Adaptation of the World Health Organization's Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use for the United States

Abstract

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently adapted global guidance on contraceptive use from the World Health Organization (WHO) to create the US Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (US SPR). The WHO guidance includes evidence-based recommendations on common, yet sometimes complex, contraceptive management questions.

Study design: We determined the need and scope for the adaptation, conducted 30 systematic reviews of the scientific evidence and convened a meeting of health care professionals to discuss translation of the evidence into recommendations.

Results: The US SPR provides recommendations on contraceptive management issues such as how to initiate contraceptive methods, what regular follow-up is needed, and how to address problems, including missed pills and side effects such as unscheduled bleeding.

Conclusion: The US SPR is intended to serve as a source of clinical guidance for providers in assisting women and men to initiate and successfully use contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy.