Testosterone Gel & Accidental Exposure

Why It Matters

Topical testosterone gel is a common treatment for people with low testosterone levels. It can be transfered to others through skin-to-skin contact. That’s especially worrying around children and partners – sometimes with startling effects.

How Transfer Happens

Skin-to-skin contact with fresh gel (eg hugging, cuddling) can transfer enough testosterone to raise blood levels in someone else https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure.
One study found transfers raising women’s testosterone up to 185% above normal, with risk persisting up to 12 hours later https://www.trted.org/articles/should-i-be-worried-about-secondary-transfer-of-my-testosterone-gel.
Clothing only partly protects – a T-shirt may cut transfer by ~50%, but doesn’t eliminate risk https://www.trted.org/articles/should-i-be-worried-about-secondary-transfer-of-my-testosterone-gel.

Real-World Consequences

Repeated exposure in children has led to premature puberty and genital changes https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure.
In adult women, accidental transfer has caused facial hair growth, deepened voice, menstrual irregularities https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure.
A recent case in Sweden involved a baby girl whose father applied gel to his bare chest; she developed masculinising genital changes – which reversed after exposure stopped https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/35806157/baby-girl-micropenis-dad-bare-chest-medication (I can’t believe that I have referenced The Sun newspaper as a source!).

Official Safety Guidance (UK NHS & MHRA)

Apply to clean, dry skin (shoulders, upper arms, abdomen) https://pathfields.nhs.uk/patient-care-support/self-help/menopause-information-pack/testosterone-patient-information. I didn’t know about the abdomen, but that isn’t mentioned as an application site for Testavan, although it is for Testagel and Tostran.
Let it dry fully before dressing – 2–6 hours depending on formulation https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/documents/Testosterone_replacement_for_women_GHPI1700_10_21.pdf. Yeah. Right. Like that’s practical.
Wash hands immediately after application https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure.
Cover the area with clothing once dry https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure.
Wash the site before intimate contact with others, especially children or women https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure. Good advice – maybe take a change of top when around children to reduce risk of residual transfer.
Observe for signs in others – changes in body hair, voice, menstrual cycle, or early puberty https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure.

The Science Behind It

Roughly 8–14% of applied testosterone gets absorbed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacokinetics_of_testosterone, leaving residual amounts on the skin.
Studies using porcine skin models confirm that gel residue remains transferable for many hours https://www.bjpharm.org.uk/article/id/1405/.
Even after drying, enough residue can remain on bedclothes and shared surfaces to cause transfer Medshun.

What to Do – Practical Checklist

Help reduce others’ exposure: apply after shower, let dry fully, cover, wash hands, and patch site before contact.
Be cautious with shared surfaces: towels, sheets, baths – which can also carry residues.
If unintended exposure happens, encourage the other person to wash and monitor for signs; consult a doctor if necessary.

Personal Reflections

This stuff really hit home for me. What if my little nephews got exposed? Or even the dog? She likes a cuddle sometimes, and she frequently licks me. Little moments that could have unintended consequences. It’s not just about me; it’s about everyone I live with – or come into contact with. The same tenderness that knits us together can inadvertently do harm. So I always “cover and wash” – all part of holding space safely.

💬 Final Thoughts

Testosterone gel is life-changing in the right hands – but you have to use it with mindfulness. These safety steps aren’t hurdles; they’re part of thoughtful care. It’s about reclaiming your body and protecting others.

Sources & Further Reading

MHRA on accidental exposure and child risk https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-testosterone-testogel-risk-of-harm-to-children-following-accidental-exposure
Study showing up to 185% T increase in women https://www.trted.org/articles/should-i-be-worried-about-secondary-transfer-of-my-testosterone-gel
NHS guidance on skin contact precautions https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1185/03007995.2011.652255
Case report on hyperandrogenism after transfer https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/24/2/425/808493
Recent news case of baby with inadvertent exposure https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/35806157/baby-girl-micropenis-dad-bare-chest-medication/