Jim Shelton's Pearls

---

Pearl of the Week | Archives | Español | Français

July 07, 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?

1. Combined Oral Contraceptives
2. Progestin-only OCs
3. Contraceptive Patch
4. Progestin-only injectables such as Depo-Provera
5. Monthly Combined Injectables such as CycloFem
6. Contraceptive Implants such as Norplant
7. Condoms
8. Vasectomy
9. IUDs without restriction
10. IUDs provided there is not evidence of uterine infection (e.g. septic abortion)
11. Withdrawal
12. All of the above
13. All of the above except i
14. All of the above except f and i.

m.) Any of these can be provided immediately following abortion, although not the IUD if there is evidence uterine infection. Note 1) the list is not intended to be exhaustive. Other methods might also be used (e.g. ring or female sterilization.) And 2) free and informed choice is always important, but the postabortion situation calls for particular care.

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

Previous | Next
Pearl Archive

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)

© 2005 The Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved.
Security and Privacy Policy, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202, webmaster@jhuccp.org

Photos courtesy of Photoshare, a service of The INFO Project.