I spilled a small amount of Androgel on my penis and it seemed to help the poor circulation/blood flow problem and resulting shrinkage I have had for years. Why can't I continue using Androgel in this way to midigate this discomfort?
Why can't Androgel be applied to the genitals? What is the result?
Question posted by dan318 on 10 Jan 2010
Last updated on 26 September 2020 by rustylwb
8 Answers
I've used cypionate for several years but changed to Gel a couple of months ago. It not as strong as 100mg of Cyp and I have used as much as 180 MG at LowT. 180 Works like WOW but LowT doesn't take Medicare ins. And cost $250.00@ month. So I go to my urologist for $20 copay. I do apply it to my upper arms & shoulder but after I apply it I then apply the leftover Gel direct on my penis. Man is it fast to make you horny just a couple of hrs. Everyone that has done much research on gel has seen the fact that it increases the size of the penis by as much as 60%. But all of my research has shown that the size deal is for people with Micropenis. But it has made my penis fatter and in only 5-6 wks. I'm a 76 years old Gym Rat. LOL FYI I do wear rubber gloves and I save then until the whole bottle is used and also wet than before using. Also, I hope everyone knows that if you apply hand cream one hrs after the gel it will increase the effect by 17+%. " info Bayer AG Germany research"
I recommend my patients apply the testosterone cream (androgel is expensive and rarely yields in optimal levels) to the scrotum twice a day. There is a great deal of post-marketing data that supports this. As the pharmacist said it does affect absorption, therefore, I have the patient apply half the amount twice daily.
This does not affect the testis in any way nor does it contribute to aromatization. Aromatization occurs in fatty tissues for the most part, not the testicles or skin. The testicles are stimulated by the pituitary gland, local application of testosterone has absolutely no affect on the gonadotropins, specifically the luteinizing hormone, that stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone.
When the testis are exposed to testosterone, tit lowers their testosterone production. It's a chemical feedback mechanism, I believe in response to actual testosterone, not dihydroteestosterone. If the Androgel enters the body more distant from the testis, it may cause the testis to produce more testosterone, which would help with the Androgel therapy.
Although, since the testis and penis respond directly to testosterone, Androgel may have a profound effect if applied there, even if total testosterone is lowered. If anyone uses testosterone therapy for ED, it is also prudent to raise nitric oxide production in the body, because low NO production also causes ED. Tons of info online regarding NO for erections
I have had the same query! I don't see why not as logically it could improve growth and sex drive.
As I can see there have been no experiments to disprove this.
But I found this ( Pilot study of the transdermal application of testosterone gel to the penile skin for the treatment of hypogonadotropic men with erectile dysfunction.
Schultheiss D, et al. World J Urol. 2000) which is kind of evidence that it does improve libido etc. and another form of testosterone is encouraged to promote bottom growth before bottom surgery.
I think you may be right. I think it may just be a concern as due to lack of experimentation the side effects are unclear?
<Pharmacist Hat>
The approved/recommended sites for applying Androgel (Topical Testosterone) are generally the upper arms/back for two main reasons:
1) These areas are covered with most clothing worn by men to prevent accidental exposure (and the subsequent effects) to females and children. Applying to genitals in someone who is engaging in sexual activity will cause transfer of testosterone to their sex partners, which may cause unwanted side effects.
2) Topical Testosterone is meant to treat low testosterone levels (Low T). When it is applied to the skin of the arms/back, the testosterone is absorbed and stored in a layer of the skin called the dermis, which is then released into your bloodstream slowly over time. The skin of the penis & scrotum does not have the same amount of dermis, and this will cause the testosterone to be absorbed in a way that is not accounted for in its FDA approval.
In your case, you mentioned that your issue is with poor circulation/blood flow, which may or may not be related to low testosterone levels. If your testosterone levels were normal before starting Androgel, then your physician is using it as off-label.
Would it help with circulation/blood flow? Possibly, but this wasn't the original intent/mode of use that was approved by the FDA.
Hope this helped!
</Pharmacist Hat>
Bunk answers reason again is not due to absorption levels because Abbott did not test any subjects during trials by using the genitalia as the means to absorption, again if concerned with the atromatase of estrogen from free serum testosterone you should consult your uro or endo for aids with estrogen blockers like arimidex.
Dan,
It may seem counter-intuitive to apply Androgel elsewhere, other than the genitals, which seems to be your target complaint. However, you may also be seeing a benefit of testosterone replacement and an increased level of T in your body that has already been building prior to your experiment on your penis.
My question is if that 'burn' that comes from applying an alcohol-based gel to the scrotum and penis doesn't offset any thrill or excitment that you might get from applying there.
What I'm suggesting is that you might be tricking yourself into thinking there's more benefit from the direct stimulation of your genitals, when the intent is to raise the body's T-level through application to the shoulders, chest, abdomen and then sheild it after the gel dries with an undershirt.
Feel free to ask your doctor this question when you re-evaluate the treatment... I note it's been a year since you asked. See what they say, and if they don't agree that smoothing on the shoulders is superior to sneaking some on your penis regularly.
Studfinder,
Thanks for your comment. I had been using Andro Gel for years before I spilled some on my penis, so the effect was new.(I have trouble with my penis retracting back inside and becoming very uncomfortable and this helped alleviate that) I did not feel any "burn" from the alcohol - I guess my skin isn't that sensitive. When I asked my doctor why I couldn't apply it to my genitals, he only said "just don't". That didn't answer my question so I posed it on this site. Thanks for your response.
Dan,
Your doctor's curt response "Just don't" seems pretty clear to me. I'm sure he could have been more helpful with an explanation, but for some reason, he chose not to. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and that his "Just don't" order is just that. A FIRM NO, DON'T DO THAT.
I'm re-thinking this again, and I wonder if the benefit that you experienced from spilling a drip of androgel onto your penis may have been wishful thinking. That is, you may have been expecting some benefit, and, surprise, you found it. That's a self-fulfilling prophesy. You probably DID receive some benefit... but the cause is what I'm wondering about. Just thinking aloud here.
I had been applying androgel directly to my Penis for several months and it has worked wonders for my legnth & girth.. I never thought It would work but to my surprize I have seen close to 1inch longer and the girth is what really changed. Now it is twice as big around. I am much happier and so is my youg lady. So I guess to each his own. I have stopped using it and it has been about three months and have not lost one milimeter of length or girth so Life is great.
My doc said I could apply the Adrogel to my thighs, which is more convenient for me.
As for penis application, he said it's liable to burn on my glans. It did feel a bit warm in the frenulum area (I'm circumcised), but no particular sensation at all on the shaft.
However I accidentally got some on my scrotum and that really burned, like when I was in college crew and accidentally got some muscle balm in my scrotum when I went to urinate (the culprit with Androgel is probably the alcohol).
I have read if applied to the genitals you will have less of the absorbed Testosterone converted via Aromatase to estrogen. If estrogen is too high it can cause loss of libido and is suspected of other health problems when too high. This is why your doctor has you apply it to your upper arms and the flanks of your torso just as the pictures show you on the instructions. I hope this helps. Good luck.
Testosterone is mostly secreted in the testicles of males and the ovaries of females and small amounts are also created by adrenal glands. However when the small amount of testosterone produced is released into the bloodstream, it is mostly bound to a special "carrier" compound called sex hormone binding globulin or SHBG. SHBG, which is produced by the liver, plays an important role in regulating the amount of "free" testosterone circulating in the body at any one time. So the liver plays a big role in distributing the hormone.
I agree. It messes up your body's t balance, gets absorbed too quickly and converts to estrogen.
Related topics
Further information
- AndroGel uses and safety info
- AndroGel prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of AndroGel (detailed)
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