New conditions have been added to reflect population risk changes (bariatric surgery, organ transplant), increasingly recognised conditions (long QT syndrome) and rheumatoid arthritis.

A condition where the theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of using the method. The provision of a method requires expert clinical judgement and/or referral to a specialist contraceptive provider, since use of the method is not usually recommended unless other more appropriate methods are not available or not acceptable Looking at a combined hormonal method a woman with a BMI of 30 would be a UKMEC 2 (generally use) but if she had a BMI of 35 this would be a UKMEC 3 (probably don’t use); a woman who has migraine with aura would be a UKMEC 4 (Do Not Use); If a contraception is used for a non-contraceptive indication (for example management of heavy menstrual bleeding) the risk/benefit profile and eligibility criteria may differSince its introduction, the UKMEC has become seen as the gold-standard for the safe prescribing of contraception. Anyone who provides contraception services should be familiar with it and have easy access to the summary sheets for everyday reference if seeing people for contraceptive care. For nurses this will most often be when seeing women for repeat pills and injectables. Alongside the method-specific guidance that the FSRH produces this supports clinicians in providing safe and up-to-date, evidence-based care to patients. This Guidelines summary covers the key conditions that women commonly present with in a primary care setting. Please refer to the full guideline for evidence, clarifications, and additional comments associated with the recommendations. Aims of the UKMEC Guideline Another notable change is that sterilisation and barrier methods have been removed from the UKMEC 1 as they are comprehensively covered by method-specific guidance produced by the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH). 3 , 4 The initiation (I) and continuation (C) of a method of contraception can sometimes be distinguished and classified differently (see tables in this Guidelines summary). The duration of use of a method of contraception prior to the new onset of a medical condition may influence decisions regarding continued use. However, there is no set duration and clinical judgement will be required.

the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), contraceptive implants and the progestogen-only pill (POP) are UKMEC 2 The UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UK MEC 2016) is the authoritative, ‘go-to’ reference for clinicians providing contraceptives safely across the life course.

This guidance provides evidence-based recommendations and good practice points for health professionals on the use of combined hormonal contraceptives (i.e. the combined oral contraceptive pill, transdermal patch and combined vaginal ring) currently available in the UK. It is intended for any health care professional or health service providing contraception or conception advice in the UK. As well as the UKMEC, we produces evidence-based Clinical Guidelines for all methods of contraception, Clinical Standards for providing SRH services, develops and maintains training and organises meetings and conferences. In conclusion

Multiple risk factors for CVD (such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidaemias) The guidance does not indicate a best method for a woman nor do they take into account efficacy (and this includes drug interactions or malabsorption). You can start by finding out about the methods of contraception you can choose from, including how they work, who can use them and possible side effects. This document updates previous Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) guidance and aims to summarise the available evidence on emergency contraception (EC). The guidance is intended for use by health professionals providing EC.

progestogen-only injectables (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN)) and CHC are classed as UKMEC 3. Please read this guidance document in conjunction with any relevant clinical statements for this topic: The category (UKMEC1 to UKMEC4) for each condition is given for each method of contraception. Occasionally, NA (not applicable) is used, which denotes a condition for when a ranking was not given but clarifications have been provided in the full guideline The UKMEC is a set of guidance criteria that enable and support clinicians to deliver safe, evidence-based contraceptive care to women.

FSRH CEU response to European Medicines Agency recommendations regarding use of ulipristal acetate for management of uterine fibroids (February 2018) Known thrombogenic mutations (for example factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation, protein S, protein C and antithrombin deficiencies)

Which method works best for you depends on a number of factors, including your age, whether you smoke, your medical and family history, and any medicines you're taking. Malaria (rarely seen) and Raynaud’s disease (reclassified) are among the conditions no longer included. What format is it available in? You can also find out where to get emergency contraception – the "morning after pill" or the IUD (coil). Common questions about contraception