Do injections in the bum hurt? Understanding pain and techniques in medications and pharmacology

October 9, 2025 •

5 min read

A study found that pain was reported by 80% of men receiving intramuscular gluteal injections, although the discomfort was typically mild and temporary. While some level of pain is to be expected, the severity can be greatly influenced by technique, medication, and the injection site itself. So, do injections in the bum hurt? The answer is nuanced, but with the right knowledge, it is a very manageable experience.

Quick Summary

The pain level of an injection in the buttocks is influenced by several factors, including the type and volume of medication, the needle size, and injection technique. Patient relaxation and proper site selection, particularly favoring the ventrogluteal site over the riskier dorsogluteal area, can significantly reduce discomfort during and after the procedure. Practical strategies, from numbing agents to proper positioning, can help manage any pain.

Key Points

Pain is Individual: The level of pain experienced from a buttock injection varies significantly based on individual tolerance, the specific medication, and the technique used.
Location Matters: The recommended ventrogluteal site (side of the hip) is significantly safer and often less painful than the outdated dorsogluteal site (upper buttock), which risks sciatic nerve damage.
Relaxation is Key: Tensing your muscles will increase pain during the injection. Consciously relaxing the muscle, distracting yourself, and proper positioning can help.
Aftercare is Important: Post-injection soreness is normal and can be managed with cold compresses, gentle movement, and over-the-counter pain medication as directed by a healthcare provider.
Medication and Technique Influence Pain: The volume and type of medication, along with the needle's size and the injection speed, are major factors in determining discomfort.
Always Communicate: If you have concerns or a known sensitivity, discuss numbing options or other strategies with your healthcare provider to ensure a more comfortable experience.

The Science of Injection Pain and Discomfort

Not all injections are created equal, and understanding the factors that contribute to pain can help demystify the process. At its core, an injection involves puncturing the skin and delivering a substance into the body, which can trigger an immune response and local inflammation. For intramuscular (IM) injections, such as those often administered in the buttocks, the needle enters deep into muscle tissue. Muscles are composed of tight fibers, and the needle can cause a minor disruption that triggers a pain response, which is a normal protective reaction from the body.

Several elements dictate the pain level, including the properties of the medication itself. Highly viscous or acidic solutions, as well as larger volumes of fluid, can create more pressure and irritation once they enter the muscle, leading to more stinging or aching. The needle's characteristics, like its sharpness and gauge (thickness), also play a role, with duller or larger needles causing more discomfort.

Why the Gluteal Area Is Used for Injections

Healthcare professionals often choose the gluteal area for injections that require a large, deep muscle. The gluteal muscles are well-developed and have a good blood supply, allowing for efficient medication absorption. Using this site is particularly necessary for medications that are irritating to smaller muscles or require larger volumes, which would be too painful for injection into the deltoid (shoulder) or thigh. The large muscle mass helps disperse the medication, reducing localized irritation.

Ventrogluteal vs. Dorsogluteal Site

For many years, the dorsogluteal site (the upper-outer quadrant of the buttocks) was the standard for gluteal injections. However, medical research has highlighted significant risks associated with this site, primarily the danger of hitting the sciatic nerve, which can cause permanent damage, paralysis, or foot drop. As a result, the ventrogluteal site is now the recommended and safer alternative for gluteal injections. This site, located on the side of the hip, targets the gluteus medius and minimus muscles and avoids major nerves and blood vessels. A study comparing injection pain levels found that injections in the ventrogluteal region were less painful than those in the vastus lateralis (thigh). The ventrogluteal site offers a large, easily accessible muscle mass with a low risk of complications.

Factors Influencing How Much a Buttock Injection Hurts

Medication Type and Volume: As mentioned, certain medications, especially larger volumes or thicker, oil-based solutions (like testosterone undecanote), are more prone to causing pain during and after the injection. The volume of the medication is a key determinant of discomfort.
Patient Relaxation: Tensing the muscle during injection can make the procedure more painful as the needle must push against the contracted fibers. Staying relaxed and distracting yourself can significantly improve the experience. Positioning, such as lying down or leaning forward, can also help relax the muscle.
Needle Size: A longer or wider gauge needle, sometimes necessary to reach the deep muscle, may cause a bit more of a sting. However, as one expert notes, it is not the length of the needle that hurts, but the fat tissue it passes through.
Technique of the Clinician: A skilled and experienced clinician can minimize pain by using the proper injection technique. This includes ensuring the needle is inserted quickly at the correct angle (usually 90 degrees) and administering the medication slowly to avoid causing a pressure build-up.
Pre-Injection Numbing: Using a topical numbing cream or an ice pack on the site beforehand can significantly reduce the initial sensation of the needle entering the skin.

How to Minimize Pain During and After a Buttock Injection

To make your next gluteal injection as comfortable as possible, consider these practical tips:

Relax Your Muscles: For a ventrogluteal injection, the nurse may ask you to lie on your side with the top leg bent slightly forward. For a dorsogluteal injection, leaning forward against a counter can help. If you can, try to relax the muscle by shifting your weight away from the injection side. Taking deep, slow breaths can help reduce anxiety and involuntary muscle tension.
Numb the Area: Before the injection, a healthcare provider might apply a numbing cream or an ice pack to the site. This can desensitize the skin and reduce the pain of the needle stick.
Use Distraction: Don't watch the needle. Look away, engage in conversation, or focus on a point on the wall to take your mind off the procedure.
Administer Medication Slowly: A slow, steady injection of the medication can prevent the burning or aching sensation caused by rapid fluid dispersal in the muscle.
Apply Pressure or Ice Post-Injection: After the injection, applying gentle pressure with a sterile gauze pad and then using a cold compress for 10–20 minutes can help reduce pain and swelling.
Move Your Body: After the initial soreness subsides, gentle movement and exercise can help disperse the medication and reduce muscle soreness.
Take an OTC Pain Reliever: Over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage soreness after the injection, though it is best to consult with your doctor before taking any medication.

Comparison of Intramuscular Injection Sites


Metric	Ventrogluteal Site (Buttocks)	Dorsogluteal Site (Buttocks)	Deltoid Site (Arm)	Vastus Lateralis Site (Thigh)
Safety (Risk of Nerve/Vessel Damage)	Highest: Avoids major nerves and vessels like the sciatic nerve.	Lowest: Close to the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal artery; high risk of injury.	Moderate: Risk of injury to the radial nerve or shoulder joint capsule if technique is poor.	Moderate: Safer than dorsogluteal, but can be more painful for some than ventrogluteal.
Pain Level	Lower: Often described as less painful due to thick muscle and distance from major nerves.	Higher: Associated with more pain due to risk of nerve injury and improper placement.	Varies: Common site for vaccines; can cause a sore arm for a few days.	Higher: Some studies show higher pain scores compared to ventrogluteal injections.
Absorption Rate	Good, due to large, well-vascularized muscle mass.	Can be compromised if medication is injected into subcutaneous fat instead of muscle.	Good, sufficient blood supply for many vaccines.	Good, especially suitable for infants and children.
Ideal for...	Adults needing large volume or irritating medication.	Historically common, but no longer recommended due to risks.	Small to moderate volume injections, like vaccines.	Mobile children or patients with reduced arm muscle mass.

Conclusion

The perception of pain from an injection in the buttocks is highly individual and depends on numerous factors, from the specific medication and its volume to the skill of the healthcare provider. While the experience may involve some temporary stinging or soreness, it is not necessarily intensely painful, especially when administered correctly into the modern, safer ventrogluteal site. By understanding the factors involved and employing simple pain management strategies like relaxation and cold compresses, patients can minimize discomfort and make the process as tolerable as possible. If you have concerns, always communicate them with your medical provider to ensure the best and most comfortable experience. For further reading, authoritative medical resources like those from the National Institutes of Health provide detailed information on safe injection practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, injections in the bum (ventrogluteal site) are considered less painful for larger volumes of medication because the muscle is thicker and has fewer nerve endings compared to the deltoid muscle in the arm. However, a simple flu shot in the deltoid may cause less soreness overall.

Yes, if the injection is administered improperly in the dorsogluteal site, which is near the sciatic nerve. To avoid this significant risk, medical professionals now predominantly use the safer ventrogluteal site, which is located away from this major nerve.

A burning or stinging sensation can be caused by the chemical properties of the medication, such as its pH level, or by injecting a large volume of liquid too quickly. Administering the medication slowly can help minimize this feeling.

To prevent soreness, apply a cold compress to the injection site for 10-20 minutes after the procedure. Additionally, performing gentle movements or walking can help disperse the medication and reduce muscle stiffness.

You may feel some soreness or discomfort when sitting, but it is generally okay to sit. However, some cosmetic procedures may require you to avoid putting direct pressure on the area for a period. Listen to your body and follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

Mild tenderness, soreness, or bruising at the injection site is common and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the medication and volume. If pain worsens or persists, contact your doctor.

Yes. Tensing the muscle can make it more difficult for the needle to penetrate and for the medication to disperse, increasing pain. It's best to stay relaxed and use distraction techniques to help keep your muscles loose.