HORMONE OPTIMIZATION THERAPY FOR MEN

Post-Insertion Instructions for Men

● Your insertion site has been covered with two layers of bandages. The inner layer is a steri-strip, and the outer layer is a waterproof dressing.  ● Do not take tub baths or get into a hot tub or swimming pool for 7 days. You may shower, but do not remove the bandage or steri-strips for 5-7 days.  ● No major exercises for the incision area. No heavy lifting using the legs for 7 days. This includes running, elliptical, squats, lunges, etc. You can do moderate upper body work and normal walking on a flat surface.  ● The sodium bicarbonate in the anesthetic may cause the site to swell for 1-3 days.
● The insertion site may be uncomfortable for up to 2 to 3 weeks. If there is itching or redness you may take Benadryl for relief (25-50 mg orally every 6 hours). Caution: this can cause drowsiness!
● You may experience bruising, swelling, and/or redness of the insertion site which may last from a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks. If the redness worsens after the first 2-3 days, please contact the office.
● You may notice some pinkish or bloody discoloration of the outer bandage. This is normal.
● If you experience bleeding from the incision, apply firm pressure for 5 minutes.
● Please call if you have any bleeding (not oozing) not relieved with pressure, as this is NOT normal.
● Please call if you have any pus coming out of the insertion site, as this is NOT normal.
● We recommend putting an ice pack on the area where the pellets are located a couple of times for about 20 minutes each time over the next 4 to 5 hours. You can continue this for swelling, if needed. Be sure to place something between the ice pack and your bandages/skin. Do not place ice packs directly on bare skin.

Reminders

● Remember to have your post-insertion blood work done 4 weeks after your FIRST insertion.
● Most men will need re-insertion of their pellets 4.5 months after their initial insertion. If you experience symptoms prior to this, please call the office.
● Please call as soon as symptoms that were relieved from the pellets start to return to make an appointment for your next insertion.