A modern and long lasting but reversible contraceptive method called Sayana Press, is currently being rolled out across Zimbabwe in a move that is set to expand birth control options for women.
By Michael Gwarisa
The contraceptive product was piloted in 2020 while the rollout commenced in April 2021 covering, Mashonaland East, Matebeleland North, Bulawayo and Matebeleland South. In other parts of the country, the Sayana is only being administered at Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC), Population Services International (PSI) and Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) clinics.
Speaking to HealthTimes, ZNFPC Masvingo Provincial Marketing and Communication Officer, Mr Herbert Chikosi said the Sayana contraceptive method was getting an overwhelming response.
In terms of reception it has been well received especially by youth for its privacy, and for being self-injectable it comes with reduced transport costs. Some have indicated that it has low to less side effects, in comparison to other methods,” said Mr Chikosi.
Here are few points you might need to know about Sayana Press:
What is Sayana Press?
Sayana Press is a contraceptive (pregnancy prevention) method that women can choose to use among other methods of family planning. It is along lasting effective and reversible method that is given by injection. There are two kinds of injectable pregnancy prevention methods available in Zimbabwe; both containing the medicine Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). These are Depo Provera (sometimes known as Petogen) and Sayana Press.The two birth control methods are made with progestin. Progestin is a natural hormone, Progesterone that is made by a woman’s body.
Sayana Press, like Depo, is given every three months (13 weeks). The difference between the two is that Depo Provera (Petogen), is injected into the muscle (Intramuscular) of the upper arm or the buttock, whilst Sayana Press injection is given into the fatty tissue (subcutaneous) of the thigh, back of the upper arm or abdomen. Sayana press has an added advantage that if the client is comfortable, she can inject herself if given the authority and education to do so. However, as of now in Zimbabwe, Ayana Press is only administered by trained health care providers.
How Sayana Press Works?
Sayana Press moves slowly from the injection site into the blood stream. The progestin in Sayana Press keeps a woman’s eggs from leaving the ovaries. It also makes the mucus at the cervix thicker. This keeps sperm from passing through the cervix and fertilizing the egg. Progestin also keeps the lining of the uterus from growing thick, which makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to grow there.
Who can Use Sayana Press?
Most women can use Sayana Press including those who:
- Are breastfeeding a baby who is at least six weeks old
- Cannot, or do not want to use other contraceptive methods
- Have sexually transmitted Infections Including HIV
- Are young. However, in adolescents this should only be after other methods of contraception have been considered unsuitable or unacceptable
- Are taking medicines, including ARVs and other HIV related medicines.
NB// Women may choose either Depo-IM (Depo Provera/Petogen) or Sayana Press.It is their choice
Although most women can use Sayana Press, those who have or had the following conditions,should consult their health service provider for advice:
- Migraine headaches that began or got worse after getting the Sayana Press or Depo Injection
- Heart attack or stroke
- Serious liver condition
- High Blood Pressure
- Breast Cancer
