PSA for trans people, trans mascs and fems, and enbies & intersex folks on T or E injections (or injections in general):
Your injections should AT WORST feel like a hard pinch if you hit a vein on accident. It should NOT sting/burn the whole time, itch (for more than a day), be extremely tender (for more than a day or two), and should not cause significant bruising. (Edit!: This is the weekly injections. The monthly or longer lasting injections are sore for a while because the liquid is THICC.)
I was not told this when I started, and missed that I was allergic to my shots for the first 2 months I was on T. There is more than one type of carrier oil, and the type of T they prescribe most often is more likely to have allergic reactions (cypionate with cottonseed oil). There is also gel and other options that don't involve jabs! You should not have to suffer more just to get your gender juice. You can also gain allergies over time, so if you start experiencing these symptoms, check in with your doctor!
(Another Edit: PLEASE talk to your doctor before assuming stuff, I'm just a guy on the internet trying to make sure that y'all have more info.)
Tips for less painful/irritated injections I've gotten from people (all anecdotal, again, check with your doc):
-Journal!! Journal about the changes you are seeing and how the injections feel, along with the date. This is great information for you and your doctor! You can even scrapbook with prescription papers or body/facial hair clippings!
-Intramuscular or subcutaneous injections feel different for different folks. If one feels bad, talk to your doctor about switching!
-(From a diabetic friend) Rub VERY hard with the alcohol wipe before injection to numb the area. Also, try without this, as it can cause some irritation for folks!
-Make sure to rub the vial between your hands to warm it before using the draw up needle. It makes the fluid less thick, so it’s less painful to inject.
(I'll add more if people share)
