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Appendix B: When To Start Using Specific Contraceptive Methods

Contraceptive method

When to start (if the provider is reasonably certain that the woman is not pregnant)

Additional contraception
(i.e., back-up) needed

Examinations or tests needed before initiation*

Copper-containing IUD

Anytime

Not needed

Bimanual examination and cervical inspection

Levonorgestrel-releasing IUD

Anytime

If >7 days after menses started, use back-up method or abstain for 7 days.

Bimanual examination and cervical inspection

Implant

Anytime

If >5 days after menses started, use back-up method or abstain for 7 days.

None

Injectable

Anytime

If >7 days after menses started, use back-up method or abstain for 7 days.

None

Combined hormonal contraceptive

Anytime

If >5 days after menses started, use back-up method or abstain for 7 days.

Blood pressure measurement

Progestin-only pill

Anytime

If >5 days after menses started, use back-up method or abstain for 2 days.

None

Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; IUD = intrauterine device; STD = sexually transmitted disease; U.S. MEC = U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010.

* Weight (BMI) measurement is not needed to determine medical eligibility for any methods of contraception because all methods can be used (U.S. MEC 1) or generally can be used (U.S. MEC 2) among obese women (Box 2). However, measuring weight and calculating BMI (weight [kg]/height [m]2) at baseline might be helpful for monitoring any changes and counseling women who might be concerned about weight change perceived to be associated with their contraceptive method.

Most women do not require additional STD screening at the time of IUD insertion if they have already been screened according to CDC's STD Treatment Guidelines (available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment). If a woman has not been screened according to guidelines, screening can be performed at the time of IUD insertion, and insertion should not be delayed. Women with purulent cervicitis or current chlamydial infection or gonorrhea should not undergo IUD insertion (U.S. MEC 4). Women who have a very high individual likelihood of STD exposure (e.g., those with a currently infected partner) generally should not undergo IUD insertion (U.S. MEC 3) (Box 2). For these women, IUD insertion should be delayed until appropriate testing and treatment occurs.


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