Facts about testosterone pellets as I get them inserted
Pellets are one of the options trans masc people can use if they wanna go on T. It's an expensive and difficult to find option. You'll need insurance and a good endocrinologist for this one. You also need to already be on testosterone for a while before you're allowed to do pellets.
I'm getting 10 if these little things inserted into me today. This'll be my 3rd or 4th time getting them. Last time I got them was 6 months ago and my levels were still fine last month (but obviously on the lower end).
The exact number depends on whatever dose you need. My endo usually does 10. They're inserted in roughly the same area one would do injections. Outer + upper section of your ass.
Local anesthesia is used which is usually the most painful part of the whole thing. Weirdest feeling. After that the most you'll feel is some pressure and tugs. Occasionally there's a sudden mild sharp pain and you're like (wtf was that), but it's manageable. Inserting the pellets takes maybe 2 minutes.
After all of them are in my endo usually waits for the blood to clot and then puts 2 layers of bandages on top (one of them is waterproof layer). That part takes longer, 5 minutes maybe. Consists of endo holding my ass/putting pressure while he and the nurse gossip about whatever (this is also the whole time tbh).
This time I yet again got dizzy (but didn't faint,that's a win). Now I do have a history of fainting for various reasons. When I was younger/before I got on T it was a 40% I'd faint while getting blood drawn. Now I never faint with blood work, but you get the point. I'm not saying *you* will faint. I'm saying that if you have a history of getting dizzy like I do, it's something to consider. For me, the dizziness is not bc of the pain. The pain itself is fine. Personally getting dizzy doesn't make me not want pellets. Minor issue for months of peace. Don't let that deter you. I just wanted to be honest about my experience.
I can't shower today, or exercise for 24 hours. After that it's chill. The site can be sore for up to a week, but very slightly. Nothing to be worried about. Pretty easily ignored. I do tend to wear more sweatpants, but that's about it. You can remove the bandages after a few days.
