What is Testopel (Testosterone Pellets)?

Testopel is a form of testosterone replacement therapy where small, solid pellets containing testosterone are implanted under the skin, typically in the hip or buttock area. These pellets provide a slow and steady release of testosterone over several months, aiming to maintain consistent hormone levels in men with hypogonadism (low testosterone levels).

What are the procedure details for Testopel implantation?

The Testopel implantation is a minor office procedure.

Initial Evaluation: Before the procedure, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and blood tests to confirm low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) and assess your suitability for TRT. They will discuss the benefits, risks, and potential side effects with you.
Preparation: Cleaning and disinfection are done at the insertion site, which is typically the hip or buttock. To provide comfort throughout the surgery, local anesthetic is used to numb the area.
Implantation: A small incision (typically around 5 mm) is made in the skin. The testosterone pellets are placed subcutaneously, or just beneath the skin, using a trocar, a specialized surgical device. Each pellet, which is around the size of a rice grain and contains 75 mg of testosterone, can include anywhere from 10 to 12 pellets, depending on the amount that is needed.
Closure: The incision is then closed with steri-strips or sutures, and a sterile bandage is applied.

What are the risks and benefits of Testopel?

Benefits

Steady Testosterone Levels: Delivers a consistent and unintermitent testosterone infusion free from the peaks and dips of standard injections.
Convenience: Avoids having to inject every day, every week, or every two weeks or apply topical gel once a day, with a "set it and forget it" solution lasting for months (usually 3-6 months).
Enhanced Symptoms: May improve symptoms of low testosterone including low libido, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, low mood, and reduced bone density.
Decreased Skin-to-Skin Transfer: There is zero opportunity for inadvertent transfer of testosterone to other individuals by skin contact, as is the case with topical gels.

Risks and Side Effects:

Site-Specific Issues: The insertion site frequently experiences mild bruising, swelling, pain, or tenderness.
Infection: Though rare, there is a risk of infection at the insertion site.
Pellet Extrusion/Migration: Rarely, a pellet may move from the insertion site or be extruded (pushed out) through the skin.
Systemic Side Effects (common to all TRT forms):
- Increased red blood cell count (polycythemia), which can thicken the blood.
- Fluid retention (edema), potentially causing swelling in ankles, feet, or body.
- Acne or oily skin.
- Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) or tenderness.
- Stimulation of the prostate, potentially worsening urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or accelerating prostate cancer growth (if pre-existing and undiagnosed).
- Worsening of sleep apnea.
- Changes in mood, including irritability or agitation.
- Suppressed sperm production and potential fertility issues.
- Potential increase in PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels.
- Rarely, cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke (though research on TRT and cardiovascular risk is complex and ongoing).

What is the recovery and outlook after Testopel implantation?

Immediate Post-Procedure: You may experience tenderness, bruising, and some blood spotting at the incision site for a few days. Applying ice packs intermittently for the first 24-48 hours can help manage discomfort and swelling.
Activity Restrictions: It is generally advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and activities that put direct pressure on the insertion site for a few days to a week to prevent pellet displacement. You may shower after 24-48 hours, but avoid soaking the area in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools for at least 2 weeks, or as advised by your doctor, to minimize infection risk.
Symptom Improvement: Most men begin to experience improvement in their low testosterone symptoms within several weeks of the implantation as the pellets slowly release the hormone. Full effects may be noticed over the subsequent weeks.
Long-Term Outlook: Testopel is designed for long-term testosterone replacement. Repeat procedures are typically needed every 3 to 6 months, depending on individual response and testosterone levels. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor testosterone levels, assess symptom improvement, and screen for potential side effects, including prostate health and red blood cell count.

When should I call the doctor after Testopel implantation?

You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

Signs of Infection: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, pus draining from the incision site, or fever (greater than 101.5°F or 38.6°C) and/or chills.
Pellet Issues: A pellet extrudes (comes out) from the skin, or you notice significant migration of the pellets.
Excessive Bleeding/Bruising: Bright red blood soaking through the bandages, or significantly increased bruising and swelling that seems abnormal.
Uncontrolled Pain: Pain at the insertion site that does not improve with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
Systemic Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or leg pain/swelling (possible blood clot).
- Sudden or severe headache, blurred vision, or speech difficulties.
- Significant mood changes, severe irritability, or anxiety.
- Significant swelling of the ankles, feet, or other parts of the body.
- Any new or worsening urinary symptoms (difficulty urinating, increased frequency).

Why choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Testopel Implantation in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Testopel Implantation in Lucknow, India. Our experienced Urologists uses advanced technology, and provides patient-focused care, the hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.