Just like anything else in life, AAS should be used in moderation. There is no denying that long durations of high amounts of AAS are bad for you, but not as bad as some people are led to believe.
Donate blood as often as you are allowed to, i donate 3 times a year on average. Your doctor can also allow you to have a nurse drain blood and dispose of it, if they feel it is necessary.
Gels are garbage, it's just a first attempt to see if a person responds. 90% of men with low T need injections, typically between 100 to 200mg every 7-10 days, sometimes more.
Everyone reacts differently, that is why i think anyone on AAS should be getting blood work and monitored by a doctor. I've been using AAS off and on for over 15 years, my health profiles are phenomenal for my age. But that doesn't mean everything is perfect.
I have been getting monitored by an Endo for over 10 years, i just happen to be friends with one who specializes in male hormones. I've tried to get him to post here, but he doesn't have much free time. Plus, as he told me many years ago "even i cannot change a persons mind".
I'm a firm believer that using AAS in moderation is perfectly fine, but again there is not a lot of real data on long term AAS usage in high doses. Considering the crazy doses i've seen people use over the years, i think it's over played a bit, but who really knows.
We all have different responses to drugs. One of my best friends drinks a 12 pack and smokes a pack of cigs every single day; has been doing so for almost 20 years. He's perfectly healthy and i've seen his blood work. Not everyone is so lucky. I deer hunt with a 94 year old man, he smoked for 40 years and drinks almost every night. His key to living a long life is to stay active and drink cheap beer.
Life's a crap shoot, do what you enjoy.