Here’s how to safely ‘boof’ your progesterone

So you’ve heard about this whole ‘boofing’ thing knocking around in trans spaces, especially about progesterone, but either aren’t sure what it is or whether it’s a real thing? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

You might have heard slang terms like ‘boofing your prog’ used, especially in transfem spaces, when discussing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), particularly progesterone.

While boofing as an act has existed for as long as medication and medicinal substances have been around – HRT being no exception – it is becoming increasingly popular among trans women on progesterone thanks to the benefits it provides.

So what exactly does boofing HRT mean, why is it so beneficial, and how can you safely do it? Let’s find out – and trust us, the rumours are true.

So, what exactly is ‘boofing’ and what are the benefits?

Put simply, the term boof or boofing is a slang phrase for taking medication or substances rectally. It is known medically as a “rectal administration.”

While rectal administration has existed for as long as people have had anuses and access to medication, the slang term ‘boof’ became increasingly prevelant in the 1980s – It was even used by Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh in his 1982 senior yearbook quote: “Bart, have you boofed yet?” (Kavanaugh insisted during a 2018 hearing that this was a ‘fart’ joke).

The term and act are most commonly associated with recreational drug use, including with alcohol, cocaine, or MDMA. This is not recommended as it can have dangerous side-effects including severe irritation of the anus, infection, and an increased likelihood of an overdose.

However, for non-controlled substances and prescribed medications, boofing can have an array of benefits including increased effectiveness, a longer biological half-life – the time taken for a drug to lost its substance concentration, and a higher bio-availability – the amount of the drug that remains once the body begins to absorb it.

NursingTimes explains that rectal administration means that the drug doesn’t need to go through the intestinal tract or the liver resulting in “more of the drug reaching the system circulation with less alteration on route.” It also means more of the drug will be absorbed because of the anus’s thin skin membrane and the abundant blood supply.

For progesterone users, this means that the feminising hormone will stay in a person’s system for longer by avoiding the liver and stomach acids, and what is absorbed will be more effective.

Okay then, how do I ‘boof’ my progesterone pills?

Before you even consider thinking about the possibility of even approaching the idea of boofing your progesterone, you should consult your doctor about rectal administration and whether it is a good idea – always, always, always consult your doctor!

Right, now that we’ve got that out of the way, the first thing you’re going to want to do is ensure you are completely clean down there. Go to the toilet if you can, and then give yourself a good wash or use an enema bulb if you have one – rectal hygiene is good practice anyway, but hey, we’re not judging.

Avoid boofing if you have an upset stomach or aren’t feeling well. To ensure you can boof consistently, make sure your diet is as healthy as possible – avoid fatty, greasy foods, alcohol, or empty carbs and eat lots of fiber.

For this explainer, we’re going to assume you have progesterone capsules. These are soft, typically spherical or oval-shaped pills that feel somewhat rubbery. they are the most common form for a progesterone tablet – consult your doctor if you have another type, and always read the label on your medication.

Once you’re ready and have washed your hands, take one of your tablets and poke a hole into the side with a small, sterilised sharp object like a pin or sewing needle. A little bit of the medication might come out; That’s okay! just make sure you don’t squeeze the capsule too hard. Take a small bit of lube or coconut oil and push the tablet into your rectum with your index or ring finger, ensuring you go at least as far as your PIP joint (the middle joint on your finger). Once you feel secure, slowly remove your finger and give your hands a thorough wash with some soap – and you’re done!

For first-timers, it may feel like the pill isn’t there or that it has fallen out. Don’t fret; if you don’t see a pill on the floor, you know where it is. If you need to boof again for whatever reason, make sure you clean and sterilise everything before giving it another go.

It’s best to boof progesterone at night or before you go to sleep since it gives the body time to absorb the medication and it’s less likely you’ll need the toilet. Others have noted feeling tired or sleepy after boofing, so keep that in mind too.

An almost universally recognised side-effect among trans women is that boofing progesterone will temporarily but massively increase your sex drive. This of course varies from person-to-person, but keep this in mind should you choose to boof your progesterone.