CDC has updated its recommendations in the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016 (US MEC) on the use of contraception among women at high risk for HIV. CDC’s updated guidelines state that progestin-only injectable contraception (including depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) and intrauterine devices (including levonorgestrel-releasing and copper-bearing) are safe for use without restriction among women at high risk for HIV infection. Recommendations for other hormonal contraceptive methods (including combined hormonal methods, implants, and progestin-only pills) remain the same; there is also no restriction for their use among women at high risk for HIV infection.
Recommended HIV infection prevention measures, including pre-exposure and postexposure prophylaxis, limiting number of sexual partners, and correct and consistent use of condoms, should be strongly encouraged among all women at high risk for HIV acquisition and should be integrated into family planning services.
Read the full report.
Learn more about the US MEC. Access CDC’s free contraceptive tools, including the app, summary chart, and ebook.
Access resources on HIV prevention measures.
