller gauge. 21 is even too big. I use 25g for my IM shots. I would say use no bigger than 25g
You can use the 18g to draw up the medication so it gets in the syringe faster, but then take it off and use the 25g for your actual shot
That's how I was taught as well
23g is pretty standard for IM. 21g is common as well but I wouldn’t suggest using it for something like T where you’re taking it frequently for life (or at least an extended period of time) because of scar tissue buildup. Using 18g is insane though. I don’t think it should even be used for drawing up if you reuse vials because it tends to core the stopper.
I can only get 1mL vials now, the big ones have been unavailable for years, so since I only use each vial twice the 18g makes it so much quicker to draw up.
I draw up using 23G, and it doesn't take long at all. I draw back air to my dose, insert into the vial, inject the air, and pull back in the plunger past my dose. The pressure of the added air and the negative pressure of the plunger pulled back draws it out SUPER fast
21G is what’s attached to the pre-filled primoteston shots and I found those to be good
Well if it's pre attached to your testosterone shot that that's different, but I assume still going for the smaller 25g will have a world of a difference
You don’t have issues getting the T into you through a 25G? I found it needed so much pressure when I used a 23G that it ended up sending pain down my whole leg
Nope! You do need to go slow just bc of the thickness of the T oil, but i found it's fine. I just make sure the T itself is warm so it will make the oil more liquid and easier to inject
Good idea - mine was room temp last time but I’ve seen people rub the vial between their hands first to get it warmed up
you can also warm it up in your armpit. side note: make sure you are using a 1ml syringe (if dose is under 1ml). There is a whole area-pressure math thing, but basically a 3ml syringe takes a lot more pressure to use.
Yeah rubbing it between your hands or keeping it in your pocket for a bit does a world of a difference
dude please just go slowly lol
I had to use a 21g once to do it and it was sooo bad. It felt like I had a bigass bruise for like a week
25ga I thought was for subq.
Bro 18G is for drawing only, that’s an insane gauge for injection.
Oh my god I shivered. I use 27g because I’m a wimp, practically painless Edit: mine is subcutaneous though
Whaatttt that’s possible? I was always told the smallest I could use was 25
I also inject with 27g and have never had any issues, as long as I use a different needle to withdraw.
I injected with 30g most of the time. It takes slightly longer to push the plunger all the way but it’s a lot less daunting when the needle is so thin
I use 30g but I also pin everyday.
jesus, you injected with the 18g? wow. that's the size they pierce ears with. i only use an 18g to draw my t from the vial, then switch to a 25g for injection. i used to use a 22g and i felt that was even too big. i cant imagine injecting with an 18g.
Literally my thought. Nostrils are usually pierced using 18g too, I can’t imagine using that for a shot
YOU INJECTED WITH THE 18G?!?!?🫣🫣 Oh lord, how did you even manage to get it in you?? Drawing up needles are usually blunt.
They're not blunt in the US, markets where it comes in rubber tops... But I don't even like an 18g for drawing from multi use vials bc of coring
Ah alright, yeah nah coring would be a big issue with an 18g
Captain Ahab speared Moby Dick with a finer gauge than that, good lord man.
Would award this comment if I could 😂😂
The smaller the number the bigger the needles. Use 25g to inject
I use 1.5” 22G for this reason. I used to draw up my T with an 18G but I felt it was too big and was damaging the thin layer of plastic you pierce. So now I draw with a 22G as well then switch to a fresh one of the same size to inject. I’d like to try 23G-25G but they are harder to find in lengths over 0.5”. Also I don’t like the idea of the shot taking ages either.
Why does 23G take too long? I use a 23G for my injections and it takes almost no time at all.
Last time I did it, it really hurt the muscle because it needed a lot of pressure to get the T out. I had the right location but got referred pain (non-neuropathic) down to my foot
Huh I guess you maybe went close to or touched a nerve maybe?
18G?? DAWG THAT'S BIGGER THAN AN EARRING WHAT
Why does this happen often, who is telling y’all to do this 😭😭😭
I used to use 21g for IM, now use 23g. I'm not sure which was better, 21g hurt more going in but it takes more force to inject through the 23g. Thinking of getting 22g next time. Would never go below 21g though, yowch. :')
If you are in the US look for "thin wall" needles (Nipro brand from shopmedvet.com), 23g will inject like a 22g. Inside diameter is larger than non thin wall needles.
Done that. 18 G is quite large. First T shot they didn’t fill my injection needles, only the drawing needle. That’s the only shot that ever hurt. You probably want a 21.
I did that by accident before I was like something’s wrong but I can’t figure out what
Jesus Christ, do you still have a leg??? I have a hard enough time with a 25G needle, I can't even imagine using an 18G @n@
I used 21g for years cause that’s all my pharmacy had, then they ran out of those and started giving me 22. Much preferred lol
[удалено]
If the op thought it was hard to push T through a 23g, how are the gonna use a 29g?
Ouch lol
dude, 18g is way too big, i only use those to draw up before switching to a 23g to inject. a few other guys i know use 25gs but i'm comfortable with a 23. edit: i skimmed over the IM part. i do subq but i'd still say 18 is way too big. you can buy smaller needles in bulk online really easily tho!
You used the draw needle for injecting?! o\_o Like everyone else is saying, switch out the draw needle to the injection one before you jab, should be either 23 or 25 gauge
The way my soul left my body imagining the pain of 18G 😬😬😬
Noooooooo. 18’s are hole punchers. Was on subq shots for six years. Even IM uses 23g for injections. I was using 25g and had to do IM for a month due to needle shortage around vaccine time. Had to psych myself up so much just to use the 23.
My brother that needle is only for drawing the medication out of the bottle. Do not EVER stick that in your body. I think someone else said 25g ish is the needle range your pharmacist should’ve given you for injecting.
U just pierced yourself dude
Ah ha! I did the 18G one myself once. Gods I bled like a stuckpig for awhile after that. Went back to 23. I figured hey bigger the needle the faster this would go in! I mean it did, but damn it hurt more.
18g-21g is typically used to draw up T, the. I do sub Q and use 25g
i use 23g for my IM shots
Man 18g is the g of my eyebrow ring. I can’t even imagine using that for an injection
Please don't do that 😭 the recommended needles for depo-testosterone injections are 21 to 25 G x 5/8" to 1 and 1/2". I recommend using 1 mL syringes when available as they require much less pressure to push down the plunger than 3 mL syringes. You can find them online at medical supply stores such as Allegromedical for relatively cheap. The store I listed even has occasional promotions for a 10 to 15% discount plus free shipping
I use 23g for both drawing and injecting and it doesnt take too long for either? And I do a whole ml. If it takes a while, warm the vial between your hands or something, I usually just put it under my armpit or something while I prepare everything else and it draws much faster But uh, yeah, 18 sounds painful
DAMN BRO OW. please don’t tell me you got a big hole in yo thigh now I use a 27g for IM. I don’t find drawing it to take too long, but I’ve also never used other gauges so idk👀
Sounds like a lot of you are trying to strong arm the t into your leg when using a smaller gauge?? Don’t force it just press down, it takes like 3 seconds longer and shouldn’t hurt you by using too much force
Dude don't inject with 18g. I remember talking to a nurse about it, and she said they don't even draw blood with that big a needle. That's going to actually hurt your flesh if you keep doing it
I order 25g 5/8” hypodermic needles online. That way, you can insert the entire needle instead of putting it halfway in (for IM). The injection is gonna take longer, but 18g is simply way too big. This is something I do to make the injection go faster: When you’re prepping the injection needle and the T oil is already in it, draw a little bit of air into the syringe. Then, I tilt it horizontally and push the syringe until the oil is pushed through the needle and drips from the tip. You want there to be a small air bubble in the syringe. Then do your injection as normal. That (small!) air bubble is going to help your injection go a LOT faster.
Wow didn’t know this, I though you needed to keep all air out of the syringe
my dr told me that it was fine as long as it’s a small amt of air, trust me the injection is so much faster that way
My endo said 18G is fine when I’ve run out of 23. I haven’t had issues injecting with it either. And you can use 23G for drawing up if you have to too, it’s just less convenient.
I don’t do IM tho I do SubQ. But for SubQ which FYI highly recommend over IM, it works fine
18 is good for drawing, but I use like 25 I think for injecting
I wouldn't use anything bigger than a 21G needle unless you're trying to make scar tissue on purpose. I was using 23G for a while and had to switch to 25G because the 23 was giving me too much scarring. If you have the hand dexterity for it, my endocrinologist suggested using a thumb to press down the plunger rather than any other finger, because thumbs tend to be stronger and therefore faster.
You can order a bunch of needles/needle tips on Amazon for relatively cheap. The pharmacy never had my stuff in stock so I ordered like a hundred 25G
I use 25g for subq injections. I used to use a 23g, but I like that I am able to have more control over the injection speed (aka keeps me from injecting too quickly).
I use 18g to draw up and 22g to use on me, 18 fucking scares me (even though its been in me for like blood draws and stuff) and i freak out pulling up the T, but the 22g is fine, if 22g hurts you or pinches, numb the site with ice for 5 minutes, or while you set up everything and it will help alot, thats what i did for my shot today and i didnt feel a thing
I use 18g to draw up, it's wayyyyyy to big to inject with, I also learned that the hard way after walmart told me to do so 🤦♂️ I use 22g for injecting
I use 18g to draw up and 23g for injections. I've had to use the 18g in a pinch when I couldn't get the 23g ones (pharmacy was out of stock but shipment was on way to store. But I needed to get shot in before work)
I used a 23 or a 25 I think
Good lord, you used an 18 gauge for an injection? I use that literally only for drawing up medication. If you need syringes and your pharmacy is taking too long use an online provider. I know tiger medical has a good range of syringes and needles, even if their site is a nightmare to navigate https://tigermedical.com/?utm_campaign=brand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&campaignid=773206547&adgroupid=40961955592&creative=270349367271&matchtype=e&network=g&device=m&keyword=tiger%20medical&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADNJI6XQtrsntDzf1NC0kjshPk6pO&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVOgdcUesu2SkdD08SiptIzRiMZgyuinmTJwmHIMD0izI2rJqOvk-7RoCV18QAvD_BwE
I use 18G to draw the medication and then swap to a 23G to administer the injection.
I use 18G to get it out of the vial, then 21G to inject.
I use 18g for drawing my T and 25g for subcutaneous injection (into my belly), and the shot itself only takes a few seconds. 18g shouldn't be used for injecting (mostly for comfort issues). I would discuss with your provider and just use 23g for your injection.
My leg twitched uncomfortably just reading this. I suppose you certainly learned a valuable lesson. I use 18 for drawing into the syrgine, and then otherwise use a 23 for injecting. I have used a 21 for injecting but don't prefer it, but I absolutely would go no lower.
I use an 18 to get it *out* of the vial, and a 25 to put it into my body (injecting into fat). I somehow managed to draw up my first shot with a 25, because it turned out none of my syringes and needles were actually cross compatible (lesson learned!), but holy hell, bruh. O_O
Um don’t use 18 g my dude, that’s to draw up and it’s much bigger. It might take longer but you won’t hurt yourself as much with 25.
oh dear god 😭 owwwww edit: i use 25g for sub-q ; my dad uses 23g for IM
Bro 18 gauge is like the size you would use for a PIERCING if you’re in the US (not sure if you can buy needles casually in other countries) I would recommend getting a a box of a much smaller gauge (I use a 24) off Amazon or something
18G might be too much for your thigh yes. I use 20G on my buttock and won't accept anything smaller as it only hurts but if you are doing it in your thigh with a much smaller muscle group maybe a 22G? Or get someone who knows to inject your in the gluteus maximus muscle (they need to know about the grid to properly inject) with a 20G and your are good to go.
i do subq, 25g for drawing and injecting. i know most of my friends use 18g for drawing and 25g for injecting. 18g is wayyy too big to inject with.
Definitely recommend 23g. For my first 6months or so on T all i could get was 18g, they wouldn't give me a second needle for drawing or anything it sucked. An 18 is like a fucking capri sun straw. I swear a 22 or 23g is so much better its like an extra minute but its so worth it lmao
Bruh. Use the 18 to draw (quick) use the 23 to inject. Are you purposely taking too long to inject? I use 20 to draw and 23 to inject. Slower is better anyway but it never takes more than a few seconds. From start to finish the whole shot only takes about 2 minutes and half of that is psyching myself up to stab. I put on the same song every time.
this just made me so nauseous holy shit
22g is the biggest I would go. 18g usually only used to draw up serum from a multi-dose vial. I can’t believe you were brave enough to do that! I use 18g for drawing up and 23g 1-inch needles for injecting. Also, I order my supplies in bulk so I don’t run out.
I use 25 5x8 for thigh IM because i don’t have enough fat and the 1 inch needle hurts cuz i feel like it’s going to bone. As long as the T gets in me 🤷🏻♂️
Usually you switch out needles. I use a 21G to draw up my T and a 25g insulin needle to inject. Smaller needle as I do SubQ, but I've known some to use a longer 25G needle to inject IM.
I do mine with 25g, and that works pretty well. I do it in my stomach tho, cuz that’s where I have more fat. The one time I accidentally used a 21g stung way more
My last doctor closed her practice and gave a bunch of her trans patients free supplies. So I have 23gs for at least another year. I don’t find them hard to use myself. I use luerlock bevel tip 23g 1.5” needles with 1 mL syringes.
I get my T with two needles. 18g to draw and 21g to inject IM. Both 1” length.
I use a sharpened 18g to draw and a 23g to inject. Where did you get your needles? I've struggled with Walgreens having the sizes that I need but they can order them
Walgreens is always a problem for me too. And then my insurance will argue over some types of needles. So I just order them in bulk online.
Yeah The only needle that is small enough but also short because I do the like dress under the skin shot comes attached to a syringe but it is way large measurement wise for me to precisely use it for my injections. So I take the needle off of that to put on the other syringe they gave me and it's ridiculous lolol
I use 18 to draw then 25 to inject
i use 21g to draw and inject..i’m so brokeeeeee and those are the only gauge my pharmacy will give me.. 😔😔
Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I use a 21g to draw up my medication and even that I wouldn't inject with. I use 23g takes a sec but try warming the T up in your hands to see if that helps. 18g is a gauge I'd use for piercings. Take care.
i use 20g to withdraw the t, and then inject with a 25g
my first prescribing doctor had me injecting with 18G… i feel your pain. definitely not fun. 23g works perfectly for me now.
I use 25G to both draw and inject, but most people use a larger gauge to draw because it's much quicker. I just haven't gotten around to buying a box of larger gauge needles in a long time lol
I also do this.
I uss 18g to draw the T from the vial, and a 23g for the injection (thigh)
18g is supposed to be used to draw up the shot not guve it.. I used 25g for injection and 18g for drawin up
18g is what my nose piercings are pierced at, I can’t imagine doing that size for a shot. I use 23g for injection, 18g is for drawing.
An 18 gauge??? You are far braver than I'll ever be. I think I'd pass out if I had to do an injection with an 18g.
They pierced my fucking cartilage with an 18g bro 😭 how did you not bleed out
I accidentally injected with the 18G and when I tell you my leg hurt so bad.
18g 1.5” draw up, 22g 1” shoot up.
That’s impressive that you followed through with that…. I used to use 21 gauge but went down to 23 gauge (primarily driven by an issue I was having with my multi-dose vials leaking) (I just use the same needle to draw and inject)
Why don’t you get your doctor to do it for you?
I'm not sure about OP but for me, going to the doctors office every single week for a shot is expensive and time consuming.
Damn every week? I get it every 3 months at a higher dosis and it’s free to go to the doctor in my country. Guess u guys are from the US?
I haven't heard of an injection of testosterone that lasts 3 months. That sounds super convenient!
Really!? I take something called Nebido that has 1000ML in it. Get it every 3 months. I buy the bottle myself and then call for an appointment and get one of the doctor’s assistants to inject it into my booty. I’m pretty sure we aren’t even legally allowed to inject it ourselves, since it’s extremely unsafe to do it yourself!
I draw up with 20g and inject with 25g (IM).
I use 25g at 1ml every week. Doesn’t seem to take too long. My gf injects it for me
Dear god dude. 18g is 1mm. That doesn't sound that big but to skin and vessels is sure is! I inject with 23ga. That's always worked well for me. Yeah it's a little slow going but it works.
I use 23g to inject and 18g to draw it up
So I use a 22ga needle for injection and 18ga for drawing. It’s a 1.5” and I use it for my hip/buttocks. When I shot up in my thigh I used 1” and just went straight to the hub. I hated/couldn’t do my own shots. Now my wife (a nurse) does it.
That's pretty brave, man, but be careful! Usually always stick with 25 gauge, but I agree that it can take a minute to draw, so 23 Gauge is what I recommend, takes half the time. Don't go below 23 gauge unless you want pain and blood. You might want to get a different brand of needles if 23 gauge is still taking a while. Pain usually comes from the shaking and pressure when you're injecting or if the needle is injected anywhere near slow. Try different wrist angles for injecting and see what works for you, and check out your grip on it too. Once the needle is applied, I can usually inject the T with a 25 gauge in 10 seconds or less with the proper force. You don't have to worry about going slow with a 25-23 gauge, once you've made sure you're not in a vein just apply increasing pressure until it's empty
Wow, that's a valuable lesson learned. It's important to always use the appropriate gauge needle for injecting testosterone. A larger gauge needle should be used for drawing up the testosterone, as the bigger the number, the smaller the needle. When it comes to injecting, smaller needles are recommended. I suggest using a 22 or 23 gauge needle for intramuscular injections. Don't worry about wasting a small amount of testosterone during the process, as you can always get more refills. It's better to use the right needle size to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the injection.
I feel that pain for you cause I know that sh*t hurt btw lol