Family Planning

Who Can and Cannot UseProgestin-Only InjectablesSafe and Suitable for Nearly All WomenNearly all women can use progestin-only injectables safely and effectively,including women who:óóóóóóóHave or have not had childrenAre not marriedAre of any age, including adolescents and women over 40 years oldHave just had an abortion or miscarriageSmoke cigarettes, regardless of woman’s age or number of cigarettessmokedAre breastfeeding (starting as soon as 6 weeks after childbirth)Are infected with HIV, whether or not on antiretroviral therapy (seeProgestin-Only Injectables for Women With HIV, p. 67)Women can begin using progestin-only injectables:óóóóóWithout a pelvic examinationWithout any blood tests or other routine laboratory testsWithout cervical cancer screeningWithout a breast examinationEven when a woman is not having monthly bleeding at the time, if it isreasonably certain she is not pregnant (see Pregnancy Checklist, p. 372)64 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers