Pros And Cons Of Using A Gel-Form Testosterone Supplement
If you are a man who suffers from low testosterone levels, the good news is that there are ways to boost your testosterone levels through supplements. You have a few different options: injections, implants, and pills. Most doctors, however, recommend that their patients start off by applying a testosterone gel to the skin. This gel is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream; it is then absorbed by the tissues and organs that need it, just like natural testosterone would be. This approach works for many men, but not all. If you are about to start using testosterone gel, you might benefit from considering a few pros and cons of this approach.
Pro: There's no pain, and you don't have to go into your doctor's office.
Some other methods of testosterone replacement are a lot more burdensome than using testosterone gel. If you opt for injections, for example, you will have to inject yourself daily, which causes some pain — although minor. If you opt for a testosterone implant, you will have to visit your doctor every few months to have the implant replaced, which can be time-consuming and a little uncomfortable.
Con: You have to take the time to apply the testosterone each day.
It will probably take you about five minutes, from start to finish, to apply the gel. First, you have to wash your hands. Then, you will apply the gel, give it some time to absorb through the skin, and wash your hands again before putting clothing on. This isn't a lot of time, but if you are someone who tends to hurry through tasks like this, then gel may not be the best testosterone replacement option for you. Pills or an implant might be better.
Pro: You get a sustained release of testosterone throughout the day.
When you apply the testosterone gel to the skin, it is not all absorbed at once. It takes a few hours to slowly be absorbed, and then it takes a few more hours for your tissues to absorb it out of the blood. This sustained release will help keep your moods more even throughout the day. With other methods, like injections, you get the whole testosterone boost at once.
Con: The gel can rub off on others.
You will need to be careful who you have contact with after applying the gel. You should not let anyone touch the application sites — usually your shoulders and upper arms — after application. If the testosterone rubs off on them, they could absorb it through the skin, and it could affect them. You will have to be careful to wash your hands thoroughly, too, so you don't pass on the testosterone to others.
For more information about gel testosterone supplements such as testosterone AndroGel, reach out to your doctor.
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