Injectable contraception
(Sayana Press)
Sayana Press type of contraceptive injection that lasts for 13 weeks. It is 94% effective. It contains the hormone progestogen.
Sayana Press was designed to be self-administered. It is a single use subcutaneous injection. This means the needle must be inserted into the fatty layer beneath the skin.
It is designed for you to do the injection yourself. It is pre-filled and ready to use in the comfort of your own home. The needle is much smaller and shorter than the injectable that you have in a clinic (Depo-Provera).
It is the fifth most popular method of contraception in the UK.
Before you order
We are only able to prescribe Sayana Press for self-injection if you have:
- used Sayana Press before
- been shown how to self-inject Sayana Press by a healthcare professional
- discussed possible side effects with a health professional in a face-to-face consultation.
If you have not used Sayana Press before and a healthcare professional has not shown you how to use it, then you will not be able to order from us. This is to ensure that:
- this method of contraception is suitable for you
- you are able to administer the medication correctly
- you understand the possible side effects.
If Sayana Press is not administered correctly, the contraception may not work. Please do not order from us if you have not used Sayana Press before.
If you have not been shown how to use the self-injectable by a health professional, we cannot offer clinical assurance that this contraception is suitable and will prevent pregnancy.
You can be shown how to use Sayana Press at your local sexual clinic.
How it works
Sayana Press works by preventing ovulation. The progestogen hormone thickens cervical mucus so that sperm cannot enter the womb through the cervix. It also thins the lining of the womb so that there is less chance of a fertilised egg implanting in the womb.
How to use it
You must have been shown how to use Sayana Press by a health professional before you order from us. This video is a reminder of how to self-administer.
Things to consider
Sayana press does not protect you from STIs. You should use a condom as well if you think you are at risk of an STI.
Sayana Press is associated with weight gain as it may increase appetite. It may cause loss of bone density in some people. This returns to normal after stopping the injection.
If you are ordering the injectable contraception from us please take a look at our detailed information page before ordering. This page describes the full range of advantages and disadvantages of this method and lists FAQs.
Side effects
Sayana Press changes the pattern of your period, or can stop periods altogether. It can be helpful for people who have problems such as endometriosis or heavy and painful bleeding. However, Sayana Press may also cause irregular bleeding.