If you use Testogel for testosterone replacement therapy, you may be concerned about whether it could affect your girlfriend through skin-to-skin contact. Testogel is a topical testosterone gel prescribed to men with confirmed testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism). Whilst it is an effective treatment when used correctly, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued specific warnings about the risk of testosterone transfer to others, particularly women and children. Understanding how transfer occurs, recognising potential effects, and following preventive measures are essential to protect your partner's health whilst ensuring you receive the treatment you need.

What Is Testogel and How Is It Used

Testogel is a topical testosterone replacement therapy prescribed to men with confirmed testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism). The gel contains testosterone as the active ingredient and is applied directly to the skin. The application site depends on the formulation: Testogel 50 mg/5 g sachets can be applied to the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen, while Testogel 16.2 mg/g pump should only be applied to the shoulders or upper arms. Once applied, the testosterone is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, helping to restore normal physiological levels in men with low testosterone.

The medication is usually applied once daily, preferably in the morning, to clean, dry, intact skin. After application, the gel should be allowed to dry for approximately 3–5 minutes before dressing. Testogel is licensed only for use in adult men and is not indicated for women or children. The gel should never be applied to the genitals or to broken or irritated skin. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued specific warnings about the risk of testosterone transfer to others through close skin-to-skin contact, with particular caution needed around pregnant women and children.

Testosterone works by binding to androgen receptors throughout the body, influencing muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, libido, and mood. In men with hypogonadism, replacement therapy aims to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, reduced sexual function, loss of muscle mass, and low mood. Treatment is typically monitored with blood tests to ensure testosterone levels reach the normal range.

Patients prescribed Testogel receive detailed instructions on application technique and the importance of preventing transfer to others. It is essential to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure both therapeutic efficacy and the safety of those in close contact with the user.

Potential Effects of Testosterone Exposure on Women

Unintended testosterone exposure in women can lead to a range of virilising effects—physical changes associated with male hormone activity. The severity and nature of these effects depend on the amount and duration of exposure. When Testogel is used correctly with appropriate precautions, the risk of significant transfer is reduced, but awareness of potential effects remains important.

Possible signs of testosterone exposure in women include:

• Changes in hair growth patterns: increased facial or body hair (hirsutism), particularly on the face, chest, or back

• Skin changes: acne, oily skin, or increased sebum production

• Voice deepening: a lower pitch to the voice, which may be irreversible

• Menstrual irregularities: changes to the menstrual cycle, including absent or irregular periods

• Mood and behavioural changes: increased aggression, irritability, or mood swings

• Physical changes: increased muscle mass, changes in body composition, or clitoral enlargement with prolonged exposure

These effects are particularly concerning because some changes, such as voice deepening and clitoral enlargement, may be permanent even after testosterone exposure ceases. The MHRA has highlighted that women and children are especially vulnerable to the effects of inadvertent testosterone transfer.

If your partner notices any of these symptoms, particularly voice changes, significant menstrual irregularities, or rapid onset of facial hair, it is important to contact your GP promptly. Your doctor may need to review your application technique, consider alternative formulations of testosterone replacement, or arrange for your partner to be assessed. In some cases, referral to an endocrinologist may be appropriate. Blood tests can measure testosterone levels in women to confirm exposure, though interpretation requires specialist expertise.

If exposure occurs during pregnancy or in a woman trying to conceive, seek urgent medical advice due to potential risks to the developing foetus. Early recognition and intervention are key to preventing long-term complications.

How to Prevent Testogel Transfer to Your Partner

Preventing testosterone transfer to your partner requires careful attention to hygiene and application practices. The MHRA and product manufacturers provide clear guidance on minimising risk, and adherence to these measures is essential for your partner's safety.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Cover the application site: Once the gel has dried, cover the area with clothing (such as a t-shirt or long sleeves). This physical barrier significantly reduces the risk of transfer through casual contact.

• Wash hands thoroughly: Immediately after applying Testogel, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residual gel. If someone else helps apply the gel, they should wear disposable gloves and wash their hands afterwards.

• Timing of application: Apply the gel at a time when close physical contact with your partner is unlikely for several hours. Many men find morning application convenient, allowing the gel to absorb fully before evening contact.

• Shower before intimate contact: If you anticipate close skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity, shower and wash the application site thoroughly with soap and water beforehand. This removes any residual testosterone from the skin surface.

• Avoid sharing towels or clothing: Do not share items that may have come into contact with the application site until the area has been washed.

• Wait before swimming or bathing: For Testogel 50 mg/5 g sachets, wait at least 6 hours before swimming or bathing; for Testogel 16.2 mg/g pump, wait at least 2 hours (check your specific product instructions).

• Take extra precautions with pregnant women and children: Always ensure the application site is covered and washed before any close contact with pregnant women or children.

If accidental contact does occur, your partner should wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. If you are concerned about transfer despite taking precautions, discuss alternative testosterone formulations with your GP. Options such as testosterone injections (including long-acting testosterone undecanoate) eliminate the risk of transfer entirely, though they have different administration schedules and side-effect profiles. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment option for your circumstances.

Any suspected adverse effects from testosterone exposure should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Can Testogel Transfer to a Female Partner

Yes, Testogel can transfer to a female partner through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly if precautions are not followed. The transfer occurs when the application site comes into contact with your partner's skin before the gel has been fully absorbed or washed off. This is particularly likely during intimate contact, cuddling, or any prolonged physical contact where skin touches the application area.

The MHRA has issued specific warnings about this risk, noting that testosterone transfer can occur even after the gel appears to have dried. However, the risk is substantially reduced when the application site is properly covered with clothing and washed before close contact. Residual testosterone can remain on the skin surface for several hours after application, which is why covering the area and washing before intimate contact are important precautions.

Research has shown that measurable increases in testosterone levels can occur in women following contact with men using topical testosterone preparations when precautions are not followed. In some cases, female partners have developed virilising symptoms without being aware of the source of exposure, highlighting the importance of patient education and preventive measures.

If you are in a relationship where close physical contact is frequent, it is particularly important to follow prevention strategies rigorously. Some couples find that showering before bed or intimate contact becomes a necessary routine. Others may prefer to discuss alternative testosterone formulations with their GP to eliminate transfer risk entirely.

If your partner develops any signs of testosterone exposure—such as increased body hair, acne, voice changes, or menstrual irregularities—seek medical advice promptly. Your GP can assess whether these symptoms are related to testosterone transfer and provide appropriate guidance. In some cases, switching to an injectable form of testosterone replacement may be recommended to protect your partner's health whilst ensuring you continue to receive necessary treatment for your testosterone deficiency.

Take particular care to avoid any contact between Testogel and pregnant women, as testosterone exposure during pregnancy could potentially affect foetal development. Open communication with both your partner and your healthcare provider is essential for managing this aspect of testosterone replacement therapy safely.

Frequently Asked Questions