ACOG Menu

Use of Hormonal Contraception in Women With Coexisting Medical Conditions

  • Practice Bulletin PB
  • Number 206
  • February 2019

ABSTRACT: Although numerous studies have addressed the safety and effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive use in healthy women, data regarding women with underlying medical conditions or other special circumstances are limited. The U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria (USMEC) for Contraceptive Use , 2016 1, which has been endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, is a published guideline based on the best available evidence and expert opinion to help health care providers better care for women with chronic medical problems who need contraception. The goal of this Practice Bulletin is to explain how to use the USMEC rating system in clinical practice and to specifically discuss the rationale behind the ratings for various medical conditions. Contraception for women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 2; the use of emergency contraception in women with medical coexisting medical conditions, including obesity, 3; and the effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on bone health 4 are addressed in other documents from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Log in to read more

This content is only available to members and subscribers.

Log In

Nonmembers: Subscribe now to access exclusive ACOG Clinical content, including:

ACOG Clinical is designed for easy and convenient access to the latest clinical guidance for patient care. Developed with members’, physicians’, and women’s health care professionals’ needs in mind, user-friendly features include:

  • Easy, advanced search function to find the most relevant guidance
  • Enhanced document presentation
  • Advanced features and functionality

You’ll find clinical content written and peer reviewed by experts and valuable information that spans guidance on the diagnosis and management of the full spectrum of obstetric and gynecological conditions and clinical management issues.

Note for Life Fellows: Annual membership dues are waived but there is a discounted annual subscription fee of $95 for access to publications such as the Green Journal, Practice Bulletins, and Committee Opinions. Individual subscriptions include print and online access. Subscribe today.

Subscribe