WHO guidelines on expanding contraceptive options

Overview

The WHO Expanding contraceptive options (ECO) guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on contraceptive methods and practices that are not currently included in the WHO Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (MEC) or that differ from practice guidance in the WHO Selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use (SPR). The guideline addresses five topics: three contraceptive methods not previously included in WHO guidance (ormeloxifene, quinestrol-containing pills and mifepristone for emergency contraception) and two contraceptive practices (continuous or extended use of combined oral contraceptive pills and extended use of the etonogestrel-releasing implant).

Drawing on rigorous systematic reviews and expert assessment of the evidence on effectiveness, safety and acceptability, the guideline presents recommendations for each method and practice. The recommendations can support ministries of health, programme managers and policymakers in determining whether these methods and practices should be incorporated into national contraceptive programmes and clinical guidelines as part of efforts to expand the contraceptive method mix. Methods recommended for inclusion may be considered in future updates of the WHO Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use and Selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use guidelines.