Types of TRT: Injections, Gels, and More Compared in 2025
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Men looking for testosterone replacement therapy now have many choices. The year 2025 brings new options alongside older methods. You can pick from shots, creams, patches, and pills. Each way works differently in your body.

Your doctor will help you find the best match. Your daily schedule matters. Your health needs have significance too. Some men like quick fixes. Others want simple routines. This guide shows you what works best for different people.

We will look at all the main ways to get testosterone therapy. You will learn how each one works. You will see the good and bad points of each method. This helps you talk with your doctor about the right choice.

Types of TRT in 2025

Every man needs a different approach to testosterone therapy. Your body takes in testosterone in different ways. Some methods work fast. Others work slowly and steadily. Each way has benefits and problems.

These are the main TRT methods you can get in 2025:

1. Testosterone Injections (Intramuscular & Subcutaneous)

Overview: Doctors give most men testosterone through shots. The medicine goes straight into your blood. You get shots once or twice each week.

Pros: 

  • Your mood and energy improve quickly 
  • Costs less than most other methods
  • You can learn to give yourself shots at home

Cons:

  • Your testosterone levels go up and down between shots 
  • You need shots every week or two weeks 
  • Some men do not like needles

Ideal For: Men who want fast results and do not mind giving themselves shots. Good for men who want to save money.

2. Transdermal Testosterone Gels

Overview: You put gel on your skin every day. Your skin soaks up the testosterone. You apply it to your shoulders, arms, or stomach. This keeps your hormone levels steady.

Pros: 

  • No pain and no needles needed 
  • Works like your body's natural testosterone 
  • Simple to use at home each day

Cons: 

  • Other people can get testosterone on their skin if they touch you 
  • Can be messy if you do not rub it in well 
  • Does not work the same for every man

Ideal For: Men who do not want shots and like steady hormone levels. Good for men who want a daily routine.

3. Testosterone Patches

Overview: You stick patches on your skin like bandages. They give you testosterone for 24 hours. You put on a new patch every day.

Pros: 

  • Keeps your hormone levels steady all day 
  • No shots or messy creams 
  • Easy to remember and use

Cons: 

  • Can make your skin red or itchy 
  • May not work as well as shots or gels 
  • Some men cannot wear patches

Ideal For: Men who want steady levels without daily mess. Works for men with normal skin who want simple treatment.

4. Testosterone Pellets (Implants)

Overview: A doctor puts small pellets under your skin. This happens in the doctor's office. The pellets slowly release testosterone for 3 to 6 months.

Pros: 

  • Lasts for months without daily work 
  • No shots or daily medicine needed 
  • Very steady testosterone levels

Cons: 

  • Needs a small surgery to put pellets in 
  • Hard to change the dose once pellets are in 
  • Costs more money up front

Ideal For: Busy men who do not want daily treatment. Good for men who travel a lot or forget to take medicine.

5. Oral Testosterone (Undecanoate Capsules)

Overview: These are pills you take every day with food. They are new and work better than old testosterone pills. The medicine does not hurt your liver like old pills did.

Pros: 

  • No shots or skin treatments needed 
  • Easy to take anywhere you go 
  • Simple like taking vitamins

Cons: 

  • Must take with food to work right 
  • Still new so doctors are learning about long-term effects 
  • May cost more than shots

Ideal For: Men who want easy treatment without shots or mess. Good for men who travel often.

6. Nasal Testosterone Gel

Overview: You spray gel in your nose 2 to 3 times each day. Your nose absorbs the testosterone quickly. It goes into your blood fast.

Pros: 

  • Works very fast in your body 
  • No risk of getting on other people's skin 
  • Quick and easy to use

Cons: 

  • Need to use it many times each day 
  • Can make your nose sore or stuffy 
  • Easy to forget doses

Ideal For: Men who want fast-acting testosterone and do not want shots. Good for men who do not like skin treatments.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a TRT Method

Different men need different types of treatment. Think about your life when picking a method. Your health matters too. Here are things to think about:

1. Your Comfort with Needles or Surgery

Some men hate needles. If this is you, avoid shots and pellets. Try gels, patches, or pills instead. Be honest with your doctor about your fears.

2. Dosage Flexibility

Shots and gels let doctors change your dose easily. Pellets and patches are harder to adjust. Pick flexible methods if you might need dose changes.

3. Convenience and Daily Routines

Do you like daily tasks or prefer to forget about treatment? Pellets last months with no work. Gels and patches need daily attention. Pick what fits your style.

4. Risk of Exposure to Others

Gels and creams can get on family members through touching. This is dangerous for women and children. Consider shots or pills if you live with others.

5. Skin Sensitivity or Allergies

Patches and gels can irritate sensitive skin. Some men get rashes or itching. Try shots or pills if your skin reacts badly to things.

6. Insurance Coverage and Cost

Shots usually cost the least money. New treatments like pills or pellets cost more. Check what your insurance covers before deciding.

7. Your Long-Term TRT Goals

Think about how long you will use TRT. Short trials work better with gels or shots. Long-term treatment might work better with pellets or regular deliveries.

How TRT Delivery Methods Impact Results?

Your choice affects how well testosterone works in your body. Different methods give different results. Here is how each method changes your experience:

1. Hormonal Stability

Pellets and patches give you steady testosterone all day. This means fewer mood swings. Shots can make your levels go up and down. This might cause mood changes between doses.

2. Speed of Results

Shots and nose gels work fastest. You might feel better in 1 to 2 weeks. Gels and pills take longer. You might wait 3 to 4 weeks to feel the full benefits.

3. Effectiveness on Muscle and Fat

Shots often build muscle and burn fat fastest. Pellets also work well for body changes. Skin treatments might work slower but still help over time.

4. Libido and Sexual Health

Fast-working methods help sexual problems quickly. Shots, nose gels, and pills improve sex drive fast. All methods help in the long run if used correctly.

5. Mood and Cognitive Benefits

Steady testosterone levels help mood more than the delivery method. Patches and pellets keep levels steady. This helps with mood swings. Gels that do not absorb well can cause mood problems

6. Compliance and Adherence

Methods that need less work get used more consistently. Weekly shots or monthly pellets work better than daily treatments. Men often forget daily gels or pills.

Conclusion

Men in 2025 have many good choices for testosterone therapy. The best method depends on your life and goals. Fast shots work for some men. Low-maintenance pellets suit others. Daily gels help men who want natural hormone patterns.

Talk to your doctor about testosterone therapy. The KIF offers complete TRT programs that fit your needs:

  • Free Consultation – $0: Talk to a real doctor for free. Learn about your options without risk.
  • New Patient TRT Program – $249: Get full testing, doctor visit, and first month of testosterone.
  • Monthly TRT Subscription: Get monitoring and medicine delivered each month. No hassle and expert care.
  • TRT Refills – $149: Keep your treatment going with easy refills and support.

Explore Your Best TRT Option Today: Visit The KIF TRT Program and start feeling more energetic and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which TRT Method Works The Fastest?

Testosterone shots and nose gels show results in 1 to 2 weeks. Energy and sex drive improve first.

2. Are Testosterone Gels Safe For Men With Children?

They can be safe with care. You must avoid skin contact with family. Consider shots or pellets if this worries you.

3. Can I Switch Between TRT Types If One Doesn't Work For Me?

Yes, your doctor can help you change methods. This is normal and safe when done correctly.

4. Is Oral Testosterone Effective?

Yes, new pills in 2025 work well when taken with food. They are much better than old testosterone pills.

5. How Long Will I Need To Be On TRT?

Most men need TRT for life once they start. Your doctor will check your progress and adjust treatment as needed.

By Leona Wilson

Leona Wilson is a leading medical cannabis consultant with over a decade of experience in cannabinoid therapeutics and patient education currently working with Kif Doctors. She holds certifications in cannabis medicine and has helped thousands of patients navigate therapeutic cannabis treatments for various health conditions.

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