To assess a woman's eligibility for use of a progestogen-only pill (POP):

• 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, weight and body mass index (BMI).
• Check the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria to ensure that the assessment is complete and that the woman is eligible for a POP:
• She should not use a POP (UKMEC 4) if she currently has breast cancer.
• She should use a POP only after consultation with an expert (UKMEC 3) in the following situations:
• Stroke or transient ischaemic attack, while using the POP.  
• Ischaemic heart disease while using the POP.
• 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, with positive (or unknown) antiphospholipid antibodies.
• Use of liver enzyme–inducing drugs (for further information, see Selected concurrent medications).
• Breast and cervical examinations, routine blood tests, and thrombophilia screening are not required to assess eligibility for a POP.

• 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 is unable to 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 pill (POP):
• Breast, pelvic and genital examination.
• Cervical cytological screening.
• Routine laboratory tests including haemoglobin measurements.
• Thrombophilia screening.

• These recommendations for assessing a woman before starting a progestogen-only pill (POP) are based on the UK medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use issued by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care [FSRH, 2009b].
• The examinations and investigations that are specifically not recommended do not contribute substantially to safety of the combined oral contraceptive [British Society for Haematology, 2001; FFPRHC, 2007b].