Medical Eligibility Criteria for
Progestin-Only Pills

Ask the client the questions below about known medical conditions. Examinations and tests are not necessary. If she answers “no” to all of the questions, then she can start POPs if she wants. If she answers “yes” to a question, follow the instructions. In some cases she can still start POPs.

1.   Are you breastfeeding a baby less than 6 weeks old?

NO    YES She can start taking POPs as soon as 6 weeks after childbirth. Give her POPs now and tell her when to start taking them (see Fully or nearly fully breastfeeding or Partially breastfeeding).

2.   Do you have severe cirrhosis of the liver, a liver infection, or liver tumor? (Are her eyes or skin unusually yellow? [signs of jaundice])

NO    YES If she reports serious active liver disease (jaundice, active hepatitis, severe cirrhosis, liver tumor), do not provide POPs. Help her choose a method without hormones.

3.   Do you have a serious problem now with a blood clot in your legs or lungs?

NO    YES If she reports a current blood clot (not superficial clots), and she is not on anticoagulant therapy, do not provide POPs. Help her choose a method without hormones.

4.   Are you taking medication for seizures? Are you taking rifampicin or rifabutin for tuberculosis or other illness?

NO    YES If she is taking barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate, rifampicin, or rifabutin, do not provide POPs. They can make POPs less effective. Help her choose another method but not combined oral contraceptives.

5.   Do you have or have you ever had breast cancer?

NO    YES Do not provide POPs. Help her choose a method without hormones.

Be sure to explain the health benefits and risks and the side effects of the method that the client will use. Also, point out any conditions that would make the method inadvisable, when relevant to the client.