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U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016 (U.S. MEC) Training

In this course, you will learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2016 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC), which is an evidence-based source of clinical guidance for the safe use of contraceptive methods by women and men with various characteristics and medical conditions. The goal is to apply what you learn from the training to your practice as you counsel women, men, and couples about contraceptive method choices.

The CDC released the new edition of the U.S. MEC in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports on August 8, 2024. While the basic format of the U.S. MEC has not changed, notable updates include new recommendations for persons with chronic kidney disease and 17 revisions to the recommendations for persons with certain characteristics or medical conditions. In addition, available contraceptive methods were updated, including new formulations of combined oral contraceptives, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, progestin-only pills, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (IUD), and vaginal pH modulators.

This module will be further updated as the CDC adds more provider tools for the implementation of the U.S. MEC.

2024 CDC Provider Tools:

• U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC)
• U.S. MEC Summary Chart
• U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR)
• Management of Bleeding Irregularities When Using Contraception
• Recommended Action After Late or Missed Oral Contraception
• When to Start Using Specific Contraceptive Methods

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