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 medical conditions or characteristics. These recommendations, developed by the CDC after reviewing scientific evidence and consulting with experts, update the 2010 U.S. MEC. Key updates include new recommendations for women with cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and those using certain psychotropic drugs or St. John's wort, revisions to emergency contraception recommendations (including the addition of ulipristal acetate), and revisions to recommendations for postpartum women, breastfeeding women, and women with conditions such as dyslipidemia, migraines, and HIV. The goal is to remove unnecessary medical barriers to contraception, reducing unintended pregnancies. The criteria classify conditions into four categories based on the safety and appropriateness of contraceptive use. Category 1 indicates no restrictions, Category 2 means the method is generally safe, Category 3 means the method is usually not recommended unless alternatives are unavailable, and Category 4 indicates an unacceptable health risk. The document includes detailed classifications for various contraceptive methods, including intrauterine devices, progestin-only contraceptives, combined hormonal contraceptives, barrier methods, fertility awareness-based methods, and emergency contraception. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers in choosing the most appropriate contraceptive method for individual patients, considering factors such as safety, effectiveness, availability, and acceptability. The document also highlights the need for dual protection against HIV and other STDs, especially with methods like condoms. The recommendations are intended to assist healthcare providers in counseling patients about contraceptive options, while emphasizing that individual clinical circumstances should always be considered. The document is not a substitute for professional medical advice.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 medical conditions or characteristics. These recommendations, developed by the CDC after reviewing scientific evidence and consulting with experts, update the 2010 U.S. MEC. Key updates include new recommendations for women with cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and those using certain psychotropic drugs or St. John's wort, revisions to emergency contraception recommendations (including the addition of ulipristal acetate), and revisions to recommendations for postpartum women, breastfeeding women, and women with conditions such as dyslipidemia, migraines, and HIV. The goal is to remove unnecessary medical barriers to contraception, reducing unintended pregnancies. The criteria classify conditions into four categories based on the safety and appropriateness of contraceptive use. Category 1 indicates no restrictions, Category 2 means the method is generally safe, Category 3 means the method is usually not recommended unless alternatives are unavailable, and Category 4 indicates an unacceptable health risk. The document includes detailed classifications for various contraceptive methods, including intrauterine devices, progestin-only contraceptives, combined hormonal contraceptives, barrier methods, fertility awareness-based methods, and emergency contraception. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers in choosing the most appropriate contraceptive method for individual patients, considering factors such as safety, effectiveness, availability, and acceptability. The document also highlights the need for dual protection against HIV and other STDs, especially with methods like condoms. The recommendations are intended to assist healthcare providers in counseling patients about contraceptive options, while emphasizing that individual clinical circumstances should always be considered. The document is not a substitute for professional medical advice.