Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use

Guidelines for safe contraceptive use based on medical conditions

Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use

The Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (MEC) are guidelines developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assist healthcare providers in determining the safety of various contraceptive methods for individuals with specific health conditions or characteristics. These criteria are designed to ensure that individuals can use contraceptive methods safely and effectively, minimizing health risks while maximizing the benefits of contraception.

US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use Summary Chart

Overview

The MEC guidelines categorize contraceptive methods into four categories based on their safety for individuals with particular medical conditions:

• Category 1: A condition for which there is no restriction for the use of the contraceptive method.
• Category 2: A condition where the advantages of using the method generally outweigh the theoretical or proven risks.
• Category 3: A condition where the theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of using the method.
• Category 4: A condition which represents an unacceptable health risk if the contraceptive method is used.

These categories help healthcare providers make informed decisions about prescribing contraceptives, taking into account the individual's health status and personal circumstances.

Application of the Criteria

The MEC guidelines are used globally by healthcare providers to guide the prescription of contraceptives. They cover a wide range of contraceptive methods, including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectable contraceptives, implants, barrier methods, and fertility awareness methods.

The criteria take into account various health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, and thromboembolic disorders. For example, women with a history of venous thromboembolism may be advised against using combined hormonal contraceptives, which fall under Category 3 or 4 depending on the severity of the condition.

Importance of the MEC

The MEC guidelines are crucial for ensuring that contraceptive methods are used safely and effectively. They help prevent adverse health outcomes by providing clear recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence. This is particularly important in settings where healthcare resources are limited, and access to specialized medical advice may be restricted.

Updates and Revisions

The WHO periodically reviews and updates the MEC guidelines to reflect new research findings and advancements in contraceptive technology. These updates ensure that the guidelines remain relevant and evidence-based, providing healthcare providers with the most current information to support their clinical decisions.

Related Pages

• Contraception
• World Health Organization
• Family planning
• Reproductive health