CDC Updates Guidelines for Contraceptive Use

The CDC has just released the second editions of both guidelines related to contraception.

The 2016 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) comprises recommendations for the use of specific contraceptive methods by women and men who have certain characteristics or medical conditions. The information in this report updates the 2010 U.S. MEC.

Notable updates include:

• the addition of recommendations for women with cystic fibrosis, women with multiple sclerosis, and women receiving certain psychotropic drugs or St. John’s wort;
• revisions to the recommendations for emergency contraception, including the addition of ulipristal acetate; and
• revisions to the recommendations for postpartum women; women who are breastfeeding; women with known dyslipidemias, migraine headaches, superficial venous disease, gestational trophoblastic disease, sexually transmitted diseases, and human immunodeficiency virus; and women who are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

The 2016 U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR) addresses a select group of common, yet sometimes controversial or complex, issues regarding initiation and use of specific contraceptive methods. The information in this report updates the 2013 U.S. SPR. Major updates include:

• Revised recommendations for starting regular contraception after the use of emergency contraceptive pills.
• New recommendations for the use of medications to ease insertion of intrauterine devices.

Download the 2016 US MEC and US SPR app in the iTunes App Store, an easy to use reference that combines information from the both CDC family planning guidance. It features a streamlined interface so providers can access the guidance quickly and easily.