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  • dandelion
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    8 months ago

    Congrats! Are these implants the “tic-tacs” that are injected through a large syringe into the butt / thigh area? I’ve considered this option because I’m so needle phobic (and right now I’m injecting every 4 days), but I’m worried about how you control the exact dose, and how frequently you have to essentially have a minor surgery, and how expensive it can be.

    • Emily (she/her)M
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      8 months ago

      They are! We don’t really have injections down here in Australia, so doctors (the few who know trans healthcare) recommend implants for long term transition. Either way, the idea of a needle from the GP occasionally is far better than once every 4 days. My implant cost about AUD$150, plus maybe AUD$80 for the doctors appointment (both subsidized by the government though), and it should last about a year or two.

      • dandelion
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        8 months ago

        Oh nice, good to know. Being in the U.S. of course healthcare is … not as affordable. I think here the implants last 4 - 6 months (based on this transfem science article), and I know someone who has had pellets implanted who said she was instructed not to exercise for a week and sitting was painful, etc. If it were cheaper here and lasted for a year or two that might be more worthwhile to me.

        I inject estradiol valerate currently, but I use small 27 gauge needles and inject subcutaneously (into fat) so it’s not as bad as it could be.