To assess a woman's eligibility for a progestogen-only implant:

• In young women and women with special needs, assess their competence to decide, and support them in making their own decisions about contraception.
• Exclude pregnancy.
• Assess the woman's risk for sexually transmitted infection and, when appropriate, advise testing, promote safer sex, and/or refer for counselling.
• Check the woman's blood pressure.
• Check the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria to ensure that the assessment is complete and that the woman is eligible for a progestogen-only implant:
• Women should not use a progestogen-only implant (UKMEC 4) if they currently have breast cancer.
• Women should use a progestogen-only implant only after consultation with an expert (UKMEC 3) in the following situations:
• Stroke or transient ischaemic attack, while using an implant.
• Current and history of ischaemic heart disease, while using an implant.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding, before evaluation.
• History of breast cancer and no evidence of recurrence for 5 years.
• Cirrhosis of liver: severe (decompensated).
• Liver tumours: benign (hepatocellular adenoma) and malignant (hepatoma).
• Systemic lupus erythematosus: positive (or unknown) antiphospholipid antibodies.
• Use of liver enzyme–inducing drugs (see Selected concurrent medications).

• Contraception for young women and women with learning disabilities:
• Contraception should be seen in terms of the needs of the individual rather than in terms of relieving the anxieties of carers or relatives.
• When a woman with a learning disability cannot understand and take responsibility for decisions about contraception, carers and other involved parties should meet to address issues around the woman's contraceptive need and to establish a care plan.
• See Considerations for girls under 16.
• The following examinations and laboratory tests are not required to assess eligibility for a progestogen-only implant:
• Breast, pelvic, or genital examination.
• Cervical cytology screening.
• Routine laboratory tests, including haemoglobin measurements.
• Thrombophilia screening.

• The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinical Effectiveness Unit [FSRH, 2010d] state that following guidance apply to Nexplanon^®:
• The recommendations for assessing a woman before starting a progestogen-only implant are based on the UK medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use and guidelines on the use of progestogen-only implants issued by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care [FSRH, 2008a; FSRH, 2009b] and guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives [National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health, 2005].