====== Injection Site Atlas ======

Proper injection site selection is critical for ensuring:

  * Effective compound delivery
  * Reduced post-injection pain (PIP)
  * Avoidance of nerve and vascular injury
  * Long-term scar tissue management

This guide details the most common **intramuscular (IM)** and **subcutaneous (SubQ)** injection sites used in performance-enhancing drug (PED) use.

===== General Injection Principles =====

  * Rotate injection sites regularly to avoid scar tissue buildup
  * Use the correct **needle gauge and length** based on site and body fat
  * Inject into relaxed muscle, not flexed
  * Never inject into inflamed, bruised, or previously infected areas

===== Intramuscular (IM) Injection Sites =====

=== 1. Ventrogluteal (Side Glute) ===

**Pros:** Very safe, low nerve/vessel risk, ideal for larger volume injections  
**Needle:** 23G, 1.5” (leaner users may use 1”)  
**Volume Tolerance:** Up to 3–4 mL

**How to Locate:**

  * Lay on your side or stand with relaxed glutes
  * Place the palm of your opposite hand on the **greater trochanter** (bony part of hip)
  * Index finger goes on **anterior superior iliac spine**
  * Middle finger fans out to form a “V” shape
  * Inject in the center of the “V”

=== 2. Dorsogluteal (Upper-Outer Glute) ===

**Pros:** Commonly used, large muscle  
**Cons:** Higher risk of hitting sciatic nerve or blood vessels  
**Needle:** 23G, 1.5”  
**Volume Tolerance:** Up to 3 mL

**How to Locate:**

  * Divide buttock into 4 quadrants
  * Inject in the **upper outer quadrant** (top corner, away from centerline)

**Note:** Many clinicians avoid this site due to sciatic nerve proximity.

=== 3. Vastus Lateralis (Outer Thigh) ===

**Pros:** Easy access, ideal for self-injection  
**Cons:** May be sensitive for some users  
**Needle:** 23–25G, 1–1.5”  
**Volume Tolerance:** Up to 3 mL

**How to Locate:**

  * Sit down or lie flat
  * Divide thigh into **thirds** from hip to knee
  * Inject into the **middle outer third**

**Tip:** Massage after injection to minimize stiffness.

=== 4. Deltoid (Shoulder) ===

**Pros:** Accessible, fast absorption  
**Cons:** Small muscle, limited volume tolerance  
**Needle:** 25G, 1”  
**Volume Tolerance:** 0.5–1 mL max

**How to Locate:**

  * Find the **acromion process** (bony point of the shoulder)
  * Measure about 2–3 finger-widths below it
  * Inject in the thickest part of the lateral deltoid muscle

**Note:** Not suitable for high-volume injections.

=== 5. Ventral Quadriceps (Rectus Femoris) ===

**Pros:** Alternative to lateral thigh  
**Cons:** Higher nerve concentration; risk of twitching or burning  
**Needle:** 23–25G, 1–1.5”  
**Volume Tolerance:** Up to 2 mL

**How to Locate:**

  * Sit with legs relaxed
  * Target front-center of upper thigh, halfway between hip and knee

**Note:** Use cautiously—some users experience more nerve hits here.

===== Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injection Sites =====

Used for compounds like **hCG, insulin, peptides**, or even low-volume TRT.

^ Site ^ Needle ^ Notes ^
| Abdomen (2” from navel) | 29–31G, ½” insulin pin | Pinch skin, inject at 45–90° |
| Outer thigh (fat layer) | 29–31G, ½” | Less common but effective |
| Triceps (back of arm) | 29–31G | Difficult for self-injection |

**Tip:** Pinch a fold of skin and inject into the fat—not the muscle.

===== Site Rotation Guidelines =====

  * Rotate sites **each injection** to reduce scar tissue
  * Allow at least **1 week before reusing** the same spot
  * Maintain an injection log for tracking

^ Day ^ Site ^ Compound ^
| Monday | Left Vastus Lateralis | Testosterone Enanthate |
| Thursday | Right Ventrogluteal | Testosterone Enanthate |
| Saturday | Left Deltoid | Masteron Propionate |
| Sunday | Abdomen (SubQ) | hCG |

===== Tips for Reducing Post-Injection Pain =====

  * Warm vial before injection (run under warm water)
  * Inject **slowly** and steadily
  * Massage injection site post-injection
  * Use **filtered gear** and ensure sterility
  * Avoid injecting cold oil or with blunt/dull needles

===== Community Tips (r/steroids PDF) =====

  * “Ventrogluteal is king—safe, deep, and pain-free if you do it right.”
  * “Thigh shots are easy but twitchy. Use a mirror to stabilize.”
  * “Delts are okay for small shots but never pin more than 1 mL.”
  * “Rotate everything. I didn’t and developed a hard lump after 2 months.”

===== Summary =====

  * Use large muscles (glutes, quads) for high-volume IM injections
  * Use smaller muscles (delts) for low-volume compounds
  * Use SubQ for ancillaries and peptides with fine insulin pins
  * Locate injection sites using anatomical landmarks
  * Rotate consistently to avoid scar tissue and injection fatigue

Injection site mastery prevents complications, improves comfort, and enables long-term success with PED protocols.