Testosterone replacement therapy

Hi, 

I had the 2nd removed in November 2024 and went straight onto trt. I’m on Testogel currently which I apply in the morning. It takes 5 mins to dry and then I cover it with clothing. As of yet I have experienced 0 noticeable side effects. I have just started training again after the surgery and have found that my energy levels seem to have slightly improved compared to pre surgery. The only downside to the gel so far for me is the fact that I have to be aware of the contact exposure risk to my wife and kids but I’m getting used to it. I’m seeing an endocrinologist at the end of the month and will be discussing moving onto an injectable option because of this. 

Hi TomOl, thank you for your reply.

That is good to hear that you have had zero side effects using TRT so far. How much do you weigh, are you of athletic build, because I myself worry about weight gain, body shape changes. 

Also worried that going on TRT will raise my PSA level, at the moment my remaining testicel is producing enough testosterone, its doing the job of two quite well, I don't need to go on TRT. But once I lose the remaining one, like you I'm going to have to go on TRT; my worry is the side effects. 

Its as though low testosterone will cause problems, and going on TRT can also caused problems; is this something your doctor explained to you? 

I’m about 11st with a fairly slim build. I was very active before and would train maybe 4-5 times a week.

The 2nd op was pretty out of the blue and pushed through quickly. I was told I would need trt straight away but I didn’t get to speak to a doctor about it until an hour before the op and even that was very rushed. I was told all they could give me was the gel until I had a proper appointment with an endocrinologist. They just went through how to put it on and didn’t go through any side effects or anything. 

My understanding is that I’ll be monitored regularly with blood tests. If side effects become an issue I’m assuming that will be a conversation I’ll have with the endocrinologist and we can discuss making changes to the dosage or delivery method etc. 

That sounds very positive.

I've had a similar experience, where the doctors are always rushed and don't really explain things, so I'm left wondering the what if's.

I didn't think about the TRT contact exposure risk to my wife and children, is that something to think about, can the gel still transfer through clothes?

As long as you cover it with clothing after it has dried it’s not an issue you just have to be mindful around skin to skin contact. I’ve found it manageable so far. If you have a look on the testogel website there’s a lot of useful information on there. 

Yeah will do, I guess there are many forums about TRT, I will do some research. 

What has your recovery been like since the orchiectomy back November, do you have any pain, or lumps around the surgery site or scrotum? 

Recovery for both was fairly straightforward, in the last couple of weeks I’ve started again with some gentle running and light weights which feel ok. There’s some numbness around the surgery sites and the scars are slightly raised but other than that there is no pain or anything any more. 

Glad to hear you are doing well, thanks for the advice, very much appreciated. I will let you know how I get on. 

No worries pal hope all goes well for you!

Good Evening Chip5 i have lost both testicles, first was 2014 then second 2017, i started testogel soon afterwards, 1 sachet daily,  i had no issues using, i was on the forum years ago having discussed similar issues with many members we were having constant supply chain issues it was with Bensins. Once i managed to find a pharmacy that could have it readily available i ordered it until they changed the dosage, then i had issues once again which resulted to my GP moving me to Nebido 1000mg/4ml which i have every 12 weeks. 

I have been looking at going back to the gel as was more practical for me, with the injection i know when i nearing a new dosage i feel tired,groggy, do seem to have ups and down with mood occasionally.

I’m an active chap as i work outdoors 24/7 when i check my blood results they have dropped from when i used to be on the gel but within range.

Are you on the gel?

Thanks to all reading.