Key takeaways
Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) are both used to treat low testosterone in adult males, but they differ in their forms and application methods. Testosterone gel is a topical solution applied to the skin once a day, while testosterone cypionate is an injection administered into the buttock muscle every 2 to 4 weeks. The gel has a higher risk of accidental transfer to others through skin contact, which can cause unwanted side effects in children and women. In contrast, testosterone cypionate does not have this risk but requires injections, which some might find less convenient. Both medications can cause serious side effects like heart attack and stroke, especially if misused, but testosterone gel is noted to have a lower risk of these conditions compared to testosterone injections. Additionally, testosterone gel is available in various brand names and generic forms, while testosterone cypionate is available as a lower-cost generic. Both forms can lower sperm count and have risks of misuse, addiction, and dependency.
