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IUD Toolkit

Up-to-date evidence and best practices related to the Intrauterine Device

Brought to you by USAID's Maximizing Access & Quality Initiative

Key Guidance Documents

Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (2004 edition) (MEC) is one of the WHO's two evidence-based guidelines on contraceptive use, intended for policy-makers, program managers, and the scientific community to support national programs in preparing service delivery guidelines. The document reviews the medical eligibility criteria for use of contraception, offering guidance on the safety of use of 19 different methods for women and men with specific characteristics or known medical conditions. The recommendations are determined by expert consensus and are based on systematic reviews of available clinical and epidemiological research (World Health Organization, 2004a). For a summary of 2004 MEC, see the INFO Report, "WHO Updates Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptives," and FHI's Quick Reference Chart.
Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (2004 edition), the companion guideline to Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, provides guidance on the safe and effective use of a wide range of contraceptive methods. The recommendations, which answer 33 questions selected by the WHO, were determined by expert consensus and are based on systematic reviews of available clinical and epidemiological research. Eleven of the 33 questions address IUD use and related issues (World Health Organization, 2004b). For a summary of the 2004 recommendations, see the INFO Report, "World Health Organization Updates Guidance on How To Use Contraceptives."
Decision-Making Tool for Family Planning Clients and Providers (World Health Organization (WHO) et al., 2005).
Essentials of Contraceptive Technology (Hatcher et al., 2001) (currently being revised and updated).
A Pocket Guide for Managing Contraception (Hatcher et al., 2002).
New Attention to the IUD (Population Report on IUDs).
The Copper Intrauterine Device as Long-Term Contraception from the U.K. Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care Guidance (Penney et al., 2004).
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Practice Bulletin No. 59: Intrauterine Devices (ACOG, 2005).