At a glance
- This page provides tools health care providers can use when counseling patients on birth control.
- The resources relate to the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) and the U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR).
U.S. MEC downloads and resources
CDC Publications On Demand
Limited amount of provider tools and MMWRs available to order.
Contraception App
New app released in 2024! Includes updated recommendations from 2024 U.S. MEC and U.S. SPR. The Contraception app is an easy-to-use reference for CDC’s contraception guidance for health care providers. The app is available for iOS and Android operating systems.
MEC Summary Chart – English, color, 8.5" x 14" | English, black and white, 8.5" x 14"
The charts can be printed double-sided, laminated, and used by health care providers when counseling patients.
U.S. SPR downloads and resources
CDC Publications On Demand
Limited amount of provider tools and MMWRs available to order.
Contraception App
New app released in 2024! Includes updated recommendations from 2024 U.S. MEC and U.S. SPR. The Contraception app is an easy-to-use reference for CDC’s contraception guidance for health care providers. The app is available for iOS and Android operating systems.
When to Start Contraceptive Methods and Routine Follow-Up
This provider tool summarizes information from the U.S. SPR. It includes How to Be Reasonably Certain That a Patient Is Not Pregnant, When to Start Using Specific Contraceptive Methods, and Routine Follow-Up After Contraceptive Initiation.
What to Do If Late, Missed, or Delayed Combined Hormonal Contraception
This provider tool from the U.S. SPR contains Recommended Actions After Late or Missed Combined Oral Contraceptives, Recommended Actions After Delayed Application or Detachment With Combined Hormonal Patch, and Recommended Actions After Delayed Placement or Replacement With Combined Vaginal Ring.
What to Do If Late or Missed Progestin-Only Pills
This provider tool from the U.S. SPR contains Recommended Actions After Late or Missed Progestin-Only Pills.
Management of Bleeding Irregularities While Using Contraception and Management of IUDs When Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Is Found
This provider tool contains two diagrams presented in the U.S. SPR. It includes recommendations for the Management of Bleeding Irregularities While Using Contraception and recommendations for the Management of IUDs When Users Are Found to Have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.