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Contraception (Family Planning)

Also known as: family planning · birth control

Methods to prevent pregnancy — chosen with the person by effectiveness, safety (WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria) and preference. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC — implants and intrauterine methods) is the most effective, 'fit-and-forget' option.

Source · Reviewed 2026-08-15 · v1.0— AI-assisted draft — verify against the cited guideline before clinical use.

⚕️ Education only — not medical advice. Verify against the latest official guideline and your local protocol; confirm every drug dose against the cited source before clinical use.

Who gets it

Anyone wishing to prevent or space pregnancy; the choice is individualised, considering medical eligibility, breastfeeding and side-effect profile.

Red flags — escalate / refer

Contraindications by WHO MEC — e.g., avoid oestrogen-containing methods in migraine-with-aura, high VTE/cardiovascular risk, or the early postpartum breastfeeding period; rule out pregnancy and STIs where relevant.

Work-up / diagnosis

1A good history (WHO MEC eligibility, drug interactions, preferences, breastfeeding), blood pressure for oestrogen methods, and exclusion of pregnancy.
2Counsel on effectiveness, use, side-effects and STI protection (condoms).

Management — overview

Offer the full range and support informed choice — LARC (implant, hormonal/copper intrauterine devices) is most effective.
Combined hormonal methods (pill/patch/ring), the progestogen-only pill, injectables, and barrier methods (which also protect against STIs).
Emergency contraception (a copper IUD is most effective, or oral options) after unprotected sex; permanent methods (sterilisation) when the family is complete.

In-depthFull dosing & advanced protocol

Drug dosing

Method-specific (per WHO MEC)

Contraception by eligibility and choice

Adult dose: Per national family-planning guidance
Route: Various

WHOWHO — Family planning / contraception (Medical Eligibility Criteria) ↗

Emergency contraception

After unprotected intercourse

Adult dose: Copper IUD (most effective) or oral, as soon as possible
Route: Intrauterine / oral

WHOWHO Model List of Essential Medicines (electronic EML) (2025 (24th)) ↗

LARC is most effective; use WHO MEC to choose safely

LARC methods are the most effective ('fit-and-forget').
Apply WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria (especially oestrogen contraindications).
The copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception; always offer STI protection.

WHOWHO — Family planning / contraception (Medical Eligibility Criteria) ↗

References

Guidelines change. If something here is out of date, tell us — we keep these current.

🚩 Report outdated / suggest update

More protocols

Antenatal CareStructured pregnancy care to keep mother and baby healthy — screening, supplementation, immunisation and danger-sign education across scheduled contacts.Pre-eclampsia & EclampsiaPre-eclampsia = new hypertension with proteinuria or organ dysfunction after 20 weeks; eclampsia adds seizures. Magnesium sulfate prevents/treats the seizures and delivery is the definitive cure.Gestational Diabetes (GDM)Glucose intolerance first recognised in pregnancy. Good control reduces macrosomia, birth trauma and neonatal problems; most cases resolve after delivery.

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👤 Who gets it

🚩 Red flags — escalate / refer

🔎 Work-up / diagnosis

🧭 Management — overview

💊 Drug dosing

Method-specific (per WHO MEC)

Emergency contraception

📈 LARC is most effective; use WHO MEC to choose safely

📚 References

More protocols

👤 Who gets it

🚩 Red flags — escalate / refer

🔎 Work-up / diagnosis

🧭 Management — overview

💊 Drug dosing

Method-specific (per WHO MEC)

Emergency contraception

📈 LARC is most effective; use WHO MEC to choose safely

📚 References

More protocols

Who gets it

Red flags — escalate / refer

Work-up / diagnosis

Management — overview

Drug dosing

LARC is most effective; use WHO MEC to choose safely

References

Who gets it

Red flags — escalate / refer

Work-up / diagnosis

Management — overview

Drug dosing

LARC is most effective; use WHO MEC to choose safely

References