Community-generated resource library-Summary Chart of U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use

Summary Chart of U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use - B-W

Pdf Summary

The Summary of the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) provides classification guidelines for the use of various contraceptive methods based on individual medical conditions and circumstances. It categorizes conditions using a scale from 1 to 4, indicating the appropriateness of a contraceptive method: <br /><br />1. No restriction: Method can be used.<br />2. Advantages generally outweigh risks.<br />3. Risks usually outweigh advantages.<br />4. Unacceptable health risk: Method not to be used.<br /><br />This classification assists healthcare providers in making informed decisions about contraceptive options tailored to individual health scenarios.<br /><br />Key points from the guidelines include:<br />- Most contraceptive methods do not protect against STIs; consistent use of male latex condoms is recommended to reduce STI and HIV risk.<br />- The chart covers various contraceptive methods, including Cu-IUD (copper intrauterine device), LNG-IUD (levonorgestrel intrauterine device), implants, DMPA (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate), POP (progestin-only pill), and CHC (combined hormonal contraceptives: pill, patch, and ring).<br />- It evaluates medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, liver disease, stroke, and more, across different circumstances like age, postpartum stages, breastfeeding status, and smoking habits.<br />- Some conditions require further clarification and should be reviewed with the complete guidance on the CDC website.<br />- Special attention is given to conditions like cardiovascular disorders, cancers, and others where the choice of contraceptive method can considerably impact health outcomes.<br /><br />For comprehensive guidance, it recommends referencing the complete guidelines available on the CDC's website. Additionally, up-to-date recommendations on hormonal contraception in conjunction with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) can be found through the NIH guidelines.

Keywords

U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria

contraceptive methods

healthcare providers

STI protection

Cu-IUD

LNG-IUD

medical conditions

CDC guidelines

hormonal contraception

antiretroviral drugs