Usually, a woman with any of the conditions listed below should not use implants. In special circumstances, however, when other, more appropriate methods are not available or acceptable to her, a qualified provider who can carefully assess a specific woman’s condition and situation may decide that she can use implants. The provider needs to consider the severity of her condition and, for most conditions, whether she will have access to follow-up care.

  • Acute blood clot in deep veins of legs or lungs
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding before evaluation for possible serious underlying condition
  • Had breast cancer more than 5 years ago, and it has not returned
  • Severe cirrhosis of the liver or liver tumor
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus with positive (or unknown) antiphospholipid antibodies, and not on immunosuppressive treatment

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Implants for Women Living With HIV
  • Women who are living with HIV including those who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) can safely use implants.
  • Efavirenz may reduce the effectiveness of implants. Women taking this antiretroviral drug need to use condoms along with implants to provide better protection from pregnancy (see Question 14).