Tuesday 12 July 2005
WHO contraception advice available online
Issue 14: 11 Jul 2005
Source: World Health Organization (
http://www.who.int/ )
New contraception advice from the World Health Organization is available online, offering evidence-based recommendations on good practice.
The 170-page report Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (2nd edition), published at the end of last year, is available at
www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/spr/index.htm . It provides guidance on the safe and effective use of a wide range of contraceptive methods, presenting recommendations in a question-and-answer format.
The report answers a total of 33 questions on four main topics: initiation/continuation, incorrect use, problems during use (vomiting and/or diarrhea; menstrual abnormalities; pelvic inflammatory disease; pregnancy), and programmatic/logistical issues.
The methods considered are:
Combined oral contraceptives.
Combined injectable contraceptives.
Progestogen-only pills.
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Norethisterone enantate.
Levonorgestrel implants.
Emergency contraceptive pills.
Copper-bearing intrauterine devices.
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices.
Fertility-awareness based methods (see also this article in the previous issue of the ORGYN Online Magazine).
Sterilization.
The report, says the WHO, provides selected practice recommendations based on the best available evidence, which can then be used by national programs when updating or developing their own contraception guidelines “in the light of their national health policies, needs, priorities and resources.” The intent is to help improve access to, and the quality of, family planning services, the WHO adds.
The 33 questions addressed by the report include:
What examinations or tests should be done routinely before providing a method of contraception?
When can a woman start [each specific method]?
What can a woman do if she misses [combined or progestogen-only pills]?
What can be done if a women has menstrual abnormalities when using [specific methods]?
How many pill packs should be given at initial and return visits?
How can a provider be reasonably sure that a woman is not pregnant?
The advice offered in the report will be updated in future as appropriate, to take account of new evidence and also new products that have been launched in recent years.
http://www.obgynworld.com/international/webzine/2005/Issue_14/WHO_contraception_ad.asp 
WHO contraception advice available online 
