WHO expands recommended contraceptive options, backs longer-lasting methods

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended an expanded range of contraceptive options, including longer use of some existing methods, mifepristone for emergency contraception and the development of new contraceptives for men.

The recommendations are contained in a new publication, “WHO guidelines on expanding contraceptive options”, aimed at helping countries broaden access to contraceptive methods supported by available scientific evidence.

WHO said the expansion was necessary to give people more options when deciding whether to use contraception, which method to use, and when to change or stop a method.

The global health body estimates that 164 million women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy are not currently using contraception.

Under the new guidance, WHO recommends that combined oral contraceptive pills may be taken for extended periods of up to six months or continuously for up to one year, instead of the conventional cyclical use.