Family Planning

Who Can and Cannot UseImplantsSafe and Suitable for Nearly All WomenNearly all women can use implants safely and effectively, includingwomen who:óóóóóóóóóHave or have not had childrenAre not marriedAre of any age, including adolescents and women over 40 years oldHave just had an abortion, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancySmoke cigarettes, regardless of woman’s age or number of cigarettessmokedAre breastfeeding (starting as soon as 6 weeks after childbirth)Have anemia now or in the pastHave varicose veinsAre infected with HIV, whether or not on antiretroviral therapy (seeImplants for Women With HIV, p. 115)8ImplantsWomen can begin using implants: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)Who Can and Cannot Use Implants113