What happens if I take testosterone gel without a doctor’s prescription?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body that contributes to the development, growth and functioning of the male sexual organs and physical attributes in men. Testosterone gel is a medication used to treat or combat hypogonadism in men, and it is one of several forms of testosterone. Hypogonadism means having an abnormally low level of testosterone affected or caused by several medical conditions.
Testosterone is used specially for men with low testosterone levels caused by several medical conditions, including disorders of the pituitary gland, testicles and hypothalamus that cause hypogonadism. Low testosterone in men can lead to characteristic decreases in, sex drive, metabolism, and energy.
Testosterone gel can also cause side effects like the other forms of testosterone therapy does. Testosterone gel has a unique characteristic that its side effect can be passed to others who accidentally touch the application side.
Common side effects of testosterone gel:
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Anxiety or depression
- Insomnia
- Application site reactions (for example blisters, redness and itching)
- Abnormal lab tests
- Acne
- Enlarged prostate
- Increased serum (PSA) levels
- Dark urine
- Decrease in libido
- Reduced sperm count
- Headache
Symptoms of some serious side effects of testosterone gel include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Breast pain or enlargement
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Prolonged or frequent erections
- Frequent urination
Risks to the user
What makes testosterone gel unique from other forms of testosterone is that it does not cause or pose the same risks of liver damage. But it (gel) may increase the risks of prostate cancer.
Note
There are some factors which may prevent you from being a good candidate for testosterone gel like: sleeping disturbance (apnea), heart disease, high levels of red blood cells and breast cancer.
Effects in women
Testosterone gel may cause serious or harmful effects to person who accidentally touch the application site (the area where you applied the gel). Especially women and children are likely to be affected if they touch the skin that has been covered with testosterone gel. If women touch the skin they may develop certain symptoms like acne or excessive hair growth. Woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding touches the skin that has been covered with testosterone gel, her baby may be affected or harmed.
If you’re a woman who lives with someone using testosterone gel, it’s necessary that you avoid all possible contact with the product.
Effects in Children
Children are the most sensitive or liable to the harmful effects of testosterone gel because their bodies are still developing. When a child accidentally come in contact with the gel, they may develop some unusual symptoms: early puberty, growth of pubic hair, enlarged genitals, frequent erections, increased sexual desire, aggressive behaviour and stunted growth. If you have children and you use testosterone gel, keep your child away from the gel for their better safety.
Take precautions to prevent drug transfer
Follow the steps to help prevent accidentally transferring testosterone gel to others:
- Make sure that the skin is completely dry where you plan to apply testosterone gel
- Always apply the gel before you get dressed.
- Apply the medication to the area you have chosen
- Allow the gel or cream to dry for a few minutes before you cover the area with cloth
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you apply the gel.
- Clean the application area
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
If you accidentally transfer the drug to others, make sure they immediately wash their skin right away and call a doctor.
The bottom line
There are various side effects and risks of using testosterone gel and simultaneously its effects can be passed to others who accidentally come in contact with the application site.
So before thinking about getting testosterone gel always consult your doctor and let him choose what is best for you. Your doctor will test the levels of testosterone in your blood separate times.
Taking testosterone gel without a doctor’s prescription may lead to some serious health issues. There are many precautions to be taken for using this gel or solutions or cream.
Remember that when you use testosterone gel, there are extra risks for others who may come in contact with you. Make sure to take additional precautions to protect other people from these risks.
