What is an intramuscular injection?

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An intramuscular injection (IM) is a method to deliver medication deep into muscle tissue. Deep muscle tissue delivery allows the medication to enter and be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. Testosterone medication is injected intramuscular.

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What needle should I use for an IM?

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Needles for IM shots are typically 22-23 gauge, 1-1.5 inches in length, adjusted for the thickness of the injection site. Intramuscular shots enter and exit the skin at a 90° angle.

If you are determined to be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or similar treatments requiring intramuscular injections, REGENX Health will provide the needles necessary for your IM injections.

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How can I reduce discomfort?

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The following tips can help reduce pain at the injection site:

• Ensure medicine you are injecting is at room temperature.
• Remove all air bubbles from the syringe prior to injection.
• Allow skin to dry after using an alcohol wipe and before injection.
• Keep muscles in the injection site relaxed.
• Use the needle to break through the skin layers quickly.
• Do not change the needle’s direction as it enters or exits the injection site.
• Never reuse disposable needles.
• Rub the skin with the alcohol prep for 1 minute, to numb the skin, prior to injecting the medication.

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How do I dispose of “sharps”?

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Improper disposal of sharp objects include syringes can pose a health risk and damage the environment. Most U.S. stats offer residents a safe needle disposal program through local solid waste divisions. For more information on storing and disposing used needles, visit Safe Needle Disposal.

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Step 1: Setting up for injection

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1. Determine a comfortable, well-lit spot with a flat working surface that you can use at the same time every day.
2. Clean your work area daily.
3. Remove medication from refrigerator. Let the medicine reach room temperature.
4. Ensure the medication is correct and check the expiration date on the vial. Never use a medication with particles in it or a medication that is discolored of expired.
5. Wash your hands to prevent infection.
6. Assemble the supplies: vial of medication, disposable syringe and needles (one 18-gauge needle for drawing up the medication and one 22-23-gauge needle for injection), alcohol swabs, puncture-proof disposal container, and band aids.

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Step 2: Selecting and preparing the injection site

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For injecting testosterone, we prefer our members to inject into the gluteus muscle (buttock). Your REGENX Health provider will instruct you on the precise location to give your injection. To find the correct location for injecting into the gluteus muscle, expose the buttocks. Find a location in the upper and outer aspect of the buttock, towards the hip bone below the iliac crest (the bony part of the hip) .

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Step 3: Preparing the injection dose

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1. Remove cap from vial (the metal circle on the top). Clean the rubber stopper using a new alcohol swab.
2. Ensure the syringe package has not been opened or damaged.
3. Pull the 22-gauge needle cover straight off the syringe. Pull back the plunger to draw the correct amount of air into the syringe – approx 5cc.
4. Never let the needle touch any surfaces.
5. Keep the medication vial on your flat working surface. Insert the needle straight down into the center of the rubber stopper. (Never put the needle into the rubber stopped more than one time.)
6. Push the syringe plunger down, pushing the air from the syringe into the vial.
7. Keep the needle inside the vial and turn the vial upside down. Make sure the liquid in the vial covers the needle’s tip.
8. With the vial upside down, slowly pull back on the plunger, filling the syringe with the correct medication dose.
9. With the needle still in the vial, check for air bubbles inside the syringe. If there are bubbles, gently tap the syringe until the air bubbles rise to the top. Slowly push the plunger up to force the bubbles from the syringe, while keeping the needle inside the bottle. Ensure air bubbles are gone.
10. Pull the plunger back to the mL or CC marking on the syringe that corresponds to your dose.
11. Make sure you have the correct dose in the syringe.
12. Remove the syringe from the vial, but do not lay it down or let the needle touch anything.

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Step 4: Giving the injection

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1. Clean the injection site with a new alcohol swap. Let it dry.
2. Hold the skin around the injection site.
3. With one swift, firm motion, insert the intramuscular needle into the muscle at a 90° angle.
4. After the needle is inserted, remove your hand from your thigh.
5. Gently pull back on the syringe’s plunger to check for blood.
   1. If you see blood in the needle, DO NOT inject the medicine. Remove the needle immediately.
   2. If you do not see blood in the needle, complete the injection.
6. Push the medication slowly into your muscle. Slight burning sensations or pressure is normal as the medicine enters the muscle.
7. Once the full dose of medication is injected, remove the needle gently.
8. Lightly press a new alcohol swab on the injection site and hold firm pressure for 30 seconds.
9. Place a band aid if needed.

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