Testosterone Replacement Shots Vs. Pellets
Testosterone Replacement Shots Vs. Pellets
Men with low testosterone levels suffer from various symptoms of low testosterone, such as low libido, loss of muscle mass, loss of bone density, low metabolism, and strength, erectile dysfunction, etc. In this article, we are going to take an in-depth look at Testosterone Replacement Shots Vs. Testosterone Pellets, both treatments, and how they differ from each other.
Testosterone replacement shots and testosterone pellets are two types of testosterone replacement therapy. Both can be used as a treatment to boost testosterone levels in men with low testosterone. While both treatments serve the same purpose, they are quite different in the administration methods and in some other areas.
What are testosterone replacement shots?
Testosterone shots or injections are a great way to deliver testosterone directly into the bloodstream. Testosterone shots are common and are less invasive than testosterone pellets. The injection is usually given in the outer hip or thigh.
Testosterone injections require more visits to the clinic than pellets, as the effects last for 7-10 days. This means you will need to visit a clinic to get testosterone injections every 7-10 days.
Testosterone injections don’t require local anesthesia. The dosage can be adjusted accordingly to suit your needs. If the dosage you had at first doesn’t work, your provider can adjust your dosage on your next visit to ensure that it works better.
What are testosterone pellets?
Testosterone pellets are a type of testosterone therapy implanted under the skin around the hip region. The testosterone is gradually absorbed into the body from the implanted pellets. The procedure for implantation requires making a small incision near the hip under local anesthesia.
The effect of testosterone pellets can last for about 90 days or three months. This is the duration it will take for the testosterone to be completely absorbed by the before. Afterward, you will need to return to the clinic to get new pellets inserted. You will need to go to the clinic four times a year to get new pellets inserted.
Testosterone pellets can be quite different for different individuals as individuals absorb pellets differently. The pellets can be adjusted only when you need to replace them on your next visit to the clinic. Pellets are generally quite safe and last longer than injections but require incision around the hip region. Like any procedure that requires an incision, there is a risk of infection. The incision site could get infected if not adequately cared for.
Benefits Comparison Between Testosterone Replacement Shots Vs. Pellets
Benefits Comparison Between Testosterone Replacement Shots Vs. Pellets
Testosterone Injections are Generally Safer Than Pellets
Testosterone injections are minimally invasive and don’t require making an incision on the skin. There is no risk of bleeding or infection at the incision site. Also, the dosage can be adjusted according to the needs of each patient every 7-10 days, making it a safer option than pellets.
On the other hand, pellets require making an incision on the skin, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding and infection at the incision site. The dosage can only be adjusted once every 3 months when patients want the pellets replaced. This can be disadvantageous to patients as they will have to wait for a longer period of time to get their dosage adjusted.
The Effects of Testosterone Pellets Last Longer than Injections
One of the main differences between testosterone pellets and injections is the duration of the effects. The effect of testosterone injections typically lasts for 7-10 days. This means you will need to visit your doctor every 7-10 days to get new injections to keep your testosterone levels balanced.
The effect of testosterone pellets lasts for a period of 90 days (3 months). You will need to visit your doctor only four times a year to get new pellets inserted.
Testosterone Pellets Offers Greater Treatment Stability than Injections
Testosterone pellets release a constant, steady stream of testosterone into the bloodstream over time, thereby providing much more stability in testosterone levels than injections. Studies have shown that patients who received testosterone pellets had significantly greater overall satisfaction than patients that received testosterone injections.
On the other hand, testosterone injection dosages are adjusted too often, which could cause hormonal fluctuations leading to side effects such as weight gain, mood swings, and prostate enlargement.
