Family Planning

Who Can and Cannot UseMonthly InjectablesSafe and Suitable for Nearly All WomenNearly all women can use monthly injectables safely and effectively,including women who:óóóóóóóóóHave or have not had childrenAre not marriedAre of any age, including adolescents and women over 40 years oldHave just had an abortion or miscarriageSmoke any number of cigarettes daily and are under 35 years oldSmoke fewer than 15 cigarettes daily and are over 35 years oldHave anemia now or had anemia in the pastHave varicose veinsAre infected with HIV, whether or not on antiretroviral therapy (seeMonthly Injectables for Women With HIV, p. 88)Women can begin using monthly 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)84 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers