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Implant insertion timing — DFSRH MCQ

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HardProgestogen-only methodsImplant insertion timingDFSRH

A 20-year-old wants an etonogestrel implant inserted today. Her last menstrual period started 10 days ago, cycles are regular, and she has not had sex since the period began. Pregnancy test is negative. What would you advise this patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Insert today and use condoms for the next 7 days

The best answer is “Insert today and use condoms for the next 7 days”. An implant started after day 5 of a natural cycle needs 7 days of additional precautions, provided pregnancy can be reasonably excluded. There is no need to delay if she has had no sex since menses and pregnancy is reasonably excluded. The 48-hour rule applies to POPs, not the implant.

Reference: CoSRH/FSRH, Progestogen-only Implant: https://www.cosrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/fsrh-guideline-progestogen-only-implants.pdf