Testosterone Injections vs Gel (AndroGel): Differences and Choosing
No single form is best for everyone. Injections are convenient but levels rise and fall more; gel gives steadier levels but must be applied daily and can transfer to people close to you.
Key points
- Injections are not needed every day, but levels peak after each injection and dip before the next, and thick blood is more common.
- Gel gives steady levels and easy dose adjustments, but must be applied daily and kept from transferring to a partner or children.
- The choice depends on lifestyle, other conditions and blood results, assessed and prescribed by your doctor.
"Should I inject or use gel, doctor?" There is no single answer. I usually reply with a question of my own: "How do you live?" The best form is the one you can use consistently, that is safe for your body, and that is safe for the people around you.
An overview of each form
Intramuscular injections
Two groups are commonly used in Thailand:
- Medium-acting types, such as testosterone enanthate or mixed-ester preparations, injected every 1–3 weeks as the doctor specifies
- The long-acting type, testosterone undecanoate, injected every 10–14 weeks
The details of these two are in Test E vs Test U: which to choose.
Transdermal gel
1% testosterone gel (for example AndroGel) is applied once a day in the morning. About 10% of the applied hormone is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream gradually through the day, giving levels close to the body's natural rhythm.
Comparison at a glance
| Issue | Injection | Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 1–3 weeks, or every 10–14 weeks | Every day |
| Hormone level | Peaks after injection, falls before the next dose (medium-acting) | Fairly steady |
| Mood and energy | Some men feel ups and downs near the end of the cycle | Steadier |
| Thickened blood | More common | Less common |
| Dose adjustment | Possible, but results take several weeks to show | Quick and easy |
| Risk to people close to you | None | Can transfer to a partner's or child's skin if you are not careful |
| Limitations | Fear of needles, clinic visits, caution if you bleed easily | Easy to forget, heavy sweating, sensitive skin |
| Absorption | More predictable | Varies between people; some absorb poorly |
Injection
- Every 1-3 weeks, or every 10-14 weeks
- Level peaks after injection, dips before the next
- Thick blood more common
- No risk of skin transfer to others
- More predictable absorption
Gel
- Applied daily
- Fairly steady level, steadier mood
- Thick blood less common
- Can transfer to partner or children if careless
- Dose adjusted easily and quickly
The best form is the one you can use consistently and safely, as assessed by your doctor.
Who injections suit
- Men who do not want to remember a daily application
- Men whose levels do not reach target on gel
- Men who live closely with young children or a pregnant partner and worry about skin transfer
A caution: if you already have thickened blood, or developed it on injections before, talk to your doctor about adjusting the interval or switching form (see TRT side effects).
Who gel suits
- Men who are afraid of needles or have a condition that makes them bleed easily
- Men who are just starting and want to adjust the dose gradually
- Men who have strong mood swings on injections
- Some trans men who want steady levels (read masculinising hormone therapy (FTM))
Using gel effectively and safely
- Apply in the morning after showering, to clean, dry skin, at the sites stated in the product leaflet, usually the shoulders and upper arms.
- Never apply to the genitals or to broken skin.
- Let it dry before dressing, and keep the area covered with clothing.
- Wash your hands with soap straight after applying.
- Avoid showering, swimming or heavy sweating for several hours afterwards, as specified in the leaflet for your product.
- Before hugging or having skin contact with a partner or child, wash the application area or keep it covered.
- 1Apply in the morningAfter a shower, clean dry skin, at sites on the leaflet
- 2Let it dryThen cover the area with clothing
- 3Wash hands at onceWith soap after every application
- 4Before close contactWash the area or cover it before hugging a partner or child
Do not apply to the genitals or broken skin.
How monitoring differs
- Gel: blood is taken after at least 1–2 weeks of consistent use, at the time after application your doctor specifies
- Medium-acting injections: blood is taken mid-cycle
- Long-acting injections: blood is taken just before the next injection
All forms need haematocrit, age-appropriate PSA and blood pressure checks, as detailed in blood tests before and during TRT.
Can I switch forms?
Yes, and it is common. For example, a man might start with gel and switch to injections because he often forgets to apply it, or start with injections and switch to gel because of thickened blood. Plan the changeover with your doctor; do not use both forms at the same time on your own.
When to see a doctor, and how the clinic can help
Before choosing a form, make sure you really meet the criteria for testosterone deficiency (read what TRT is and who it suits). Dr. Kris Clinic offers testosterone replacement both as injections and as gel. I will help you choose based on your lifestyle, other health conditions and family situation, and arrange follow-up tests. English-speaking consultations are available. All medicines are used only as assessed and prescribed by a doctor; do not buy hormones online to use yourself.
Medicines and services your doctor may consider
- Testosterone enanthate injection (TRT)฿1,590Details & order →
- Androgel testosterone gel 1% (TRT)฿3,590Details & order →
- Nebido injection (TRT)฿9,990Details & order →
- Oral testosterone undecanoate 40 mg฿590Details & order →
Prices are per pack. Every medicine is prescribed only after a doctor's assessment; your doctor will advise whether it suits you. See all medicines & services
Want help with this? Three simple steps
Reading is a good start. When you are ready, check where you are, see how a consultation works, then book a time that suits you.
1Free 2-minute self-checkSexual-health self-check — see your result instantly and send it to the doctor if you like.Start the self-check →
2See the steps and feesIndividual from 990 THB · couple 1,590 THB · 30–60 minutes, at the clinic or online via MCS Telemedicine.How a consultation works →
3Book with the doctorPick a time online or message us on LINE. Come on your own or with your partner. Payment confirms the booking.Book online →Self-checks are a guide only and do not replace a doctor's assessment. Outcomes vary from person to person, depending on the severity of symptoms, the complexity of the problem and other factors.
Think your testosterone might be low?
Start with symptoms and proper blood tests with a doctor before deciding on TRT safely.
Every medicine and service requires a doctor's assessment first.
Frequently asked questions
Which works better, injections or gel?
When hormone levels reach the same target, the effect on symptoms is similar. The differences are convenience, how steady the levels are and side effects, especially thickened blood, which is more common with injections.
How soon after applying gel can I shower?
It depends on the product. Most leaflets advise waiting several hours. Follow the leaflet for the product you were given and your doctor's advice.
Can gel really transfer to my partner or child?
Yes, if there is skin contact with the application area before the gel has dried or been washed off. You can prevent it by letting it dry, washing your hands and covering the area with clothing.
Does applying gel to the genitals work better?
Do not apply it there. Absorption through this skin differs from what the product is designed for, so the dose cannot be controlled, and irritation or transfer to a partner becomes more likely.
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เทสโทสเตอโรนแบบฉีด กับแบบเจลทา (Androgel) ต่างกันอย่างไร เลือกแบบไหนดี →
References
- Bhasin S, et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715–1744.
- Mulhall JP, et al. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(2):423–432 (validity confirmed 2024).
- Ohlander SJ, et al. Erythrocytosis Following Testosterone Therapy. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):77–85.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Testosterone gel products: boxed warning on secondary exposure of children. 2009.
This article is for education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor. If you have symptoms or concerns, please see a doctor.
