How To Apply Testosterone Cream: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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How to Apply Testosterone Cream Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Applying Testosterone Cream 2 Taking Precautions with Testosterone Cream Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Scott Tobis, MD and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: November 4, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Scott Tobis, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 224,219 times.

Testosterone cream is used to treat adult men with low testosterone levels (a condition called male hypogonadism), as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender men and non-binary people, or women experiencing certain menopause symptoms. Testosterone is a hormone that triggers the growth and development of male sex organs and maintains masculine secondary sex characteristics, such as a deep voice, muscle mass, and a relatively hairy body. Testosterone cream and gel are only available with a doctor’s prescription, and you need to take careful precautions when using them.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Applying Testosterone Cream

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1. 1 Choose your product. Once your doctor has decided to prescribe you topical testosterone, talk to them about what product (and strength) is most appropriate for you. AndroGel, Fortesta, and Vogelxo are common brand names, available in single-use packets, tubes, and multi-dose pumps.
   • To prime the applicator before its first use, wash your hands, hold the applicator over a sink, then push the pump until it releases a full dose of gel. If you’re using Vogelxo, slowly push the pump down 3 times.[1] If you’re using Fortesta, gently push down on the pump 8 times.[2]
     • Wash the extra gel down the sink or prime the pump over a waste bin that pets and children can’t access.
   • Individual packets (AndroGel, Fortesta, and Vogelxo) are pre-portioned and don’t need any priming—you just tear the packet open.
   • If you’re using testosterone for gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), talk to your doctor about what results you want. It can take longer for your secondary sex characteristics to develop with topical testosterone compared to injections.[3]
2. 2 Measure out the correct dose of topical testosterone. Once you’ve primed the applicator, pump the prescribed amount of testosterone gel into the palm of your hand.[4] If you’re using individual foil packets or the Vogelxo single-use tube, squeeze the entire content of the packet or tube into the palm of your hand.[5]
   • AndroGel is available in two dosage strengths: 1% and 1.62% concentrations. Both are applied to the skin, but in different amounts.
     • The recommended starting dose of AndroGel 1% is 50 mg (4 pumps) applied once daily to your skin. AndroGel 1.62% prescriptions start at 20.25 mg (1 pump) daily.[6]
   • The strength of the gel and the number of pumps you need are based on your gender, your base testosterone levels, and your individual medical needs. Follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor.[7]
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3. 3 Apply the testosterone cream or gel to your body. Unless your doctor recommends a different location, apply testosterone cream “on the upper arms and chest skin, after the skin has been cleaned and thoroughly dried first,” says board-certified urologist Scott Tobis. He also recommends wearing a shirt “after application to avoid accidentally transferring the medication to the skin of another person, especially women and children.”[8]
   • Usually, the stronger concentration of AndroGel (1.62%) is only applied to the shoulders and upper arms.[9]
   • Fortesta gel is typically applied to the front or inner part of the thighs.[10]
   • Only apply Vogelxo gel to your shoulders or upper arms. Do not apply it to any other parts of your body, such as your penis, scrotum, or stomach area (abdomen).[11]
   • Never apply testosterone cream or gel to your penis or scrotum, or to skin that has sores, cuts, or irritation.[12]
4. 4 Wash your hands before and after applying the testosterone. Wash your hands with warm water and soap immediately after applying your cream. Testosterone cream can transfer from your body to others, and it can cause serious side effects in people or animals who don’t need it.[13]
   • If another person accidentally gets the gel on their skin, have them wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.
   • If you have to have skin contact with someone, like during sex, thoroughly wash the area you applied the gel to beforehand. You should wait six hours between applying testosterone gel and having intimate physical contact.[14]
5. 5 Cover the application area with clothes after it’s completely dry. After washing and drying your hands, let the medication dry for a few minutes before putting on clothes that completely cover the area.[15] Follow the directions on your specific cream or gel to see how long it needs to dry. If you use Vogelxo gel, for example, you should wait at least 3 minutes for it to absorb into your skin before putting on your clothes.[16]
   • Depending on the health and hydration of your skin, absorption can take up to 10 minutes.[17]
   • Wear breathable cotton garments so your skin can keep absorbing testosterone after your clothes are on.
   • Keep dirty clothes, towels, and bed linens away from pets, children, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.[18]
6. 6 Wait at least two hours to bathe after applying the gel. After applying testosterone gel, wait at least two hours to shower, swim, or take a bath.[19] If you’re using AndroGel 1%, wait 5 to 6 hours.[20] Getting your skin wet too soon can reduce the absorption of the cream.[21]
   • Although the testosterone gel may look like it’s completely absorbed after 10 minutes, it can actually take 6 to 10 hours for it to penetrate all the layers of your skin.[22]
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Taking Precautions with Testosterone Cream

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1. 1 Get your testosterone levels checked at regular intervals. Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor 14 and 28 days after starting treatment for a blood test. If your testosterone levels are too low, your doctor can make changes to your dosage. You can also expect follow-up visits3 to 6 months later.[23]
   • Signs and symptoms that your testosterone levels may be too low include low sex drive, trouble getting an erection, hair loss, lack of energy, loss of muscle mass, increase in body fat, and mood changes (depression).[24]
   • It can take three to six months of daily application of testosterone gel to counteract low testosterone (male hypogonadism)—sometimes longer.
   • Don’t use topical testosterone if you’re treating the symptoms of a natural decline in testosterone due to aging.[25]
2. 2 Keep the testosterone cream away from other people and animals. When not prescribed, testosterone can cause a hormonal imbalance and negative health effects. If someone is pregnant, it can cause birth defects. It can trigger masculine secondary sex characteristics in women and over-stimulate the sexual development of children.[26]
   • Secondary sex characteristics include a deep voice and increased body hair growth.
   • Make sure other people avoid touching anything that comes directly in contact with your skin, like clothes, towels, and sheets.
3. 3 Recognize the negative side effects of using topical testosterone. Applying testosterone cream to your skin for months or years increases the risk of serious side effects, including heart attacks and strokes. You may also experience bloating and swelling, acne, blurred vision, dizziness, flushing, headaches, hair loss, sweating, or urinary tract problems.[27] Let your doctor know about new side effects immediately.
   • If you have prostate problems, make sure to let your doctor know before starting medication. Testosterone cream can cause blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, or frequent urination.
   • If you have sleep apnea, testosterone cream could worsen your condition. Speak to your doctor about treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).[28]
   • People using testosterone cream are also at risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, due to the increased red blood cell count that results from testosterone therapy. Talk to your doctor if you want to be screened for this, and keep an eye out for leg/calf pain or shortness of breath.[29]
   • Taking testosterone medication typically causes your testicles to decrease, due to atrophy (not working as hard to produce natural testosterone). On the other hand, testosterone gel therapy can enlarge the penis or clitoris.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question Where is the best place for testosterone cream? Scott Tobis, MD Board Certified Urologist Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology. Scott Tobis, MD Board Certified Urologist Expert Answer Generally, testosterone cream works best when placed on the upper arms and chest, after the skin has been cleaned and thoroughly dried first. These areas tend to have good absorption of the medication through the skin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 19

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Tips

• Store your testosterone gel in a closed container at room temperature, away from any heat source, moisture, and direct light. Never freeze it.[30] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If your skin starts to get irritated and itchy after applying testosterone gel, talk to your doctor.[31] They may advise you to switch the side you put the gel on, such as putting the testosterone on your right and left shoulders on alternating days. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you discovered you had low testosterone when you broke or fractured a bone, get a bone density test every 3 to 5 years.[32] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Warnings

• Testosterone gel is flammable until it dries on your skin, so let the medicine dry before smoking or going near an open flame.[34] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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References

1. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2dd150f6-cdfd-4d51-8888-12b288f26262
2. ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2010/021463orig1s000lbl.pdf
3. ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/lgbtq/testosterone-gender-affirming-hormone-therapy-transgender-care?srsltid=AfmBOorf7jEeeC_DO-fBMqc7Va0Xy-hrwVFE0ikNlu07jlXhlxpeI5O_
4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18661-testosterone-skin-gel
5. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2dd150f6-cdfd-4d51-8888-12b288f26262
6. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5182226/
7. ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021015s036lbl.pdf
8. ↑ Scott Tobis, MD. Board Certified Urologist. Expert Interview
9. ↑ https://www.androgel.com/how-to-apply-androgel-1-62-percent

More References (25)

10. ↑ https://online.lexi.com/lco/medguides/612073.pdf
11. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2dd150f6-cdfd-4d51-8888-12b288f26262
12. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605020.html
13. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18661-testosterone-skin-gel
14. ↑ https://healthymale.org.au/ask-the-doc/can-my-partner-absorb-testosterone-testosterone-gel-when-applying-it-me
15. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605020.html
16. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444
17. ↑ https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/personalised-care/medicines-management/medicines-advice/testosterone-gel/
18. ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2dd150f6-cdfd-4d51-8888-12b288f26262
19. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444
20. ↑ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/21015s4lbl.pdf
21. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21361734/
22. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22185431/
23. ↑ https://www.androgel.com/dosing-follow-ups
24. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
25. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
26. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444
27. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444
28. ↑ https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/andro.2020.0001
29. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444
30. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444
31. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605020.html
32. ↑ https://www.jwatch.org/jw201212270000003/2012/12/27/when-repeat-bone-density-testing-depends-initial
33. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/testosterone-replacement-therapy-trt
34. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073444

About This Article

Co-authored by: Scott Tobis, MD Board Certified Urologist This article was co-authored by Scott Tobis, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology. This article has been viewed 224,219 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 11 Updated: November 4, 2025 Views: 224,219 Categories: Men's Health | Hormones Article SummaryX

If your body has stopped making enough testosterone naturally, there are creams and gels that your doctor can prescribe to quickly and easily remedy the situation. When your doctor prescribes testosterone cream, you’ll want to learn how to apply it properly to maximize the effects. If you’re using a pump for the first time, prime it by pushing the pump all the way down a few times before measuring out your dose. Then, apply the cream or gel to clean, dry skin somewhere on your shoulders, upper arms, inner thighs, or stomach. As soon as you finish applying it, wash your hands to avoid transferring the hormone to anyone else. Allow the cream or gel to absorb into your skin for at least 10 minutes before getting dressed, and try to avoid showering for 2 hours after an application. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to recognize negative side effects of testosterone therapy, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Scott Tobis, MD Board Certified Urologist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 11 Updated: November 4, 2025 Views: 224,219

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