The 2016 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) provides updated recommendations for the use of specific contraceptive methods by women and men with certain characteristics or medical conditions. These recommendations, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after reviewing scientific evidence and consulting with national experts, aim to assist healthcare providers in counseling patients about contraceptive method choices. Key updates include additions for women with cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and those receiving certain psychotropic drugs or St. John's wort, revisions to emergency contraception, and adjustments for postpartum women, breastfeeding women, and those with conditions like dyslipidemia, migraine headaches, superficial venous disease, gestational trophoblastic disease, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV. The document emphasizes the importance of considering individual clinical circumstances and encourages healthcare providers to seek professional advice for individual patients. The recommendations are based on systematic reviews and expert opinions, with a focus on safety, effectiveness, availability, and acceptability. CDC will continue to update the guidelines as new evidence becomes available.The 2016 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) provides updated recommendations for the use of specific contraceptive methods by women and men with certain characteristics or medical conditions. These recommendations, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after reviewing scientific evidence and consulting with national experts, aim to assist healthcare providers in counseling patients about contraceptive method choices. Key updates include additions for women with cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and those receiving certain psychotropic drugs or St. John's wort, revisions to emergency contraception, and adjustments for postpartum women, breastfeeding women, and those with conditions like dyslipidemia, migraine headaches, superficial venous disease, gestational trophoblastic disease, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV. The document emphasizes the importance of considering individual clinical circumstances and encourages healthcare providers to seek professional advice for individual patients. The recommendations are based on systematic reviews and expert opinions, with a focus on safety, effectiveness, availability, and acceptability. CDC will continue to update the guidelines as new evidence becomes available.