Assessing Candidacy
LARC methods have few contraindications and should be offered routinely as safe and effective contraceptive options for most patients.
CDC Recommendations on Contraceptive Methods
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published guidance regarding who can use various contraceptive methods, and clinical guidance for the initiation and use of specific contraceptive methods. Both the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) and Selected Practice Recommendations (SPR) address the use of LARC methods immediately postpartum.
The CDC, in collaboration with the Office of Population Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, developed recommendations on how to provide family planning services so that individuals can achieve their desired number and spacing of children, increase the chances that a baby will be born healthy, and improve their health even if they choose not to have children. These recommendations are outlined in Providing Quality Family Planning Services (QFP).
U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC), 2016
The 2016 U.S. MEC includes recommendations for using specific contraceptive methods by women and men who have certain characteristics or medical conditions.
U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations (SPR), 2016
The 2016 U.S. SPR addresses a select group of common, yet sometimes controversial or complex, issues regarding initiation and use of specific contraceptive methods.
Providing Quality Family Planning Services (QFP)
The QFP recommends how to provide family planning services so that individuals can achieve their desired number and spacing of children, increase the chances that a baby will be born healthy, and improve their health even if they choose to not have children.