Family Planning

Who Can and Cannot UseCombined Oral ContraceptivesSafe and Suitable for Nearly All WomenNearly all women can use COCs safely and effectively, includingwomen who:óóóóóóóóHave 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—if under 35 years oldHave anemia now or had in the pastHave varicose veinsAre infected with HIV, whether or not on antiretroviral therapy (seeCombined Oral Contraceptives for Women With HIV, p. 9)1Combined Oral ContraceptivesWomen can begin using COCs: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 Combined Oral Contraceptives