#injection advice for testosterone

[answersfromzestual]

For those of you on hormones replacement treatment (HRT) Testosterone;

a shaving kit makes a great and natural way to store and travel (where legal) with your testosterone. Going to a friend's house? Bam, it's natural to have a shaving kit. Or I found emptying out the hard case of a set of old hair clippers. If you carry needles and you are stowing your needles, I recommend using a hard case of some sort. I've had the airline break my syringes/ needles before, and when you have to ask a pharmacy that doesn't know, they may be hesitant to give you any needles without knowing the medication you are on.

Do research on where you are going if leaving the country, make sure you have what you need (if you can) to be able to have legal possession in that country and any other country where you may stop or another potential area to explore.

Keep yourself safe, it's always good to keep a note from the doctor and your prescription history.

If you, for some reason do no longer have your testosterone, missing a dose or two will not cause any issues (I was told this by my family doctor).

Also, it's a good idea to perhaps take your vial and put it safely in a carry-on. They will not let you take your syringes (if they have needles attached, they will not let these on your carry-on).

It's good to have a hard case for long distance travels, otherwise a shaving bag works well. Find a more padded one if you can, and that closes securely.

I like to keep all my things together (Needles, testosterone, alcohol/alcohol wipes, and cotton balls/pads.) So that if you ever need to leave in a hurry you have to only go to one place and grab one thing.

I try to buy syringes with needles by the box. They cost me about $0.25 each and I get 100 in a box, all for $25.

It is also important to get a proper sharps disposal. You can usually ask the pharmacy and they will give you one. (In Canada I believe they are free).

About injection,

Unless instructed how to properly by a health care professional, I would not use your thigh for intermuscular injection. A great place, and the least painful I have found is in your gluteal muscles. It is important to rotate injection sites/sides. Give the muscles a break, especially if you need a dose weekly like I do.

Try to get air out before injection

Make sure you pull back the plunger to make sure you do not inject into a vein. If you pull the plunger and you see blood, do not inject. Find another location.

Do not use a needle more than once if possible (during a single injection, you can use attempt a few times), try to get it right the first poke, and it will hurt less.

The more a needle is used, the more it actually starts to spur at the tip, which means it's going to be harder to poke yourself, and it can be more painful

Do not share needles

Dispose of your needles properly by using a sharps container. Return it to the pharmacy when finished and they should give you a free exchange for a new one.

Do not throw needles out in the trash even with the cap on it can still be dangerous. I've personally seen (had) a needle peirce through the cap, have gotten stabbed.

Try to minimize air bubbles in the needle. But if you are scared of air bubbles. My cousin is a nurse practitioner, and she told me that it takes a lot more air than that empty syringe can hold to cause an embolism. But it is still important to minimize bubbles just to be easier on your body and help better absorption. So, a couple of tiny little bubbles are okay.

Make sure you are using a sterile area to place your things.

Make sure your hands are clean and sanitized.

Afterwards, press and slightly massage the injection site for at least 1 minute to help the testosterone absorb and to stop the bleeding.

The rule of thumb if you ever forget where to inject into your butox, upper and outer area of your gluteal muscle (so upper and outer buttcheeck).

Before you poke yourself, I find it helpful to press with your finger/alcohol pad and find a nice area, I usually do it as I apply the alcohol to sterilize the area. I find it helps me get it right the first time.

Any other questions? Let me know!

Do not inject yourself unless you have been properly taught how.

Do not fool around with your dose, more is NOT better

It may take a few years to fall into the safe/average hormone levels areas or what arrangement you have discussed with your prescribing physician.

Be careful! I am not a physican, always listen to the professional and be safe!

Stay Golden

✌️ 💙 💜

#transgender #trans ftm #ftm transition #transman #ask me things #phalloplasty #ftm phalloplasty #phalloplasty blog #lgbtq #phallo education #tw medication #tw needles #tw injections #injection advice for testosterone #adivce on injecting t

[muckyschmuck]

i’m so fucking excited for T!!!! my planned parenthood appointment is at the end of the month. i’ll be doing sub q injections i’m pretty sure. i was wondering, if anyone’s equipped to answer, how much testosterone can i buy at once? i’ve tried to google buying T in bulk but unshockingly the only results have to do with Bulking Muslces on T and stuff related, lol. i live in California and i’ll be paying out of pocket for the appointment and stuff, and i’ll try to use goodrx too if the pharmacy allows it, but i noticed on the goodrx app that i can make my quantity like, 12 vials? is that just there because? or can i actually purchase 12 vials to shirk going into the pharmacy frequently? obviously i’m fine w asking planned parenthood or the pharmacy when tbe time comes, but any advice or tips or help here would also be very appreciated

#trans #transmasc #planned parenthood #testosterone #hrt #starting hrt #trans advice #help #tips #ummm what else #hrt injections #medical advice #can i do it tho #it’d be amazing if i could just. buy in bulk bc i do not like leaving my house lol

[8bit-mau5]

god give me strength to do my T shot tonight

#im like 3 - 4 hours late from my usual time its just such a fucking chore. i hate it #i love being ON T but i hate the chore of injections #this is a vent btw i do NOT want to hear any of your suggestions #i do not seek and am not seeking medical advice from any of you so dont start #im not interested in gel. doing smth DAILY is more of a hassle #coming from someone who was on birth control and had to take daily pills. it was ass #i also dont wanna do subQ shots cos THOSE BURN like a bitch #im fine with shots i just hate all the steps involved. funny cos a few days later im all 'yay cant wait for my next shot<3' #and then shot day comes and im RRGRHRGHRGHR this again? #8bit beeps #sure wish i could make the testosterone needed on my own :/ F

[thecommunityoftrustworthysinks]

kinda got an itchy welt from my T injection this week (fourth week) i don't have a fever or anything and no other rash, anyone have any ideas what to do about it? will it just go away?

#testosterone #hrt advice #hrt #transgender #ftm hrt #transmasc #x #i looked it up and like it said it can happen for injections sometimes #and like if there's no rash or fever or w/e to not worry

[genderqueerdykes]

some info on topical Testosterone (T Gel)

we've gotten quite a few asks on what topical testosterone is like and if it's inferior to injectable T, so i wanted to write up a quick post on it, since i've gotten a lot of asks from people who think it doesn't work/doesn't work as well as injectable testosterone. i have been on topical T since 2019, and have also worked inside of a pharmacy, so I just wanted to provide some insight for curious folks:

it is the same hormone, just in a different method of administration- it isn't weaker or stronger than injectable. some people just respond better to certain routes of administration- topical medications are very bioavailable, as most people's skin is one of the most receptive places on their bodies to medication, next to direct injections. it's a very effective route of administration

your needs will depend on your body and your dose. communicate frequently with your doctor and ask for tests if you are feeling unsatisfied with how testosterone is affecting you, or if you feel like your dose is too low. if topical ends up not working for you, it is okay to switch if need be. some people also switch from injectable after a few years to prevent skin and muscle tissue damage from years and years of injecting.

if your dose is correct, topical T can still stop your periods, and give you the other desired effects of T. some see results from topical faster, some struggle to see results, it really depends on the individual. for many, there are very strong peaks and valleys (ups and downs) in their hormone levels after injections due to the body metabolizing injectable T so quickly- this can cause sudden fluctuations in energy levels, making one feel like they are/causing one to have mental health episodes, and so on. topical T is introduced into your system more gently and can help one avoid these issues, if the dose is correct. this can be avoided with injectable as well, it's just less commonly seen in topical.

in many states in the US, for some reason, injectable testosterone is often automatically covered by insurance for trans HRT, but not topical. if you run into issues at your pharmacy, if they tell you there are "insurance problems", talk to your prescriber about them sending over a prior authorization. these are usually required for topical T, for whatever reason. this is basically a note from your doctor stating why you need it. this should fix the issue if you are struggling to get it covered by insurance.

the strength will depend on your dose, which can be very painlessly adjusted- if you receive a bottle of gel, it will inform of you of how many pumps to take. if you receive small individually dosed packages of gel, you will take so many of those per day or week. when taking injectable testosterone you have to measure your doses yourself which can be difficult for people with hand tremors, low vision, etc.

do not take catch-all advice for administering your topical T once you have it- follow the directions exactly as they are listed on your bottle and in the informational paper/booklet included with the medication. different formulations and types of topical testosterone will need to be applied on certain areas of the body.

make sure you clean the skin before application with soap and warm water, or other products like bacteria killing wipes, alcohol wipes, etc.

the gel is alcohol based. it has a pretty strong rubbing alcohol smell, and can burn the inside of your nose/eyes or potentially overstim, so just try to keep it away from your face if you struggle with issues like that. it absorbs very quickly and doesn't rub off on anything or leave a greasy mess.

cover the skin you applied it to (upper arms/shoulders or abdomen, depending) with a shirt immediately and keep that shirt on for at least 2 hours. you do not want to risk someone else touching the sites you applied it to and getting testosterone on their skin, which can affect their hormone levels, and can also make it so you do not absorb all of the medication

do not shower, swim or spend extended periods of time shirtless for at least 2 hours after applying topical testosterone, to ensure you absorb all of the medication.

i will add more info to this as i think of it. i will also be including a scanned version of the informational paper that came with my topical testosterone, and other information for further reading. take care and remember, all forms of T are worth considering and are good. testosterone HRT is rad.

#testosterone hrt #trans men #trans man #ftm #trans #transgender #transsexual #trans guy #demiboy #demiguy #nonbinary #enby #transmasc #transmasculine #intersex #genderqueer #neutrois #genderfuck #gnc #drag king #butch #butch lesbian #dyke #butch dyke #transmasc lesbian #transmasculine lesbian #information #save #our writing #info

[uncanny-tranny]

How does one go about getting a t prescription?

How long does it take + how expensive is it?

Where would you even start, what type of doctor do you have to contact, does planned parenthood give people T prescriptions?

Sorry for the ask, I just can't access this information anywhere else

I need to start this post by saying: I - the person answering - am a USAmerican. I have no experience with getting testosterone in other countries, but I have researched other healthcare systems that are in place for trans healthcare. In my country, testosterone is a schedule III controlled substance, and you need a prescription from a doctor to legally possess it (I could rant for hours about how much I hate this, but this is the reality of how the US operates, apparently). I'll be sharing my experience since I know it best with the hopes that it helps - I am not legal or medical advice.

In many places, you will typically be referred to an endocrinologist, someone who specializes in hormones. It isn't unheard of for your primary care physician to order scripts for testosterone, but if they do, it's because they would be licensed to. Not all PCs can even prescribe testosterone in the US because it's a controlled substance.

I personally went through an online clinic in order to get my testosterone - which was needed for me because at the time, I'd had very few positive experiences with healthcare.

In terms of price, that depends on if your insurance will even cover the cost. I pay out-of-pocket, and for those paying that way, that can run (typically) between $150-$300. This also depends on what type of testosterone you plan on administering. I've found that IM injectable testosterone is cheaper than cream or gel testosterone - each method has their own pros and cons, and the prices vary drastically at times.

Planned Parenthood can be a great path for those who have the Planned Parenthood facilities that offer trans healthcare. Not all Planned Parenthood facilities will offer trans healthcare. And, indeed, I was planning on using Planned Parenthood, but the closest one that offered trans healthcare was over an hour away and later seemingly ceased offering that care, which would mean I might have had to drive three hours to the next one. That's a huge contributing factor as to why I chose a virtual clinic.

If you are comfortable with your primary care physician, you might be best helped by asking them. I'm sharing my experience, but this is by no means a comprehensive look into how you would access testosterone. Your needs, the care available, and where you live all impact how you'll get care, and the last thing I want to do is tell you to do something you can't.

#ask #anon #trans #transgender #lgbt #lgbtq #ftm #nonbinary #trans advice #i don't want to come across like i'm insulting anyone's intelligence - i have no clue exactly where our knowledge differs... #...and i don't want to assume. if it seems like i'm being too specific it's because i don't want any miscommunication #and i know that that can/will still happen but i want to put in the effort to make sure we all know where we stand and my intentions

[desultory-suggestions]

If anyone takes Testosterone via the gel and has advice I would be very grateful! I have taken injections for seven years but my doc is worried I have a rare reaction to the formula causing chronic health issues and wants to switch me. I am really worried gel won’t work for me because the application is time consuming and risky for contact with pets and people. Any advice is appreciated!

#Evan rambles #hrt #hrt gel #testosterone #testosterone gel #hrt advice

[hmsindecision]

Ladies I know we talk a lot about female specific disorders and having to be your own doctor so let me share some things about PCOS that you may not know.

If your doctor suggests that you have PCOS, they should be doing a blood panel. They need to check your hormone levels and your blood sugar. This should be enough to diagnose. They don’t need an ultrasound to diagnose and you can absolutely ask them to start with the blood panel at the very least.

Get the cervical cancer vaccine. Just do it. Your risk is higher. Don’t play with that shit, my friend.

There are three medications that PCOS specific and competent can help you with. One is birth control (this is to control your uterine lining and lower your cancer risk). Doesn’t have to be traditional BC pills/patch/ring. There are three month injections, implants, and IUDs. Have mental health concerns or BC gives bad side effects? Ask your doctor if a low or no hormone IUD will work for your situation (usually the copper doesn’t help often. Skyla is a new IUD with a very, VERY low hormone dose).

Spironolactone. This can adjust testosterone levels and level out hormonal acne, hair loss, and other symptoms. It also is a diuretic and blood pressure med so avoid if you have low blood pressure. This stuff clears up cystic hornal acne from PCOS.

Metformin. This is super controversial. PCOS increases insulin resistance and can cause prediabetes or contribute to diabetes. Some doctors consider this a preventative, some only when this is a current concern. This is a blood sugar medication that affects insulin production so really discuss this with any doctor who suggests it. That being said, it can help some women.

Advice about diets to fit beauty culture are bogus. This is not about that. You gotta eat healthier. It is theorized by some researchers (and some is a lot in this area; understudied, remember?) that PCOS is an autoimmune disorder. Cutting inflammation will leave you in less pain and feeling less tired and foggy. I’m not being bougie—simple is fine here—but eat some vegetables. Eat some grains and beans. Switch out some of that alcohol for weed if you need to. This doesn’t have to mean you eat less or even truly different things—I promise that you can add or substitute like one thing a meal and not have a huge issue. Add some zucchini to your pasta sauce. Have some farro instead of white rice. Eat home cooked food if you can!! Just be nicer to your body, don’t judge it. Treat your body how you would treat a lover who is recovering from an injury. Validate, support, and heal.

PCOS has a higher than average correlation with bipolar disorder. Work on yourself, what’s wrong that looks like. If your mind is a temple why are you not sweeping the floors? Care for yourself.

If you do start any of these changes, you may have a resulting stabilization of libido—some women with PCOS have extremely high sex drives and feel that they are on an even keel once they do some harm reduction methods like these. Some who have low libido feel that it goes higher!

Doctors want to talk to you about fertility. That is not my speciality, and it isn’t something that is my personal concern at all. This is just some information I wish I had known back when I started my journey to get my PCOS under control.

#PCOS

[magnetothemagnificent]

So, in about a month I'll be taking my first ever flight since I started T, and not only that, but I'll be travelling internationally. I'm really nervous about how to pack my supplies and deal with security. Every website says to just label everything and have a doctor's note, but with rising transphobia around the world I'm also worried a security agent would just deny me because it's testosterone. I also don't know how security would work, do I declare my supplies before going through security, or do I put my bag through the x-ray and if they get suspicious have them search it then? And with entering another country, how do I declare it? Do I have to declare it? My trip is also a Thursday to a Thursday, so I might have to do my injections in an airport. Is there a special place in an airport with a sharps container? Cause I haven't seen any in my time passing through airports. I just have so many questions and I'm really anxious.

If anyone's had to transport medical needles and medication vials via flight, especially internationally, do you have any advice? Especially if you're trans, because transphobia is another element I'm worried about.

#ftm #personal #travelling while trans #travel #trans man #testosterone

[risingscorchingsuns]

What was hikaru's transition experience in the corps? How did they take his coming out (if that happened)? How easy was it for him to get care (you said shinobu did his top surgery)?

This is a great question! Unfortunately Hikaru being trans is one of the most historically inaccurate parts of his story, if not medically, then definitely socially. I use a lot more modern methods and language because I wanted Hikaru to be trans similarly to how I am. It’s my canon-accurate Achilles Heel 😭

Don’t get me wrong, trans people definitely existed back in the Taisho period!! We’ve always been here, but back then we were recorded a little differently, generally regarded as “women in men’s clothing”, et cetera. I will never deny their existence, and Hikaru being modern with his gender expression isn’t meant as erasure or denial to them, but as an expression of myself via a fictional character. Their existence is real, and valid, and they are no less trans than Hikaru- at the end of the day, he’s my silly little self insert, and I wanted to write his experiences based off of mine. If the focus of Hikaru’s story was his gender journey, I would put more emphasis on the time period and the difficulties surrounding being trans in the Taisho period, but the themes surrounding Blazing Heart’s Rhapsody are acceptance and solace found within family, and love in spite of war. This isn’t a story about trans people- Hikaru just happens to be trans ☺️

Hikaru realized he was a boy very very young, (probably around 6 or 7) and his father, Hiroki, encouraged him to live in whatever fashion made him feel most comfortable. Because Hikaru grew up in the woods with only his father and little brothers, he was never really socialized as a woman or a man- he was just Hikaru, the oldest Eritora child. He likely hit puberty while living on his own in the Sumitomo Forest, but didn’t experience dysphoria until he was found by the Kochos when he was 16. When he was brought into the Corps, Hikaru experienced gender norms full-force for the first time. It wasn’t really that they didn’t support Hikaru being trans, it was more that he didn’t fit. He was Different, and that made him Othered. For the first time, Hikaru was struggling with where he belonged, and that was when he started to really learn the societal importance placed on gender roles. Additionally, Hikaru is neurodivergent, so these norms never made much sense to him logically in the first place. So while he never really had to come out, he did have to fit in, which was difficult for him to navigate. He talked to Shinobu, who in all her medical expertise, gave him the best advice she could. She was the one who helped him hormonally transition, (if she can inject herself with 700x the lethal dose of wisteria without fucking poisoning herself, she can probably make Hikaru’s testosterone. She’s iconic like that I think.) and ultimately it was Shinobu who helped Hikaru figure out where he stood in terms of gender identity. Hikaru is a self-made man in every sense of the phrase, but he couldn’t have done it without the help of those around him.

As for top surgery, I don’t really have a canon-friendly justification for that. Shinobu’s not a plastic surgeon, she’s probably done minor surgeries before, but never anything to the level of gender-affirming surgery. I feel like she’d DIY that shit tbh. She could pull it off. I’d let her do my top surgery. Shinobu says trans rights 🗣️

Thank you for this ask!!! I rarely get to do longform Hikaru analysis :D

#hikaru eritora #leon rambles #demon slayer oc #demon slayer #kny #kny oc #leon askbox

[zahmbie]

hi! I was wondering if you could do a Habit, And/or the marble hornets crew(any rlly), how they'd be with a trans man lover with severe dysphoria?

This was supposed to be out yesterday but classes took over oops

Characters included: HABIT, Jay, Tim, Brian

Content warnings for dysphoria, mention of needles (talking about taking T), and a brief mention of transphobia in HABIT’s section (not from HABIT)

HABIT

HABIT isn’t the most up to date on LGBTQ+ terms. He know’s what they are, he’s basically gender-fluid and he’s been around almost as long as humans also I hc Evan as trans, but he might need a refresher on the exacts of it.

He’s not the best at comforting, but in his defense that’s the opposite of his usual job. He gets better at it with time, calling you his handsome rabbit and talking about how masculine you look.

If anyone misgenders you, even accidentally, you won’t have time to react before HABIT is in their face and threatening them. You should probably pull him away before he gets the cops called on him. Again. “He’s a guy dipshit, call him a girl again and I’ll gouge your eyes out. You clearly aren’t using ‘em.”

If you’re at a point where you don’t have many masculine clothes he’ll let you dig through Evan’s his closet, but take fashion advice from HABIT at your own risk, dude dresses like he went through a Spencer’s in the dark.

If you take testosterone injections he’s more than willing to help. He’s got a pretty steady hand and… experience with sharp things. Actually kind of good at distracting you if you don’t like needles. He’s brought up doing your top surgery himself (if you mention wanting it) and you’re only 90% sure he’s joking. He’s confident he could learn how to do it with a youtube tutorial and one of his knives. 

Jay

Same hat! Jay’s also a trans guy! He’s not great with his words but he’s really good at cuddling (surprisingly soft for how bony he is) and listening to you. He’ll tell you he knows you’re a guy and he knows how bad dysphoria sucks. Not the most eloquently worded, but he gets it.

If you have top dysphoria, he’s given you free reign of his hoodies. He’s used them for his top dysphoria for years they work like magic. If you use one of his expect him to wanna borrow something of yours. You walk into his room looking for the sweatshirt you left and find him asleep wearing it.

Jay’s also willing to help you get more masculine clothes, he’ll go shopping with you but his tastes in clothing is super plain. Complete opposite end of the spectrum to HABIT.

Jay’s been using t-gel for a few years now specifically because he doesn’t want to give himself shots. If you take t shots he’ll offer to help you with them but he’s better at emotional support. Hand holding champ of the year.

Tim

Tim’s got the least knowledge on the subject out of anyone on this list. He knows you and Jay, and he knows that being trans is… a thing that exists? You might wanna actually talk with him about this cause he’s basically clueless.

He’s surprisingly good for support considering he barely knew about the topic an hour ago. His hugs feel warm and safe and he says things with such confidence you can’t help but feel better. He’s got some solid advice for passing if you feel like you need help with it, but he’s also good at just listening if you wanna vent about it.

If you wanna take T-shots he’ll help you. His meds and smoking make his hand shake a little, but if he braces it against a table or whatever he’ll be able to do it just fine.

He doesn’t have a large wardrobe, but if you wanna borrow one of his flannels you’re more than welcome to it. Tim’s also got a pretty decent sense of fashion, probably the one I’d most recommend going clothes shopping with.

Brian

Brian’s the best at comforting you by far, he’s great with compliments. Dysphoria’s mentioned and he’s already up and telling you about how handsome you look. He tries out new compliments and affirmations every few days and he’s gone from “Lookin’ handsome today!” To just saying “That was pretty manly of ya.” Over random little things you do, smiling at you like you’re his whole world.

He’s also probably your best choice for help with T-shots if needed, he’s already got a good idea of what to do and he’ll distract you. He asks about your day while doing it, giving your hand a gentle squeeze and making sure you don’t hold your breath.

His hoodie is also available for use if you want it! He’ll take you clothes shopping if you want him to, but if you mention wanting something baggy to wear say no more! Brian’s taking his hoodie off for you as you speak.

#Everymanhybrid x reader #emh x reader #habit emh x reader #Marble hornets #Marble Hornets x reader #jay merrick x reader #Brian thomas x reader #Tim Wright x reader #Creepypasta x reader #Zombie writes #I think HABITs section is a little stronger than the others but in my defense I’ve been in practice with emh and im rusty on mh #Everymanhybrid

[answersfromzestual]

Improved Blog Directory - Find what you need

BLOG RULES: PLEASE READ

How to choose clothing/shoe sizes during transition - clothing on smaller feet and frames

Formal Wear - how to dress formally during transition.

Need to speak to someone? Do you need help with your legal name change? Please click here. Translifeline.org

USA Safe States for Trans-People (Constantly Updated by the website Owner)

What to Update After Legal Name Change

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Testosterone - storage, travel, and injection advice

Facial Hair Information- Tips and Tricks on How to Shave (HRT)

Frequently Asked Questions about Phalloplasty - My [personal] Experiences

How can one ejaculate after phalloplasty procedure? -ask answered.

Common Phalloplasty Misconceptions- Article

Male Mannerisms- help to know male gestures, wording, and attitude- (ask)

Beginning testosterone, testosterone hormone therapy

Testosterone Experiences That Caught Me Off Guard - (Ask)

Safe Binding and Packing - Articles Purchase Sites Also

Staying Stealth During Surgeries, Explaing Scarring - advice (ask)

Top Surgery (both ftm & mtf), procedures, and approximate costs.

Can I have top surgery and be overweight?

Keyhole Top Surgery Procdure- Outline and what qualifies you as a potential candidate

Finding a Top Surgeron in North America

So You Just Had Surgery (Top)- Advice on the best way to heal after surgery/ minimize scarring.

Is more time on the operating table really better? Operating time and infection information.

Metoidioplasty FAQ

My arm and upper thigh after about a decade after phalloplasty.

My Personal Surgeon and Their Clinic

Interview with Dr. Chen about Bottom Surgery

Penile/ Phalloplasty Erectile Devices

Expectations- Personal Advice on Setting Expectations

Urethra lengthening Procedure Information- Self written article.

Importance of Uriologist

Phalloplasty Website - Includes Parents Guide

Urethra Lengthening Procedure

General Surgical Risks

Plus Sized Surgery Risks

List of Phalloplasty Surgerons in the USA

Vaginal-Perservering Phalloplasty Procedure

Graft SiteCare for Forearm -Free Flap Phalloplasty

What Happens if Erectile Device Breaks?

Image of My Phalloplasty (wearing underwear) Educational Purposes Only

Phalloplasty Procedure Outline by GRS Montreal - (Link to Webpage)

First Every Phalloplasty Procedure - Surgeon

Michael Dillon- Trans Pioneer (First phalloplasty patient)

How to Find Proper Sources of Information in a World of False Information/ Online Safety

Why certain terms can be hurtful. Please respect my/others views.

Tattooing over your forearm skin graft -ask

Testosterone and Hair Loss Information

If there are any other posts/ other topics I should add to this directory, please send me an ask. I will never post your username without your expressed consent in the ask.

#phallollasty education blog #transgender #trans ftm #transman #ftm transition #phalloplasty #ftm phalloplasty #phalloplasty blog #phallo education #blog directory #find what you need quickly #lgbtq #this took me a long time #ftm top surgery educational blog #ask me things #ftm trans education

[mysticetus]

on the topic of diy hrt as ive seen it going around the dash a few times, i want to offer what i can in terms of help as i got on hrt in secret while still living with my parents. i cant give advice for paths i didnt take (getting the hrt itself online) but i can detail the process i experienced so you know what to expect if you pursue.

i highly recommend seeing if there is a planned parenthood in your area and if it offers gender affirming hormone therapy. i had a couple things that made this an option for me that may be barriers for others - i was over 18, and they do not offer informed consent to minors. i also had a job that allowed me to pay for the visit and the prescription. lastly i forced myself to learn how to drive so i could get to the planned parenthood and the pharmacy.

for cost, i recommend checking beforehand if planned parenthood accepts your insurance. They did not accept mine so i had to pay out of pocket for the appointment. Luckily they have a sliding scale system that charges based on your monthly income. The amount changes (and this may vary by region as well), so you can call them for a cost estimate. As someone going for testosterone, my visits have cost between $39 and $63 out of pocket.

For me getting HRT occurred in 2 phases: A telehealth call where they told me about the effects of HRT and then had me digitally sign an informed consent form. And then an in-person visit to my local PP office to get my blood pressure and hemoglobin (finger prick) checked. I then walked out with a T prescription.

For bloodwork, planned parenthood offers this service as well but it was a “strongly recommended but not required” option for me. I did eventually get my levels tested through PP but it cost me ~$40 because of lack of insurance. i later learned i could get my bloodwork done for free at quest diagnostics, for which PP sent in an order that automatically went into quest’s system and all i had to do was make an appointment online filed under “all other tests” … in my area quest can be found in grocery stores. I recommend looking into quest for bloodwork if your insurance would cover it.

Estrogen and progesterone are not controlled substances (often used in birth control), but testosterone is since it can be abused as a steroid. so if you are pursuing T this may present challenges - in my experience it makes it hard for me to change pharmacies without calling planned parenthood first, and you need to present ID when picking it up.

At first i swore by gel and not injectable because i was afraid of accessing needles, and i used goodrx coupons to get gel at a reasonable price. I do not recommend this as it is not sustainable, goodrx coupons are great but always changing. Unfortunately if you do diy hrt you are probably going to be doing injections. i tried for several months to get gel in a sustainable way but the only way i was able to do this was when i had insurance that would cover it (which i since lost access to).

You can get needles and syringes in bulk (100 for like $10) on amazon. Your prescription will probably include an order of needles and syringes but pharmacies are generally not awesome to get them through, because they tend to cost more and be out of stock…. for subq i use 25g 5/8” needles to INJECT, and 18g 1.5” needles to DRAW. i use 1 ml syringes with a LUER LOCK. make sure the needles and syringes have the same locking mechanism so they can connect to each other. the alternative to a luer lock is a slip tip, which you do not want.

Even though on the bottle it says INTRAMUSCULAR USE ONLY, i and many other trans people do subcutaneous as the needles are smaller and less painful. “subq” injects into the layer of fat beneath the skin and releases the hormones slower over time. I personally inject into my stomach in the area below my belly button - i pinch the fat and inject at a 90° angle. there are detailed videos on how to do a subcutaneous self injection on youtube, and here is planned parenthood's guide.

if you are scared of needles, i am too - i used to black out when i had to get a shot. i can say that subcutaneous rarely hurts and its definitely tolerable to me. i know its freaky to inject into your stomach but the fat layers there make it pretty painless. if you pinch your fat your nerves focus on the pressure your fingers are making, and as long as you hold the needle like a dart and inject quickly you barely notice it.

For questions i recommend looking on reddit. there are many subreddits dedicated to DIY hrt as well as logistical questions in the context of navigating pharmacies and doctors. And, i am always happy to offer what help i can.

[pymanderprosthetics]

The Journey of Beard Growth: A Guide for Transgender FTM Men

For many transgender FTM individuals, the desire to grow a beard can be a crucial part of their gender transition. However, the process of beard growth can be different and sometimes challenging.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of beard growth for transgender FTM men and offer some helpful tips and advice along the way.

Understanding Hormonal Changes

One of the primary factors affecting beard growth is HRT: Hormone Replacement Therapy. Testosterone, the hormone prescribed to transgender FTM individuals, is responsible for promoting masculine secondary sexual characteristics. It plays a crucial role in facial hair development. However, the rate and pattern of beard growth differ for each individual.

During the first few months of testosterone gel or injections, some might experience faster facial hair growth, while others may need to be more patient. The extent of your natural hair growth patterns, genetics, and hormone levels all influence the process. It is essential to remember that everyone's journey to beard growth is unique, and comparing oneself to others should be avoided.

Patience is Key for growing an FTM beard

Beard growth takes time, regardless of gender. It's important to embrace patience and let nature take its course. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. It may take several months, or even a couple of years, for your beard to fully develop. Consistency and perseverance are crucial during this period.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Though it may not directly influence the speed of facial hair growth, adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being and hair quality. Here are a few tips:

1. Balanced Diet: A diet rich in protein, vitamins (A, C, and E), and minerals (zinc and magnesium) supports hair growth.

2. Hydration: Drinking enough water keeps your entire body healthy, including your hair follicles.

3. Exercise: Regular physical activity helps regulate hormone levels and increases blood circulation, potentially promoting hair growth.

4. Skincare: Taking care of your skin helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for beard growth. Cleansing, exfoliating, and using moisturizers can enhance your facial hair's appearance.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil, also available as Rogaine (foam), is a medication originally used to treat high blood pressure, but is now commonly used to treat hair loss. When applied topically to the skin, it opens up potassium channels and increases blood flow to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow can help stimulate beard growth in FTM men.

To use minoxidil for beard growth, first make sure to get the 5% solution. Using a dropper or a cotton swab, apply a small amount of the solution to the areas where you want more beard growth. Rub the solution into the skin using your fingers. Please be sure to ask to your endocrinologist before buying and proceeding with the usage of Minoxidil. Also notice that it can be dangerous for animals living in the household.

Microneedling

In addition to using minoxidil, microneedling can also be used to stimulate beard growth. Microneedling involves rolling a device with tiny needles over the skin, creating tiny punctures. This microtrauma stimulates the body's healing response, which includes the production of collagen and the release of growth factors. This process can also help increase blood flow to the hair follicles in the beard area.

To use microneedling for beard growth, first make sure to get a microneedling device. Using gentle pressure, roll the device over the skin in the desired beard growth areas. Apply minoxidil immediately after microneedling to further stimulate beard growth. Repeat this process once a week for optimal results.

While both minoxidil and microneedling have been proven effective for stimulating beard growth, it's important to note that results can take several months to appear. Additionally, it's important to use the products as directed and to talk to a doctor before starting any new medication or treatment.

Extra tips

These tips will help you to take good care of your beard once it starts growing.

Wash your beard regularly with a gentle cleanser: It is important to keep your beard clean to prevent build-up of dirt, oil, and bacteria which can cause skin irritation and beard dandruff. Use a gentle cleanser that is specifically designed for facial hair and avoid using regular soap as it can dry out the skin and beard hairs.

Condition your beard with a beard oil or balm to prevent dryness and itching: Using a beard oil or balm can help to moisturize and condition your beard hairs, making them softer and less prone to breakage. It can also help to prevent itching and irritation that can be caused by dry skin.

Brush your beard daily to remove any tangles or knots: Brushing your beard daily can help to distribute natural oils throughout the beard, which can help to prevent dryness and breakage. It can also help to remove any tangles or knots that may have formed in the beard hairs.

Trim your beard regularly to maintain the desired length and shape: Regular trimming can help to keep your beard looking neat and tidy. Use a good quality pair of scissors or clippers to trim your beard and be sure to trim it evenly on both sides.

Avoid over-washing or over-brushing, as this can damage the beard and cause split ends: While it is important to keep your beard clean and well-groomed, over-washing or over-brushing can actually do more harm than good. This can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends.

Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet to promote hair growth and overall health: Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can help to promote hair growth and overall health. This can help to keep your beard looking healthy and strong.

Embrace Your Journey

Remember, the journey of beard growth is just as important as the end result. Give yourself permission to celebrate each stage, regardless of how fast or slow your beard develops. Your beard growth is an important part of your self-expression and personal journey.

Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek advice from experienced individuals, and always remember that your worth and masculinity are not solely defined by your facial hair. Embrace the process, cherish every milestone, and most importantly, be proud of who you are becoming.

Now, go forth and embrace your journey to beard growth – You've got this!

#ftm #ftm packer #female to male #pymander #non binary #ftm products #transmasc #ftmpacker #transgender #minoxidil #hair loss #hair growth #beard growth #ftm beard growth #ftm beard #ftm beard gains #ftm masculine #transmasculine #derma roller

[kalamity-jayne]

heya! baby-ish tgirl here. i've been on E since dec now (current regimen 6mg E sublingual/100mg spiro per day). anyway i have a nasty needle phobia but i also really kinda want to switch to injections and i think i might be stubborn enough to overcome it. what do you think? worth doing?

Well, I'm not an endocrinologist, and this is very much a conversation you should be having with one. With that caveat out of the way though I'd say it depends. First of all, if you're Estrogen levels and testosterone levels are in the ideal ranges and you're feeling good about the results you’ve been seeing thus far, I would say there's no real reason to make that change. If you’re levels are good and your mostly satisfied but just want to get a lil extra juice out of your regimen, you may want to consider just adding in Progesterone.

Many trans women swear by injectable but obviously there's nuances here. The old axiom "your mileage may vary" absolutely applies. The big advantage you have with injectable estrogen is that you bypass the stomach and the liver and thus you don't have to worry as much about how much estrogen is actually available for your body to use or your body's receptors' ability to bind to the estrogen. When I first started I took oral estrogen, but it was really challenging to get my T and E levels in the correct ranges (for context I had incredibly high levels of testosterone before HRT, even by cis male standards). After trying a few different dosages of Estradiol and Spiro (and eventually progesterone as well) and still not getting the levels right, I made the switch to injectable. Once I made the switch it felt like I was cooking with gas. So I very well may have been one of those people who wasn't effectively binding to the estrogen taken orally.

The main disadvantage to injectable estrogen is really just the needles if you’re someone who feels nervous about that. Now with injectable there’s two formats, intramuscular and subcutaneous. Both are equally effective, the only big difference between the two is that intramuscular comes with a slight risk of scarring. Both are pretty easy, and you’ll get the hang of it fairly quickly. As far as avoiding pain and scarification my main advice is: 1. don’t do your injections when you are tired, in a rush, inebriated, or under any other condition that might cause your hand to be less than steady and 2. Be swift with the needle.

Another big difference, that is neither better or worse just different, is that your hormone levels will fluctuate differently. When you take hormones orally, you get your initial E spike and it tapers off over the course of the day, which is why you generally take two doses per day. With injectable you get your initial estrogen spike after injecting, and it slowly tapers off over the course of the week until your next does (this is why it's recommended you get your bloodwork done halfway between doses). So if/when you make the switch, you may experience some mild mood swings (not everyone does though, I only experienced noticeable mode swings during the first 3 months of progesterone) and you may experience a few other signs of hormonal fluctuation such as mild non-inflammatory acne on the sides of your nose (if you experience this talk to your end, you may need the dosage adjusted and definitely re-evaluate your skin-care routine as you may need to start treating the nose with salicylic acid).

Now there are a few other delivery methods to consider, such as the Patch and the Pellet, but I don't know as much about them so I'm not as comfortable speaking on them.

I hope that info is helpful baby-girl! But definitely take all of that with a grain of salt and go talk to an actual endocrinologist!

Love,

🌷Mother Calamity🌷

#ask/answer #anon #Mother Calamity #trans advice

[writingstuffs12345]

The Sally Face Gang with a transmasc/man S/O

Sal:

He's trans too and was kinda relieved to find out his S/O is trans too

If you bind, he will help you get binders/trans tape

He will def make sure you take binder breaks if you bind

Helps you take Testosterone if you use injections

Gets funky band-aids for helping you inject the Testosterone

If you have top surgery, he'll check your scars to make sure they're healing nicely

If you had just gotten top surgery, He'd help you so much around the house that you almost get annoyed with him

Larry:

Was supper supportive when you came out to him

Asked Sal on how to support you

Really good at helping you deal with dysphoria

Gets kinda aggressive about you taking binder breaks (not physically, kinda like, take a binder break or no headbanging)

Just like Sal, If you have top surgery, he'll check your scars to make sure they're healing nicely (He asks Sal for help with this)

Gets you funky band-aids for your testosterone injections

Won't help you with your testosterone injections cause he's scared of needles

When you just got top surgery, he got a maid dress and wore it around when helping you to try and make you laugh

Ashley:

Super supportive of you when you came out to her

Asked Sal for advice

Holds you and tries her best to comfort you when you're feeling dysphoric

Makes sure you take binder breaks

She got you a trans flag when you came out to her

Helps you style your hair

If you're okay with this, she will kiss your top surgery scars

Gets you band-aids for your testosterone injections

Tried to help you with your injections once

Helped you take care of yourself after top surgery

Makes you gender-affirming clothing

Todd:

Somehow knew you were trans before you told him

Was still supportive of you

Researched ways to better help you

Helps you with your testosterone

Sometimes he acts like he knows more about being trans, but he's just trying to help you

Will buy you trans tape or binders

Helped you find a reputable doctor for top surgery

Built you a little gender-affirming robot, which he named Bob

Not the best at helping you with your dysphoria, but he tries

Like a parent with a gay child, gets you stuff with the trans flag on it

#headcanons #sally face #sally face headcanons #larry johnson #ashley campbell #todd morrison #sal fisher #headcanon #x reader