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Dr. Jim Shelton's Pearls "Pearl" for the week of July 6, 2005

Which Method Immediately After Abortion

Since women are at risk of getting pregnant very soon after abortion, and many will want to begin contraception right away, which of these methods can be used immediately after abortion?

a. Combined Oral Contraceptives (OCs)

b. Progestin-only OCs

c. Contraceptive Patch

d. Progestin-only injectables, such as Depo-Provera

e. Monthly Combined Injectables, such as CycloFem

f. Contraceptive Implants, such as Norplant

g. Condoms

h. Vasectomy

i. IUDs without restriction

j. IUDs provided there is not evidence of uterine infection (e.g., septic abortion)

k. Withdrawal

l. All of the above

m. All of the above except i

n. All of the above except f and i.

The correct answer is "m". Any of these can be provided immediately following abortion, although not the IUD if there is evidence of uterine infection.

Note:

1) The list is not intended to be exhaustive. Other methods might also be used (e.g., the ring or female sterilization).

2) Free and informed choice is always important, but the postabortion situation calls for particular care.

Reference: WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. Third edition. Geneva 2004.

The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Government or The Johns Hopkins University.