Some programs have mistakenly labeled tuberculosis and varicose veins as contraindications to use of hormonal contraceptive methods. For monthly injectables category 4 conditions include pregnancy, breastfeeding less than six weeks postpartum, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, ischemic heart disease, severe recurrent headache with focal neurologic symptoms, and current breast cancer. Conditions in category 3 include breastfeeding six weeks to six months postpartum, not breastfeeding but within three weeks postpartum, smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day in women older than age 35, history of hypertension or severe hypertension, severe diabetes, stroke, complicated valvular heart disease, suspicious unexplained vaginal bleeding, past breast cancer, active viral hepatitis, severe cirrhosis, liver cancer, sickle-cell disease, and use of some antibiotics or anticonvulsants. They do not cause infertility but can delay conception for several months. Avoiding blanket restrictions on all hormonal methods.
Contraindications differ, however.
For example, women may use DMPA and NET EN but not combined OCs if they are breastfeeding within six months after giving birth or have venous thromboembolism.