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    Sayana Press

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    What is Sayana Press?

    Sayana Press is a long-term contraceptive. It’s injected every 12-13 weeks (about 3 months) to prevent pregnancy.

    How does Sayana Press work?

    Sayana Press is a form of progesterone-only contraception. It works by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) and thickens the mucus at the entrance of the womb to prevent sperm entering. It also thins the womb lining – this makes it more difficult for an egg to attach to it.

    Sayana Press effectiveness

    If used correctly, Sayana Press is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It won’t stop you getting an STI, so if you’re not sure about the STI status of your partner(s) use a condom.

    Who can have Sayana Press?

    Sayana Press is suitable for many women. You will need to tell us during your consultation about any health conditions. We will only prescribe Sayana Press if it’s suitable.

    How to inject Sayana Press

    We can only prescribe Sayana Press if you’ve used it before and you’ve already been shown how to inject Sayana Press by a healthcare provider. They should have been through the following instructions with you:

    • Sayana Press is injected at home. The pouch should not be damaged or expired. It must be kept at room temperature.
    • Inject your stomach or thigh, and avoid your belly button and any bony areas, such as your hips. Try to inject a different place each time.
    • When the pouch is open, make sure the needle has a shield and there’s a gap between the needle and the port. If the gap is not there, or there’s damage, throw it away and use a new one. 
    • Wash your hands and clean where you are going to inject.
    • Hold the device by the port and shake for 30 seconds to mix. It should be evenly white – if not, throw it away and use a new one.
    • Remove the needle shield and pinch where you are going to inject. Put the needle in until the port touches your skin.
    • Slowly squeeze the container for about seven seconds to ensure you’re injecting all the medicine.
    • Pull the needle out and apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton pad or tissue.
    • Throw away the needle as instructed by the healthcare provider who showed you how to inject.  

    This video provides a useful reminder of how to inject.

    Sayana Press side effects

    Like all medicines, Sayana Press can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

    Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people) may include:

    • Weight gain
    • Abdominal cramps
    • Nausea
    • Acne
    • No period or very light period
    • Heavy, frequent and/or unexpected bleeding
    • Irregular periods
    • Period pains
    • Breast pain and tenderness
    • Back and/or limb pain
    • Tiredness
    • Headaches
    • Dizziness
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Mood changes
    • Pain and/or soreness around the injection site
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Low sex drive 

    Uncommon side effects (up to 1 in 100 people) may include:

    • Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
    • Bloating
    • Fluid retention
    • Vaginal discharge
    • Vaginal dryness
    • Pain during sex
    • Pelvic pain
    • Change in appetite
    • Muscle cramps
    • Migraine
    • Vertigo
    • Hot flushes
    • High blood pressure
    • Rash
    • Itching
    • Hair loss 

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects are worrying you, you can talk to us through your Patient Record.

    What are the risks of Sayana Press?

    The contraceptive injection can reduce the density of your bones, causing them to become thinner. This mainly happens the first few years you use Sayana Press, after this bone density stabilises. It also appears that bone density may recover when you stop having the injection.

    Will Sayana Press stop my periods?

    If you stay on Sayana Press you are likely to experience a change in the pattern of your periods. Some women will experience irregular bleeding, and after 12 months of use, around 60% of women will experience no bleeding at all.  

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      Sayana Press FAQs

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      How long does Sayana Press take to work?

      You can start using Sayana Press at any time of the month, although you may not be protected from pregnancy straight away.

      • Works immediately - If you start in the first 5 days of your cycle (day 1 is the first day of bleeding).
      • Protected from pregnancy in 7 days – If you start using it at any other time in your cycle. Make sure to use condoms in the first 7 days.  

      How long does Sayana Press last?

      Sayana Press stops you getting pregnant for 13 weeks. You should write down the date of your injections to help you remember them.

      Does Sayana Press make you gain weight?

      Weight changes are common when using Sayana Press. But not everyone experiences these. In a clinical study half of women using the contraceptive injection remained within 2.2kg (4.9lbs) of their weight before using Sayana Press.

      Can I use Sayana Press if I’m breastfeeding?

      Yes, the injection is safe to use while breastfeeding. The medication can be passed to your baby through your breastmilk; however, it won’t cause them any harm.

      Can Sayana Press cause infertility?

      Contraception does not make you infertile. It helps to stop you getting pregnant while you use it. However, after stopping Sayana Press injections there may be a delay to your fertility returning.

      Alternative Sayana Press treatments

      We offer a range of contraceptives, including NuvaRing, Evra Patch, combined pills, low-dose pills and mini pills. View all our contraception options.

      Condoms are an effective form of contraception and protect against STIs.

      There are also long-acting contraceptives available through your GP or family planning clinic, including implants, the coil and injectable contraception.

      How to throw away your needles

      Needles need to be disposed of in the sharps bin you’re given when you start your treatment.

      When you're prescribed Sayana Press you’ll need to check your local council’s website to find out how to get rid of the sharps bin and its contents. 

      Our contraception service

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. Choose from recommended options

        In your Patient Record

      3. One of our NHS-experienced clinicians confirms your suitability

        You’ll be informed by email if your contraception has been approved and prescribed

      4. 3, 6 or 12 months of protection

        Delivery to your door

        Collect at 7000+ convenient ParcelShops

        Same-day pharmacy collection

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