Sayana Press

Sayana Press is a contraceptive that provides long-term protection against pregnancy - for up to 13 weeks.

What makes this contraceptive unique is its method of application - an injection performed at home. It is very effective (more than 99%), and once you are comfortable with how to inject, will provide peace of mind that other contraceptives may not.

It can take up to 12 months for your fertility to return after you stop taking it. So if you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, it may be sensible to consider other options - such as the combined pill, mini-pill or patch or ring.

Please note - this treatment will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. The best way to prevent catching STIs is by using barrier protection (condoms).

The effectiveness of Sayana Press is due to its active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.

Your body naturally produces progesterone during the early stages of pregnancy. By taking it synthetically, your body reacts as if you are pregnant, preventing the release of eggs from your ovaries. Without eggs, there is nothing for sperm to fertilise.

Unlike popular contraceptive pills, the effects of Sayana Press last for three months (12 weeks).

Your doctor will perform the first injection for you, so that you can ask any questions. They will then monitor how you respond to the treatment. Afterwards, you will have to perform an injection every three months.

Sayana Press is a great alternative for women who have difficulty remembering to take a daily pill.

Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist when taking any medication.

This treatment is administered as an injection. It is important you are confident on how to do this. If not, please contact your doctor - they will be more than happy to advise and demonstrate.

You can also find more instructions in the patient information leaflet (PIL).

Each injection contains a 104 mg/0.65ml dose of the active ingredient.

Please watch this video (from the manufacturer) to learn how to use Sayana Press:

Full instructions, along with diagrams, can be found in the PIL - this will be included in your order.

A brief summary of how to use Sayana Press is as follows:

• injections should be made just under the skin
• injections should be made in the front upper thigh or abdomen (every 3 months)
• the first injection should be administered under the supervision of a medical professional
• the first dose should be administered ONLY during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle
• you should store this product at room temperature

How to administer injections:

• find a different injection site for each dose
• tear open the foil pouch and remove the injector device
• shake the injector for 30 seconds to mix the contents
• if the contents is not white and uniform after shaking, select a new injector
• if the injector is faulty, discard and select another
• hold the injector-port and needle-shield and press together
• remove the shield and discard
• pinch an area of skin on your front upper-thigh or abdomen
• place the needle into the skin, until the port touches the skin
• squeeze the base slowly to administer medicine
• dab the skin with a cotton pad
• it is normal for a trace amount of medicine to remain in the injector

If there is excess medicine on your skin, there may have been an issue with application - you should contact your doctor.

If you believe the dose was not properly administered (for any reason), contact your doctor. You may need to use secondary contraception until the next injection.

If you miss a dose, you should consult your doctor - they may recommend secondary contraception until the next injection.

All medications, especially hormonal contraceptives, pose a risk of side effects. If you are concerned, you should talk to your doctor. Fortunately, the chance of you experiencing serious issues is very slim - but always a possibility.

The reactions commonly associated with this treatment are similar to those you would expect with traditional oral contraceptives, including:

• alopecia
• breast abnormalities
• depression
• dizziness
• fluid retention
• insomnia
• menstrual cycle irregularities
• nausea
• sexual dysfunction
• skin reactions
• weight changes

This is not a complete list. For all reported side effects, please read through the patient information leaflet (PIL) - this is on the right of the page.

You should report any distressing reactions to your doctor.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms include facial swelling, difficulty breathing and rashes.

Not everyone is suited to use this treatment. Different conditions and medications may increase the chance of dangerous complications. Fortunately, the world of contraceptives is diverse, and there will be another option if Sayana Press is deemed unsuitable.

You should ask your doctor about alternatives if any of the following apply to you:

• breast cancer
• acute porphyria
• cervical cancer
• history of stroke
• history of DVT
• heart disease
• multiple risk factors for heart disease
• undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

What precautions should I take?

Your doctor should first show you how to use Sayana Press. You should only start using it yourself if you are completely happy with the instructions.

You should not use this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future. It is also recommended you first consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

You should expect a slight change in menstrual bleeding patterns when using this treatment- this is not a cause for concern. However, any major changes should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Sayana Press has also been known to lower bone density. However, this change will revert after approximately two years of use.

It is important to regularly inspect your breasts for any signs of breast cancer - such as lumps or changes to the skin. The use of injectable progestin slightly increases the risk of breast cancer - however, this may be due to more regular checks leading to cancer being discovered.

Please note - it is recommended with long-term use of any medicine that you receive regular checkups from your doctor.

You can buy Sayana Press online from HealthExpress. Our service is quick and simple - complete an online consultation, and our doctors and pharmacists will review, approve and dispense your order. If your order is not approved on medical grounds, you will not be charged.

The consultation is free and easy to complete. You will be asked some questions about your health, which you should answer fully and honestly. All orders include next-day or nominated-day delivery.