Contraception and family planning

Abstract

Family planning is a critical issue in the field of women's health. Both hormonal and nonhormonal forms of contraception are available to women. A woman's long-term goals, personal beliefs, and medical conditions impact heavily on her choice of contraception. While many of these methods are encouraged to be used prior to unintended pregnancy, this chapter will also address emergency contraception, as well as methods for pregnancy termination. The US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, developed by WHO and modified by the US CDC, comprises guidance recommendations for the use of specific contraceptive methods by women and men who have certain medical conditions or characteristics.